Pristine Whistler the perfect backdrop for Winter Olympics

Feb 2, 2010, 9:00 GMT

Whistler, Canada - A remarkable train known as the Whistler Mountaineer is nearing its destination after a more than two-hour trip along 120 kilometres of railroad from the Winter Olympic venue of Vancouver.

On its way up to the lofty resort the diesel locomotive has hauled passengers through the kind of exceptional scenery for which Canada is renowned. Through the windows they are able to gaze out on a seemingly endless panorama of natural grandeur - something many tourists will be hoping to experience when they journey to the Winter Olympics here in south-west Canada from February 12-28.

During the trip the train winds through canyons and forests as it tackles steep grades. The breathtaking landscape is soothing and peaceful and even the train noises fail to disrupt the silence.

The tranquility comes to an abrupt end when the strident tone of the locomotive horn signals arrival at Whistler station, located at 675 metres above sea level. Suddenly visitors find themselves at the centre of a resort that has been one of North America's most popular skiing destinations for years. In 2010 there is even more activity than usual as the town limbers up for the forthcoming Winter Olympics.

Flags with the Olympic insignia flutter at the station and numerous hoardings tell of the big event to come. Plainly a large number of the coveted medals will be awarded here and not in Vancouver.

Sporting events taking place in Whistler and the mountainous region which flanks it include alpine and nordic skiing (cross country, biathlon, nordic combined), ski jumping, sliding events (bobsleigh, luge, skeleton) and all the Paralympic Games contests.

Founded in 1867 the resort town is poised to welcome the world, a readiness which is tangible to anyone who comes here. Snow is in abundance after more than five metres fell last November, more snow than ever before at such an early point in the season. The roads have been rebuilt or refurbished to a high standard but the friendly locals make all the difference in this smartly turned-out town. They offer a warm welcome which extends beyond the games themselves.

Winter sports enthusiasts will naturally feel most at home in these surroundings - and not just because there are some 280 kilometres of slopes to be explored. The biggest kick for many visitors is the chance to race down two of the area's highest peaks, Whistler Mountain (2,182 metres) and Blackcomb Mountain (2,440 metres), on the same day.

This is made possible by one of Whistler's latest attractions: The Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride is an engineering marvel which connects Whistler Mountain to the high Alpine reaches of Blackcomb Mountain via the longest freespan aerial tramway. It is around three kilometres long and provides spectacular views of parks, hiking trails and 360 degree views of ancient glaciers and peaks.

For those who prefer a calmer panorama the mountains offer plenty of possibilities. One of the highlights is the descent at Creekside where some of the top ski stars will be competing in February. For two weeks Whistler will belong to the professionals but amateurs will still be able to enjoy the sport. Even during the winter games, 90 per cent of the slopes are open to non-Olympic guests. Accommodation is at a premium though and at the beginning of January local hotels were already almost fully-booked.

Whistler hopes that being in the athletic limelight for a few weeks will prompt many guests to follow in the tracks of their idols. All the sports facilities, apart from the jumps, have been designed with regular tourists in mind too.

The infrastructure of the resort town has been given a major makeover but fortunately the planners were at pains to preserve the beauty of the natural surroundings. Even the new Sliding Centre, which hosts the bobsleigh events, is no blot on the landscape although a considerable number of trees were felled in order for it to be built.

In any case, two local black bears - Steven and Rob - seem to have taken well to the attraction and have been adopted as its mascots. The use of electrically powered shuttles to bus athletes and visitors around the area is another touch of greenness which shows that Whistler aims to be a sustainable ski resort.

Away from the Olympic competition visitors can also enjoy the local ecology and friendliness of the locals. The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre which recalls the history of Whistler offers cultural immersion and there are more thrills to be had during an adrenaline-filled zipline tour. This involves gliding along a metal cable past spectacular creeks and through majestic forests while being safely tucked into a harness.

Shopping and eating out is catered for too in the pristine, pedestrianised centre of this town which boasts 200 shops and boutiques along with 90 bars and restaurants.