Whistler Olympic Park
Kick and glide through 56 miles (90 kilometers of trails at the Whistler Olympic Park in Callaghan Valley—the location of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games’ Nordic events. The trails are now a winter playground for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and biathlon; and visitors can stop by to check out the Olympic facilities.
The basics
It’s easy to see why the Callaghan Valley hosted the Nordic events at the Winter Olympics; the scenic spot has a remarkable network of ski trails paired with a gorgeous backdrop. Since an extensive trail system includes everything from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging runs, it’s a great destination for skiers of all experience levels, and there are more than 25 miles (40 kilometers) of trails designated exclusively for snowshoes.
The Callaghan Valley is a favorite stop for snowmobile tours, too, and you may catch a glimpse of the Winter Olympic Park as you follow a guide into the backcountry. Not that it has to be snowy to see the Olympic facilities; interpretive signage invites visitors to explore the ski jumps, biathlon range, cross-country stadium, and Olympic rings in winter or summer.
Things to know before you go
- Day lodge facilities are available to visitors—with an outdoor bonfire, showers, and lockers, but you’ll need your own towel and lock.
- Bring your dog—on a leash—to explore nearly 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) of pet-friendly snowshoe trails.
- Gear can be rented on-site for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and lessons are available for everything from cross-country to biathlon.
How to get there
The Whistler Olympic Park is located on Callaghan Road in the Callaghan Valley, 16 miles (26 kilometers) from Whistler Village. During the winter season, a shuttle bus brings visitors from the Whistler Village Gondola Loop to the Whistler Olympic Park, and must be booked in advance.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The Olympic facilities at the Winter Olympic Park are open to visitors in the summer season of late June through early September, and the winter season of late November through early April—though both seasons are weather dependent.
Going Sledding at Whistler Olympic Park
There’s a dedicated sledding hill at the Whistler Olympic Park, making this a great destination for families in Whistler. Loaner sleds and helmets are free to use—any participants under 18 are required to wear a helmet—and you can bring your own marshmallows to toast at the outdoor bonfire after sledding. To go sledding at the Whistler Olympic Park, you must pay an entry fee at the park gate.
- Callaghan Valley
- Cheakamus River
- Alexander Falls
- Callaghan Lake Provincial Park
- Brandywine Falls
- Whistler Village
- FireRock Lounge
- Whistler Mountain Bike Park
- Audain Art Museum
- Fitzsimmons Creek
- Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola
- Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Center (SLCC)
- Fairmont Chateau Whistler
- Green Lake