It is not too often to have the opportunity of having two Winter Olympics in the Western Hemisphere in one decade; so if you did not make it to Salt Lake City in 2002, now venture to Vancouver, Canada, where it is their turn to play host.
If you plan on heading to the 2010 Winter Olympics, Americans and Canadians can easily obtain tickets and transportation. What a world wind of great winter sporting events will result in such a short period.
The actual competition does not begin until Friday, February 12th and concludes on Sunday, the 28th. Be forewarned that all of the venues are not subject exclusively to the city of Vancouver. The games stretch over a 120-kilometre zone in the British Columbia region and you need to pinpoint what events are being held where.
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Venues in Vancouver for the following events:
- Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games
This most popular venue that spectators all over the world look forward to and is usually the most difficult to obtain tickets for will participate at the BC Place.
-Hockey
The Canada Hockey Place will be the palace for all the explosive ice hockey event of the year
Ice Curling
Canada seems to reign in this event, after all they have curling clubs not only in British Columbia but throughout their nation from east to west coasts. For this Olympic venue, head to the Vancouver Olympic Centre
- Figure Skating and Short Track Speed Skating
Figure skating has been a favorite event for years from Sonya Henning to Michelle Kwan. To see what delight will win this year's Olympic gold medal; you'll have to secure a ticket at the Pacific Coliseum.
Short track speed skating will also be held in the same location and can be considered a race on skates.
Many venues outside of Vancouver can be accessible from the downtown area via the Olympic Bus Network. This network only serves those who have obtained tickets for Cypress Mountain and Whistler events. The outdoor sporting competitions are participating here, so if you want to witness the next Jean-Claude Killy or Picabo Street, you need to know what is happening where.
Venues in Whistler for the following events:
- Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton
Ever since we all cheered for the Jamaican team in bobsledding, this event has gained much attention. The Whistler Sliding Centre holds this event and the one to two person luge. After a making its debut in 1928 St. Moritz Winter Games, the event had a 54-year hiatus. Skeleton returned in 2002 as an Olympic sporting event. Similar to luge, the sport involves racing face first on the icy track.
Alpine skiing
Alpine skiing has been the grand-daddy of the winter games since 1936. Find Alpine skiing Whistler Creekside.
- Ski jumping, Cross-country skiing, Nordic Combined, Biathlon
All of these top endurance outdoor sports will be held in the Whistler Olympic Park along the majestic Callaghan Valley. In between events, why not try some cross-country in the public skiing area.
Venues in Other Areas outside of Vancouver for the following events:
Speed Skating
Located 14 kilometres south of downtown Vancouver, you will find speed skating at the Olympic Oval in Richmond.
Competitive and non-competitive venues taking place in West Vancouver include:
Freestyle skiing & Snowboard
West Vancouver offers the imposing Cypress Mountains and they are a mere 30 minute ride from Downtown Vancouver. This venue is perfect for the competitive events and also to witness Mother Nature at her best.
The scenery can not be beat, so don't forget your camera to the Great Northwest.