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It's just over two years away, but already Whistler is waist-deep in Olympic frenzy. Here's what to expect this season – and what's coming – as the West Coast ski town preps for the big time.

Whistler's Gondola

Though not an official Olympic project, there's no question Whistler Blackcomb's ambitious Peak to Peak gondola got its go-ahead because the world's eyes will be on this dynamic mountain duo in 2010.

The project is ambitious because it's the first of its kind in the world: a gondola that will travel 4.4 kilometres in 11 minutes between Whistler's Roundhouse Lodge and the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain. The Doppelmayr 3S tri-cable gondola will be the world's longest unsupported free span of any of its kind. The highest vertical point will be over Fitzsimmons Creek at 415 metres (1,361 feet).

Debate over need for the lift was rampant around Whistler last season. Locals questioned its cost – $51 million – and the need for a lift that joins the two mountains. But in the end it came down to the need to compete, says Doug Forseth, head of operations on Whistle Blackcomb. “This lift is hugely important. It's a competitive world out there.”

Its debut is aimed for December, 2008. Progress can be viewed via webcam at ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/p2pg/webcam.html.

Alpine Skiing Venues

While hockey, skating, curling, snowboarding and freestyle competition will be held in Vancouver, Whistler will host alpine skiing events for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Whistler's Dave Murray Downhill is the designated track for the alpine speed events such as downhill and super-G.

Course construction has been full speed ahead this fall as the Murray Downhill will host the Games' first test event in February, 2008, with some World Cup speed races. Whistler Mountain has contoured, graded and landscaped to get it up to International Ski Federation standards.

During the Games, Whistler Creekside will see most of the alpine action. The Dave Murray Downhill ends at Timing Flats, which is just above Creekside. By August, 2009, the mountain will have established an Olympic-worthy finish area. Creekside is also the base for wax cabins, an athletes' lounge and security checkpoints. An open-air gondola called a cabriolet will be built to carry spectators and race officials from Creekside to Timing flats. The whole project is costing approximately $26-million.

Whistler Sliding Centre

On the lower flanks of Blackcomb Mountain is the Whistler Sliding Centre, which will host bobsleigh, skeleton and luge events for the 2010 Games. At a cost of $99-million, it's a 1,450-metre refrigerated sliding track with 16 corners. Sleighs will reach speeds up to 130 kilometres an hour. Construction is well underway and scheduled for completion by March, 2008.

Whistler Nordic Centre

Whistler's Callaghan Valley will be the site of Olympic Nordic competition, including cross-country skiing, biathlon and ski jumping. Two ski jumps, three stadiums and 14 kilometres of trail are part of the project's scope. An additional 20 to 25 kilometres of recreational trail is included in the $115-million project – some of which is ready to ski this season.

Olympic Village

Approximately 20 minutes south of Whistler's village centre will be the Whistler Olympic Village. The Cheakamus Valley site will house 2,400-plus athletes, officials and coaches and will be linked by a shuttle service to Whistler's centre for events and medal ceremonies. The price tag on the village – aimed for completion by fall, 2009 – is $131-million. Post-Games the site will be turned into badly-needed employee housing.

More Information:

Olympic organizers have established a 2010 Info Centre in Whistler Village: 604-932-2010; www.vancouver2010.com.

Lori Knowles