2010 FAQ's
British Columbia is always a gold medal destination for travellers, but with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games on the horizon, we're putting on the shine! If you have Games fever, this is the place to find answers.
FAQs
When are the Games?
Olympic Winter Games – February 12, 2010 to February 28, 2010
Paralympic Winter Games – March 12, 2010 to March 21, 2010
Tickets?
Check the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games website for details on how to purchase.
Where are the Events?
Opening and Closing Ceremonies – BC Place Stadium, downtown Vancouver
Victory Ceremonies – BC Place Stadium and Whistler Village
Vancouver – hockey, curling, figure skating, short track speed skating.
Richmond – speed skating
Cypress Mountain, West Vancouver – freestyle skiing and snowboard events
Whistler – all other outdoor events including alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, bobsleigh, and luge.
Is it just about sport?
From the first Games in Olympia, Greece more than 2,700 years ago, the Games have presented both the best athletes and the best artists and performers. The Olympic Charter requires host cities to provide a range of cultural programs, and Vancouver, with its vibrant arts and eclectic cultural scene is starting early. The Cultural Olympiad will build over the three years leading up to the games with arts festivals in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Transportation?
Within the metropolitan Vancouver area there are many transportation options such as rapid transit, bus, seabus, and taxis. Additional options are being planned specifically to shuttle spectators between Olympic venues. Watch the www.helloBC.com site for unfolding plans.
Accommodations?
Once the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC) finalizes room allocations, hotels will know the exact numbers of rooms available to spectators. As well, visitors will be able to book rooms in motels, inns, bed & breakfasts and private rooms. More information about accommodations will be available in the fall of 2008.
Weather?
The weather in the Vancouver and Coast Mountain Region ranges from mild in Vancouver to full-on winter in the mountains. An average snowfall of 10 metres (33 feet) in Whistler creates some of the best skiing conditions on the continent.
Will I be able to ski at Whistler during the Games?
Absolutely! The only runs that will be closed on Whistler are: Dave Murray Downhill, Raven, Franz's Run, and Wildcard. No runs will be closed on Blackcomb. But when planning your trip to British Columbia, check out the downhill skiing in every region of the province – renowned for epic powder, big verticals, breathtaking scenery, and lively après ski scenes.
What else can I do in British Columbia?
Glad you asked! HelloBC.com, the official trip planning site of Tourism British Columbia is loaded with hundreds of pages of information and ideas for everyone from hardcore adrenalin junkies to laid back loungers. From cosmopolitan cities to rustic country towns, five star resorts to walk-in wilderness, there is an experience, an activity, and a memorable vacation to suit every comer.