Know Before You Go: Navigating the Invictus Games at Whistler Blackcomb 

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Invictus Games - Jeremy Allen

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 kick off on February 8, 2025. Over 500 competitors from 20 nations will come together to compete in adaptive sports, including, for the first time ever, the winter sports of alpine skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, nordic skiing, skeleton and wheelchair curling.  

Whistler is proud to be a host venue and will welcome competitors and their families from February 9-13. Whether you’re here to ski, spectate, or support, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit while navigating the added buzz around the resort. 


Event Details:

  • Whistler Invictus Village: February 9 – 13, 2025 
  • Sporting Competitions in Whistler: February 10 – 12, 2025   


Competition Schedule:

  • Monday, February 10: Whistler Invictus Games Opening Ceremony – Whistler Olympic Plaza. Learning and practice for participants at the Olympic Learning Area. Skeleton Finals at the Whistler Sliding Centre. 
  • Tuesday, February 11: Novice Alpine Skiing & Alpine Snowboarding Finals at Olympic Station. Skeleton Finals at the Whistler Sliding Centre.  
  • Wednesday, February 12: Alpine Skiing & Alpine Snowboarding Intermediate Finals at Fitzsimmons Chairlift, on Lower Olympic. 

View full Invictus Games schedule 


Traffic & Parking: 

  • Paid parking is available in Day Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. 
  • Free parking is available in Day Lots 6, 7 & 8. Portions of Lot 8 will be reserved for Invictus Games on February 11–12.
  • Expect slower travel times due to increased buses and coaches entering and leaving the resort.

 

Operational Impacts:  

  • Whistler Village Gondola Access
    • Upload: Increased traffic is expected on Monday and Tuesday between 8:30–9:30 AM. Guests are encouraged to use alternative routes to access the mountain, including the Excalibur Gondola, Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift, Blackcomb Gondola, or Creekside Gondola during these times. 
    • Download: Anticipate longer-than-usual wait times for downloading at Olympic Station. Guests are advised to ski down Whistler or cross on the Peak-2-Peak Gondola and download via Blackcomb Mountain. 
  • Winter Sightseeing: All sightseeing will be accessible from Blackcomb Gondola between February 10-12. 
  • Fitzsimmons Express: Nine chairs have been modified to better accommodate sit skis: # 1-11-21-31-41-51-61-71-81. Sit-skiers need to load in the middle of the chair. 
  • Whistler Mountain Temporary Closures: Upper Fantastic will be closed on February 10 and 11. Lower Olympic will be closed on February 11 and 12. There will be no lift closures.  
  • Whistler Sliding Centre: Passenger Bobsleigh and Public Skeleton will not be available from January 30 – February 12. 
  • Olympic Learning Area on Whistler Mountain: Will experience high traffic due to Invictus activities and competitions. Beginners are advised to use Magic Chair on Blackcomb Mountain, February 10 and 11. 
  • bubly Tube Park: Will be closed to the public during the following times:
    • February 10 and 12 from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM and 1:30–3:00 PM.  
    • February 11 from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM and 4:00 PM–6:00 PM.  

  • Food and Beverage:  

    • The GLC Restaurant will be closed to the public from February 10 – 12. 
    • Pika’s at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain will experience increased traffic as a designated Invictus Games “friends and family” hot spot.  


Spectator Access: 

  • Whistler Sliding Centre: Skeleton (Feb 10 & 11) – Visitors can catch the Excalibur Gondola for free between the hours of 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, provided they are not wearing ski or snowboard gear with equipment.  
  • Whistler Mountain (Upper Fantastic): Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding Novice (Feb 11) – Mountain access is required for this event, either a Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket or any Pass product can be used to access Whistler Village Gondola to view at Olympic Station. Spectators without a ticket or Pass can watch the race onscreen from one of the viewing locations. 
  • Whistler Mountain Alpine (Lower Olympic): Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding Intermediate – Advanced (Feb 12) – Mountain access will require either a Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket or Pass product to view the race on mountain. Spectators without a Pass can watch from the finish line in Skier’s Plaza.
  • Live Screening: 
    • The Maury Young Arts Centre and Village Square stage will screen the events for all to enjoy.  
    • Live streaming of events will be available on Invictus Games YouTube and CTV SportsNet, along with daily highlights on TSN. 


Fan Zones & Activations: 

  • Whistler Olympic Plaza: Winter sport trials and partner activations including merchandise sales.  
  • Maury Young Arts Centre: Family fun zone including sport competition viewing, the Veterans Art Show exhibition, face painting, arts & crafts, and more. 
  • Village Square: Sport competition viewing, merchandise sales, and daily concerts from 2:30 – 5 PM. 
  • Mountain Square: Partner activations including samples and giveaways.
  • Live Entertainment: The Whistler Invictus Mainstage will be located at Village Square and the music lineup includes Jim Cuddy, Barney Bentall, Five Alarm Funk, Skratch Bastid and more. View the full lineup.


Guide and Service Dogs:
Pets are not permitted on-mountain. Certified guide and service dogs with BC government issues certificates are permitted for specific purposes. Check eligibility requirements by reviewing the Whistler Blackcomb Guide and Service Dog Policy. 


Drone Usage:
Drone usage is strictly prohibited at all times during the Invictus Games, including within the event area, around the resort, and over the village. 


Plan Ahead: 
Keep an eye out for resort updates and prepare for potential delays. Enjoy the energy and spirit of the Invictus Games while exploring the resort responsibly!  


Additional Resources: 

Image by: Jeremy Allen