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Official Website of Tourism Whistler.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, featuring Whistler Blackcomb affordable Whistler accommodations, vacation packages, online bookings, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, golf, festivals and events, road reports, snow reports, weather, maps and transportation providers.

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Disabled Travellers

Whistler prides itself on being an international resort with accessibility to all people, especially disabled travellers. The following information is here to assist individuals with disabilities in accessing Whistler and its many year-round recreational activities.

Accommodations

The following Whistler hotels provide wheelchair-accessible rooms complete with roll-in showers and wall-assist handles/bars:

Browse the list of Whistler accommodations. It's best to ask about special facilities prior to booking. For example, some executive homes may have stairs. Also be aware of the snow fall in the winter especially for persons with mobility challenges.

Transportation

See the list of transportation providers if you need to coordinate special services. There are designated disabled parking spaces in the parking lots in and around Whistler. A permit is required. A temporary permit can be obtained from the bylaw division of the Municipality.

Whistler's public bus service (WAVE) has specially designed wheelchair accessible buses. The local taxi company does not have special vehicles that can accommodate wheelchairs but they can assist passengers with special needs.

Guide Dogs

Guide dogs are permitted to access the Whistler Village Gondola and accompany a disabled person in restaurants. Read more about pets in Whistler.

Whistler Mountain's Adaptive Ski Program

Whistler for the Disabled Whistler Mountain's Adaptive Ski Program is a sophisticated program coordinating equipment, lessons and guiding during the winter months on both Whistler Blackcomb.

Certified Instruction

The adaptive program makes snow sports accessible to all, whatever their ability. The program caters to both beginners and advanced skiers and aims to provide people with the thrill of an outdoor activity. The program provides certified guides and helpers for those who need extra assistance on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb. Rates include the use of adaptive equipment and services.

Disabled Groups and Lesson Types

  • Skis, Mono-skis, Sit Skis: People who use wheelchairs, including those with paraplegia and quadriplegia, bilateral lower extremity amputations, or developmental disabilities are able to ski using these adaptive devices.
  • Stand-up Skiing: Standing skiers with disabilities may use one, two, three or four-track skiing techniques. These techniques often use "outriggers" for balance and are named for the number of tracks left in the snow. Snowboarding is also available.
  • Blind, visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing: These skiers/snowboarders use the same equipment as non-disabled skiers. A guide and/or instructor provides instruction and direction.
  • Children can be integrated into regular Whistler Kids with Adaptive Ski Program volunteers to help.

Whistler Adaptive Program Contact

Call toll free: 1-800-766-0449 ext. 2071
Locally: 1-604-905-2071
Email: adaptiveski@intrawest.com
Website: www.whistleradaptive.com

2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games

Whistler, British Columbia is proud to be the host venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games.

The Paralympic Games are the highest level of competition for elite athletes with a disability. Only athletes with physical, visual or intellectual disabilities complete at the Paralympic Games. Canada is a world leader in advancing the interests of athletes with a disability.

Participation

Forty countries are expected to participate in the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games, including an estimated 600 - 800 athletes and 5000 - 8000 volunteers. The 10-day competition will take place from March 12 - 21, 2010 following the Olympic Winter Games. The 2010 Winter Paralympic Games sports are in:

  • Alpine
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Sledge Hockey
  • Biathlon
  • Wheelchair Curling

Tourism Whistler and numerous other groups are working to make Whistler accessible to everyone. Improvements are being made to increase access to areas for the disabled including transit, ramps and paved pathways.

Whistler for the Disabled

Visit www.whistlerforthedisabled.com for disabled access and information for Whistler. The site provides a guide to disabled-friendly listings on accessible accommodations, restaurants, bars & nightclubs, a recreation & tour adventures guide, news & events and assistance for the disabled.

In addition, the latest Village access and mountain access updates, plus mapping that is broken down into a person's disability and accessibility for quick reference.

There is also a visually impaired web site with larger fonts and more spacing for easier viewing.