Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Cup
Posted: Monday, January 30, 2012
The 2012 FIBT Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Cup is about to get underway at the Whistler Sliding Center on Blackcomb mountain. Starting Thursday February 2nd 2012 running to Saturday February 4. Don't miss out on this exhilarating, family friendly event. The worlds very best Skeleton & Bobsleigh teams will be competing for the title. With breakneck speeds and gravity defying cornering, this event is really spectacular to watch.
The Whistler Sliding Center
The Whistler Sliding Center is located on Blackcomb Mountain. It's a 1,450 meter long ice track with a 152-metre vertical drop over 16 corners. World Cup Skeleton, Luge and Bobsleigh athletes compete and train regularly at the center. It takes 15 minutes to walk up the track.
The Sliding Center was constructed specifically for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The facility now hosts races such as the World Cup, and also offers the public the chance to experience Luge, Skeleton and Bobsleigh in a safe environment!
There will be great festival area set up in the lower loop. Some great food will be on offer including chilli, pulled pork, beer, coffee and other hot drinks to warm you up. There will also be fireworks happening each evening after the medal ceremonies!
Skeleton
Skeleton racers literally dive head first onto the 1,450-metre track after a 50-metre run to gather speed. Lying on their stomachs and steering by very slightly shifting their bodies through turns, sliders compete in two heats held over two days. They can receive up to 5g's of force as they speed through the corners. Skeleton's origins can be traced right back to 1882 where soldiers constructed a track between two towns in Switzerland.
Bobsleigh
Bobsledding is done either in two-person or four-person teams, each with their own specifically built sled. The sled's feature a streamlined design and four steel runners - similar to skates.
The competition begins with racers pushing off as fast as they can for 50 metres, then jumping into the bobsleigh for a seated descent down the track. The driver steers while the brake person stops the sled at the end. Two heats are held over two days.
For more information about the World Cup please check the official FIBT Schedule.
Need Accommodation During
The World Cup?
Adara Hotel Whistler has some great deals for those planning on staying in Whistler. The Skeleton & Bobsleigh World Cup is sure to be a great experience for the whole family. Retire at the end of the day to a comfortable and friendly environment.
Contact our friendly concierge staff to make a booking. They're more than happy to help you with any questions you may have about Whistler.
Photo Credits: Steve Rogers & Chad Chomlack
