Callaghan Gold: The Story Behind the Snow
Nordic athletes & outdoor enthusiasts are already skiing at Whistler Olympic Park's ‘Callaghan Gold’ trail providing an early season on-snow ski opportunity.
Early in the season, when Whistler’s ski and snowboard teams are still waiting for their first on-snow sessions, cross-country ski and biathlon athletes as, well as happy outdoor enthusiasts, get to kick off their season at Whistler Olympic Park, on ‘Callaghan Gold’, a loop made of stored natural snow from the previous season.
Since 2014, Whistler Olympic Park has been undertaking this project, which provides invaluable early-season training opportunities for Nordic athletes & recreational skiers. During the summer, the operations team stores 10,000 cubic metres of snow under cedar mulch.
In late October, excavators begin digging out the ‘Callaghan Gold’ and groomers start building the training loop. The trail, which runs alongside the biathlon range, has a total length of 1.5 kilometres, including a steep section for hill training. Find out more about Callaghan Gold in our YouTube Video Series
Callaghan Gold Part 1: The Plan
Whistler Olympic Park’s lead groomer, Simon Smith, aka “Groomer Guy Si” goes over the game plan to unbury the 10,000 cubic meters of last season’s snow stored over the summer under cedar mulch and wood products.
Callaghan Gold Part 2: Unveiling Gold
Watch the action in the phase of unveiling Callaghan Gold at Whistler Olympic Park! Wood mulch and cedar products are being moved off the stored snow with a snowcat, front end loader, and excavators of all sizes.
Callaghan Gold Part 3: Building the Ski Trails
In this third episode of Callaghan Gold, Whistler Olympic Park lead groomer, Simon Smith, also known as 'Groomer Guy Si', explains how the now-unburied, pristine snow is being distributed on the trails.
Callaghan Gold Part 4: Gliding on Gold
On-snow training has already begun for British Columbia’s high performance Nordic athletes. Avid cross county skiers, visitors and families, and training clubs get to enjoy a taste of winter a little earlier under sunny skies.
“We are proud that we can provide our athletes with this early season training advantage. It is an important initiative for us as a venue to offer top training opportunities. It is an added bonus that guests get to enjoy it also. Over the years, our operations team has really optimized the process, so that we are able to store a very large amount of good quality snow over the summer”, explains Whistler Olympic Park’s Managing Director, Tim Hope.
Up until Whistler Olympic Park’s official opening day in late November, athletes get to train on the stored snow trail. Etienne Letondeur, Head Coach of the Park’s own Whistler Nordic Development Centre with eight full-time athletes, sees ‘Callaghan Gold’ as a big advantage.
“Being able to ski that early will give our athletes a headstart into the race season. Dryland training in summer just does not compare to training on snow. ‘Callaghan Gold’ is ideal for high intensity training, to refine techniques and to test equipment.”
In seasons where there is a lack of natural early season snowfall on the west side of the Coast Mountains, Whistler Olympic Park opens its gates for the regular season at the end of November—sometimes, even with a couple of early season bonus weekends for everyone to enjoy. When Mother Nature fails to deliver, 'Callaghan Gold' really shines.
CALLAGHAN GOLD PUBLIC ACCESS
Be sure to please check conditions each morning for the latest information on services, trails & grooming updates before you visit on these pre-season bonus weekends: www.whistlerolympicpark.com
For questions related to our pre-season bonus weekends and public access, please contact our Guest Services team at 604-964-0059 or at info@whistlerolympicpark.com
CALLAGHAN GOLD ACCESS FOR ATHLETES/TEAMS
'Callaghan Gold' details, booking information and accommodation options for sport groups is available here. For any questions related to sport and training access, please contact Nadine Steenhoek, Manager, Sport & Programming via email at nbrant@whistlersportlegacies.com
See you on the trails!