Know Before You Go

Skeleton Slide Program

Get ready for the head-first experience of a lifetime! Your 2 hour journey begins with specific education about the sport of skeleton, its’ equipment and dynamics, as well as some key instructional skills will give you the tools to get down the track safely. After orientation, you will commence the walk up the track to your start position, familiarizing yourself with the corners of the track and building anticipation for what you are about to experience. You will then take two runs from the Maple Leaf start position (1/3 of the way up the track), expecting to reach 90-100 km/hr by the time you race through the famous Thunderbird corner at the bottom of the track. After your two runs, you will return indoors to Guest Services with your guide and fellow sliders to revel in your shared experiences and wind down as your adrenaline rush gradually dissipates!

Participants MUST:

• Be 16 years or older (proof of age is required at check-in).
• Have a parent/legal guardian present if younger than 19 yrs.
• Sign a waiver before participating (a parent/legal guardian consent is required for all participants under 19 yrs, faxed consent is not permitted).
• Weigh less that 100kg/220lb (participants are weighed. Participants will not be permitted to slide if they do not meet these criteria upon check in).
• Be between 4’6” / 137 cm and 6’6”/ 198 cm in height.
• Bring a pair of gloves, people without gloves will not be permitted to slide.
• Have enough physically strength to independently lift themselves out of the bobsleigh and out of the track, stepping over a 3 ft / 92 cm high track wall to grade.
• Be fit enough to walk a steep grade over 1300 ft / 400 m (takes approximately 15 minutes).
• Not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Not be taking any medication that could impair judgment or physical dexterity.
• Have a basic understanding of English and cognitive ability to understand/follow instructions.
• Arrive at least 15 mins prior to their session time (participants arriving after the orientation begins will not be permitted to participate and no refund will be given).
• Understand that the potential risks associated with this activity may include motion sickness, nose bleeds, bumps, bruises, ice rashes, neck and back injury and sprains/broken bones.
• Wear a WSC supplied approved helmet (participants are not permitted to wear their own helmets).
• Wear appropriate winter apparel including a warm (slim line) winter jacket, winter pants, shoes with winter tread and gloves/mittens that permit participants to grip handles firmly and securely. Clothing worn must completely cover the skin on participant’s arms, legs and bodies.
• Tie long hair back. Not wear loose clothing or other attached items (e.g. cameras, purses, packs) during the session.
• Not consume any food/beverages during the sliding portion of the session (Guests may consume food and drink before and after the session in the Guest Services building).

Participants SHOULD:

• Be younger than 75 yrs (If over 75 years old, must be able to meet physical dexterity/strength guidelines). Not participate if they have pre-existing medical conditions or illnesses (e.g. neck, back, or heart conditions).
• Not participate if they are, or believe themselves to be pregnant.
• Consult their doctor before participating if they have any concerns.
• Wear contact lenses instead of eye glasses where possible (eye glasses must be secured and fit under goggles).
• Be physically prepared to experience downward G-forces that will approach 2 times their body weight.
• Have health insurance (in province, out of province, out-of country).
• Come prepared for outdoor winter conditions.
• Use WSC supplied elbow pads (optional).
• Bring their own goggles.
• Not wear jewelery or have any items in their pockets.
• Bring a backpack to store any personal possessions (no lockers are available but personal belongings may be stored in Guest Services at the participants own risk).
• Use the washroom before the start of the run (due to gravitational pressure on bladder during runs).

Participants WILL:

• Participate in an orientation session.
• Receive safety training during the orientation.

Participants MAY:

• Be re-assigned to a different sled or different starting order between runs.

Spectators:

• Can enter the venue via the main access road under the bridge, turn right, and proceed down to the Guest Parking.
• Can pick up a Spectator Handout at Guest Services which contains information on track access, track etiquette, track facts and sliding sports.
• Are not permitted to attend orientation (unless they are a parent or guardian accompanying a minor).
• Can watch participants from positions behind the barricades alongside the track in the lower loop (access to the lower loop is via the underpass at corner 16).
• Must comply with the posted WSC Safety Rules (e.g. no flash photography, no leaning into the track, throwing objects etc.).
• Are not permitted to communicate with participants during the session (no cell phones, 2 way radios etc).
• With small/active children are encouraged to stick to designated viewing areas A, B, C and D on the spectator viewing map.

Photography:

• WSC has contracted the services of Coast Mountain Photography to take still photos during the Bobsleigh Sport Experience and will be available for purchase.
• Coast Mountain Photography will be onsite to print/order your photos or can be visited at their Carleton Lodge location.
• No helmet cameras are permitted.

Certificate of Completion:

• A certificate of completion will be emailed to each participant at the end of session.

Gift Certificates:

• Gift certificates may be used only in the sliding season in which they were issued.
• Gift certificates are fully transferable to qualified participants.

Venue Information:

• Washrooms are located in Guest Services.
• Smoking is NOT permitted at any time in any area.
• A selection of T-shirts, pins, cowbells and children’s merchandise is available for purchase in Guest Services.
• Cash, credit, or debit cards are the only accepted forms of payment.

Directions:

• Head north on Highway 99/Sea-to-Sky Highway towards Whistler Village
• Turn right at Village Gate Blvd
• Turn right at Blackcomb Way
• Turn right at Glacier Dr
• Go up the hill towards Blackcomb Base II (follow directions to Tube Park)
• Turn right at Glacier Lane (under the skier overpass bridge)
• Follow the signs to Parking lots 7 and 8 (for Blackcomb Mountain)
• After passing Lot 7 (on your left), take a right turn underneath the skier overpass bridge
• Drive straight under the bridge and then turn right as the road forks to arrive at The Whistler Sliding Centre Track Lodge/Guest Services building to check in.
• Visitor parking is located below the Track Lodge/Guest Services in the Visitor Parking Lot (free).

Parking:

• Free on-site in the Visitor Parking Lot, follow teal green signs to lower lot
• Disabled parking is located in front of Guest Services

Transit Access:

• The Whistler Sliding Centre can also be accessed via the WAVE bus system to Staff Housing – Route 7 (www.busonline.ca/regions/whi/ ), followed by a short walk to the venue.

Gondola Access:

• During the winter, the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola transports visitors from the Village to Blackcomb Base II. It is a short walk from Blackcomb Base II to the venue.

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellations over 48 hrs prior to the booked sessions will not be charged.
• Cancellations less than 48 hrs prior to the booked sessions will not be refunded.
• In the event that a session is cancelled (at the discretion of WSC) participants will have the choice of a full refund or re-rescheduling.