December 23, 2015 (Whistler, BC) – During the holidays, visitors to Whistler Olympic Park will not only be able to cross-country ski, snowshoe, toboggan, Baseboard or shoot a biathlon rifle, they will also have the opportunity to watch top ski jumping athletes train. From December 28 until January 2, the Canadian national team will jump on the Olympic hill. There will be training sessions in the morning and the early afternoon each day, spectator access is free with access to the Park.

Try ski jumping at Whistler Olympic Park © Whistler Olympic Park

Among the jumpers will be Canada’s ladies squad with Taylor Henrich, Atsuko Tanaka and Jasmine Sepandj as well as the men’s team including Dusty Korek, Matthew Soukup and Josh Maurer. The training camp in Whistler will be an important season preparation for the team. All of them will be heading to competitions overseas directly after, the women to two World Cups in Japan and the men to several Continental Cups in Europe. Taylor Henrich, who just over a week ago jumped to a strong 5th place in a World Cup in Nizhny Tagil/Russia, is excited to train at Whistler Olympic Park: “I am looking forward to being able to jump in Canada again. Whistler is an amazing facility, I plan to make the most of the opportunity in preparation for the up and coming World Cups next month.” Whistler will also be hosting a Ski Jumping FIS Cup with international participation from February 5-7, 2016.

Those who get curious about the sport and inspired by the athletes, can try ski jumping themselves this season at Whistler Olympic Park. Youth programs will be offered starting January on weekends, and drop-in sessions will be held for all ages on Wednesday nights.

The ‘Hoppers’ clinic introduces children and youth between 8 and 14 years to ski jumping in a beginner-friendly program. Participants, who should be intermediate downhill or cross-country skiers, will start their jumping training on small snow bumps and gradually work their way up to the new junior hills. Dryland sessions ensure that participants learn the proper take-off, flying and landing technique. Participants can use their own downhill, telemark or cross-country equipment, and will also have the opportunity to jump on Whistler Olympic Park’s junior jump skis. Four 4-session clinics will be offered in January, February and March, programs are available both on Saturdays and Sundays (12:30 – 3:30pm) and cost $180 for four sessions (plus $25 for the discounted youth sport season pass). One-time trial sessions can be booked as well.

Entry-level jumping for all ages will be offered on Wednesday Nights (6:30pm – 8:00pm) in January and February. Starting January 6, the `Night Flight` sessions under floodlight are drop-in sessions for skiers with intermediate/advanced downhill or cross-country abilities. Participants bring their own equipment (downhill, telemark or cross-country) and can try ski jumping on the small beginner hills. A drop-in session costs $20.00 plus $5 for Park access on Wednesday nights.

Pre-registration for the ski jumping programs is required. More information and online booking is available at www.whistlersportlegacies.com or by phone at 604-964-0060.