Preparations are well on schedule in Vancouver as construction at the three Whistler Olympic competition venues – Whistler Sliding Center, Whistler Olympic Park (formerly known as the Whistler Nordic Venue) and Whistler Creekside – was completed by mid-December.

While Whistler Creekside has been operational since the beginning of the ski season, doors officially opened in the new Whistler Olympic Park last Saturday, December 15, 2007. The inaugural activities saw more than 100 cross-country ski competitors of all ages take to the trails in the Coast Cup #1, the facility’s first officially registered competition. Following the Canadian nationals and FIS Continental Cup Ski Jumping events to be held later this winter, the first test events at the World Cup level will be carried out in January and February of 2009.

Located in the Callaghan Valley, 20 km south of Whistler, Whistler Olympic Park features 14 km of competition trails comprised of two 5K loops for cross-country skiing and one 4K loop for biathlon. Surrounding the core facility are an additional 25 km of recreational trails and the two Olympic ski jumps. For more information visit www.whistlerolympicpark.com.

Source: FIS

Thanks to Amy Caldwell for the pictures