Whistler to host world’s top lugers

Whistler, B.C. – The top luge competitors in the world make their way to Whistler this week for the Luge World Championships at the Whistler Sliding Centre – home to the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

The 2013 FIL (International Luge Federation) World Championships race days are Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2, but the excitement begins long before that with the opening ceremony in Whistler Village. The Parade of Athletes begins in Whistler Olympic Plaza at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30 with the opening ceremony taking place in Whistler Village at 7 p.m. featuring a free outdoor concert with Vancouver indie band The Boom Booms.

More than 150 athletes representing 25 countries will compete in men’s and women’s singles, doubles and team relay races with competition beginning at 3 p.m. each day. Tickets are $10 each (children 6 and under receive complimentary admission). Tickets can be purchased at www.whistler.com

For your own Whistler adventure, don’t forget that the Whistler Sliding Centre offers a public skeleton and bobsleigh program, providing guests the opportunity to experience first-hand the exhilaration of these adrenalin-pumping sports.

And when it comes to snow, Whistler has it covered -- the mountains have received 33 centimetres – or more than a foot -- of fresh snow in the last week, bringing the cumulative snowfall of 675 centimetres (more than 22 feet). For the latest snow report, forecast and webcams, visit http://www.whistler.com/weather/

Whistler-based travel consultants at whistler.com can customize vacation packages, taking care of flights, ground transportation, accommodation and activities. Whistler.com offers the largest selection with no booking fee for accommodation and activities. Call 1.800.WHISTLER (1.800.944.7853) to request a no-obligation quote or visit whistler.com for more details and offers..

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