Whistler Sliding Centre this season's winter sports hotspot
Tourists can take a shot at Olympic winter sports in Whistler
Olympic athlete wannabes who never had the time or money to train should book a Canadian vacation to Whistler Sliding Centre, just north of Vancouver.
It's here where visitors can try their hand at maneuvering a bobseld down an icy track or, for the more thrill seeking traveler, see if they can handle luge or skeleton all by themselves. For those who aren't aware, luge has sliders go down the track feet first, while skeleton is head first.
The track may look familiar to those who watched the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, since it hosted the bobsled, luge and skeleton competitions.
The experience includes an orientation, training on how to use the equipment, track etiquette and safety guidelines. Once strapped in, the racing crew will release the sled down the track, which may reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
Those who are interested have to call ahead as advanced booking is required. Though spots are filling up quickly, there is a waiting list for last-minute openings. Interest may be spiking this month, since the track will be closed for the season on March 20.
It's here where visitors can try their hand at maneuvering a bobseld down an icy track or, for the more thrill seeking traveler, see if they can handle luge or skeleton all by themselves. For those who aren't aware, luge has sliders go down the track feet first, while skeleton is head first.
The track may look familiar to those who watched the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, since it hosted the bobsled, luge and skeleton competitions.
The experience includes an orientation, training on how to use the equipment, track etiquette and safety guidelines. Once strapped in, the racing crew will release the sled down the track, which may reach speeds up to 60 miles per hour.
Those who are interested have to call ahead as advanced booking is required. Though spots are filling up quickly, there is a waiting list for last-minute openings. Interest may be spiking this month, since the track will be closed for the season on March 20.
Posted on Friday, Mar 11, 2011 by Justin Marlowe
