A ride at the Whistler Sliding Centre in Whistler, BC is a perfect way to spend a day in this Olympic city! This is the exact track that athletes slid down at the 2010 winter games, and you can get a piece of the action! You’ll sit in your sled and zip around turns at around 90 km/h (55 mph)! One of only three public bobsledding courses in North America (Lake Placid and Salt Lake City are the other two), you can sign up for a summer bobsled with no experience necessary. This is such a bucket list item, and I’d highly recommend if you’re in British Columbia! Here are 5 tips for summer bobsledding in Whistler!
Arrive Early
No matter what time you booked your slide for, I’d recommend arriving about an hour early. This will not only give you enough time to check in and get your bearings, but there is also a self-guided walking path around the course. I really enjoyed this and was so glad I had enough time! The path starts at the base and takes you around the finish line and the famous Thunderbird Turn. There are tons of informational signs to help guide your tour. It’s really interesting to be standing where Olympic athletes did only a few years ago! If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see groups before you racing down the course and going around the turns. It’ll help get you so excited for your ride!
Tip: if you have bear spray, bring it on the walk! I came face to face with a baby brown bear as I was trying to exit the course and make my way back to the visitor center. Thankfully I was able to back away slowly and he eventually left, but my heart was racing!
Don’t Stress About the Weather
The course is rain or shine, so don’t stress! I was worried on my day when it was calling for non-stop rain and thought my ride would get cancelled. I was then reassured that the rain does not effect the course at all, and it’s perfectly safe. All the helmets they give you have a windshield so you don’t even have to be nervous about rain pelting you in the face during your ride. Just wear a rain coat, and you’re good to go!
Wear the Neck Brace!
Once you reach the top of the course, the staff will get you fitted for helmets. Try to be one of the first ones in, as they have limited quantities of sizes. I got the last medium! They will also offer you optional neck braces. Take one! The course is a LOT bumpier than it looks and this will help to stabilize your neck and head. It isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but it will make a big difference. Thank me later!
Splurge for the Video
Before your ride, your captain will set up two GoPro cameras and film the whole slide for you! There is one angle from his helmet in the back of the sled (pictured above) and another facing you (the photo at the top of this page). The ride is less than a minute long and will be over before you know it! To preserve the memories, definitely splurge for the video. It is $30 CAD and is a donation to the centre. They are constantly training Olympic athletes and kids, so you know it’s going to a good cause. They email you your videos within a couple hours of your ride and they’re ready to be uploaded to social media right away. The perfect souvenir!
Check out my video by clicking here!
Website Sold Out?
A few days before my trip, I started planning out some activities and was disappointed to find that all their bobsled rides were full. I checked several times a day beforehand, but nothing seemed to open up. On the morning that I wanted to go, I decided to drive up to the centre and see if they had any cancellations. After all, it was raining and I was hoping I’d get lucky. Turns out, they had plenty of openings! They told me that they don’t release all of their slots on the website to allow for walk ins. Score! While this is a good backup plan, I wouldn’t bank on it. To confirm your spot, book online as soon as possible (don’t wait until a few days before like me). However, if you find yourself in the area looking for a last-minute activity, this could be a good option!
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