Here is some general information about daily life for a volunteer race worker in Whistler.  At least, in normal times!  Life may be quite different when the Olympic train rolls into town.

For newcomers, getting to Whistler is the first challenge.    Check out our Transportation page for information about bus transfers from YVR (Vancouver International Airport) and from downtown Vancouver and look at our Accommodation pages for information on our various accommodation venues, advice for late arrivals and check-in procedures.

Our Driving to Whistler page gives driving instructions, tips and points of interest on the road to Whistler. It's a world-class drive with spectatcular mountain and water views.  An early morning departure on a sunny day provides a great end to a Whistler visit.

Our base of operations is at Creekside, near the south end of Whistler.  Check our Whistler Volunteer Experience page for a description of the daily routine of meeting and checking in at Dusty’s Bar & Grill before boarding the Creekside Gondola for the day’s play in the snow.

There is a large concrete parkade at Creekside, a short walk from Dusty’s and the Gondola.  Volunteers with cars park (free) on any of the covered levels. However, check the Creekside page for occasional special parking requests.   The Volunteer Hospitality Tent (The Beer Tent) is located on the top deck of the parkade.  The Beer Tent is in operation daily from about 4 to 7 pm (accredited volunteers only).Weasels hrd at work at Bormio 2005

All volunteers are assigned to a crew and a Crew Chief.  It’s important to keep in touch with your crew.  If you get separated, every Crew Chief has a radio and will be happy to help you find your crew.  Don’t hesitate to ask.  Also, there are radio and equipment trailers and staff at the bottom of the courses, near the finish area.  Help and directions can always be sought there..

The ROC operates a Warming Tent on the mountain, near the mid-point of the Dave Murray Downhill.  Hot soup is served and coffee and drinks are available, as well as a place to sit down for a rest.  Course workers cycling on the lower portion of either the men’s or the women’s course can stop off at Dusty’s for a drink, something to eat and a rest.

No one wants you to get overly tired, wet, hungry or cold.  If things are not going well, tell your Crew Chief and take a break.   We want you to have a good time and be injury-free. Many workers who work eight to ten days, or more take a day off every now and again,  to get a break from the hill and to catch up on sleep. With the early mornings and long days, it's easy to get overly tired.  Schedule it with your Crew Chief.  Be aware that the ROC cannot provide lift tickets for days of free skiing.

At the end of the day, visit the Beer Tent for snacks and refreshment, to make dinner arrangements with some fellow volunteers, or to “hitch” a ride home to your accommodation.  The ROC will have vans and drivers available to shuttle volunteers, both at night and in the early morning.

Much of the accommodation arranged by the ROC provides some cooking facilities.  Some rooms have kitchens and some do not, in which case everyone shares what's there.  Food shopping is available at the Creekside Market, located on the top level of the parkade, near the Beer Tent, at the IGA Market in Market Square, located at the north end of Whistler Village, at the Village Market, located in the south part of the village, near the Convention Centre and at Nesters Market, located at Nesters Road, north of Whistler Village.  In addition, there are a number of late-hours convenience stores. Liquor stores are located near the two village markets.  If you need to get to a store, just ask a fellow volunteer  who has "wheels".

If you are not getting enough exercise on the course, during the day, there is a municipal recreation center north of the Village, near Alpine Meadows.  It has a swimming pool, hot tubs, squash courts and other facilities.  

For those who find they get more than enough exercise, Dusty's Bar and Grill, our morning meeting spot in Creekside, offers a great refuge for a mid-day rest, lunch or an afternoon snack..

Dusty's Bar and Grill at Creekside in Whistler BC
Dusty's Bar and Grill at the base of  Whistler Mountain's Creekside Gondola