Safety
The Whistler Sliding Centre is an outdoor mountain venue and as such, certain hazards can be expected. Extreme weather and wildlife encounters are examples of hazards around the facility. It is recommended that visitors are dressed appropriately for the changing weather conditions and wear sturdy footwear. If you are visiting within our opening hours, check in with our Guest Services team, who can help identify hazards and recommend activities around the venue suitable for your group.
Visitors found breaching any of the Safety or Bear Aware rules may be asked to vacate the premises.
General Safety
For your safety and for the safety of our staff and athletes, please abide by the following guidelines:
- Follow posted signage.
- Do not climb on railings around the track.
- No leaning over or into the track.
- Do not throw items into the track.
- No flash photography.
- Keep pets on a leash at all times.
- Be careful on walkways as they may be steep and slippery.
- Watch where you walk, wear appropriate footwear and do not run.
- Walk on paths only.
- Stay out of the track at all times.
- Mind the wildlife/bear-aware rules below.
Wildlife / Bear Awareness
We are privileged to share our venues with all kinds of wildlife, including bears. Please help us to keep them wild and safe. Do NOT feed them or try to pet or pose for a photo with an animal! Instead, please act responsibly by following these guidelines:
Do not disturb wildlife
Give wild animals space (stay at least 100 metres away - approximately one football field) by not approaching too closely for a photograph or a better look. Bears and other wildlife may react aggressively if they feel threatened, so never leave children and dogs unattended/out of sight and keep dogs on a leash at all times. Stay alert and avoid surprising wildlife. Make your presence known by talking, singing songs, or calling out every once in a while.
If you encounter a bear, stay away!
Do not approach the bear or make direct eye contact. Instead, back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came, and give the bear space. In most cases, the bear will leave the area. Pick up small children and stay in a group. If the bear is still a distance away, stay away and leave the area or detour around the bear, always ensuring that it has an escape route. Never pass between a mother and her cub(s). Walk, do not run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it will react. Keeping your distance will help avoid the bear getting stressed, acting defensively, and asking for more space.
Do not feed wildlife
In Whistler, it is illegal to feed wildlife, especially bears, either intentionally or unintentionally. All garbage must be disposed of in bear-proof containers available throughout our venues. Wildlife find their healthiest food in their natural environment, but once they become accustomed to being fed by people, they stop looking for their natural foods and lose their fear of humans. These animals, no longer "wild", often pay with their lives for human mistakes because they become unpredictable and may be aggressive.
If you want to learn more about bears, the Get Bear Smart Society is a great source. Notify Guest Services (phone 604-964-0040, ext. 2201) or our Track Crew if you have concerns about wildlife/bears on the venue.