Life in Whistler Village

The Athlete Village for the Olympics is located 4 or 5 kilometres from the Town of Whistler and the ski resort. The number of athletes in the Paralympics is less than the Olympics, therefore the village now houses many of the workforce volunteers, including the forerunners, and the athletes. The athletes are in a centre compound surrounded by a steel mesh fence. The athlete workforce is in a series of townhomes and trailers, located inside an outer perimeter fence but outside the fence around the athlete village. Entry inside the workforce area requires a ride on a bus which must pass through a large tented temporary structure. Each bus stops and is searched and all the riders must present their accreditation. Once inside the compound the workforce can move around freely. Entry into the inner compound including the athlete village requires passing through the equivalent of airport security.

In order to get to the various venues including the Whistler Olympic Park, we catch yet another bus which takes us to WOP and the nordic events. We get off the bus, pass through security and climb onto another bus which shuttles us to the Day Lodge. At this point forerunner priveldeges kick-in as we now have full access to most of the athlete areas.

Most of our meals are served in the dining tent/hall. Interestingly enough this is located in the Athlete Village and we must again pass through the equivalent of airport security. Meals are cafeteria style, however the portions are generous, the taste is decent and the choices varied.

After several days of climbing on and off buses, and showing accreditation cards at each stop, this is now beginning to feel what I imagine a minimum security prison might feel like. You are free to come and go, but the restrictions are just enough to make it noticable in most day to day activities. Oh, and there is seemingly about a 5:1 ratio of volunteer workforce and security or police. No complaints though, it is all necessary to reduce risks.