2010 Olympic Winter Games - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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 to your questions!
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
Who is hosting the 2010 Winter Games?
The Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are partnering with the following to host the Games:
- Governments of Canada and Province of British Columbia
- City of Vancouver and the Resort Municipality of Whistler
- Lil’wat, Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations collectively known as the Four Host First Nations
- Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees
Tickets?
Visit 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. 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 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 other 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 snowy, cold winter in the mountains. An average snowfall of 10 metres (33 feet) in Whistler means there is a possibility of 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. However, when planning your trip to British Columbia, be sure to check out the downhill skiing in other regions of the province. BC's ski resorts and runs are 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.
Do I need a Passport and Visa ?
United States citizens need to show photographic identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship), or a passport to enter Canada. Re-entering the United States is subject to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) which requires all travellers to present a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States.
Visitors from other countries must be in possession of a valid national passport and may also require a visa. For more information about visiting Canada check out Key Travel Information.