Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 announces partnership with Whistler Blackcomb to deliver first-ever winter sports program

The international adaptive sporting competition will take place Feb. 8th-16th, 2025

Vancouver, British Columbia, November 30, 2023 – Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, presented by ATCO today announced a partnership with Whistler Blackcomb as the two organizations pledge to work together to deliver the first-ever winter adaptive sports program at the Invictus Games. The collaboration will also see Whistler Blackcomb work with the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 organizing committee to encourage more people to participate in adaptive winter sports and raise awareness of winter adaptive sports programs for service members and Veterans.

The upcoming Invictus Games 2025 will take place February 8th-16th, 2025, and will see up to 550 wounded, injured and sick service members and Veterans from up to 25 nations travel to Vancouver and Whistler to participate in a range of winter and indoor adaptive sports. The iconic Whistler Blackcomb mountain resort will host alpine skiing and snowboarding events. As part of the partnership, Whistler Blackcomb will be offering complimentary lift tickets for all competitors, family, friends and event workers.

Last week, the Whistler Blackcomb resort and the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 organizing committee hosted a delegation from the Invictus Games Foundation, including The Duke of Sussex, Founder and Patron of the Invictus Games. With 14 months to go until the start of the Games, the delegation visited some of the venues that will host the sporting action and ceremonies, reviewed operational plans and shared best practice from previous Games in readiness for delivering the first-ever winter adaptive sports program.

Participants will also get to compete at some of the 2010 Winter Olympic venues with Nordic skiing and biathlon competitions to be hosted at the Whistler Olympic Park in Callaghan Valley and skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre. These sports will be complemented by a range of core indoor sports hosted in Vancouver such as wheelchair curling, rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.

“The partnership with Whistler Blackcomb is a great step for Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 not only to promote winter adaptive sports but to demonstrate the power of sport on a year-round basis,” says Nick Booth, CEO at Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. “We want to deliver a memorable experience for the 550 wounded, injured and sick service members and Veterans who will be competing, as well as the friends and family who will be travelling to British Columbia to join them on their journey of recovery. We couldn’t think of a better place to host the first-ever winter sports program than at the world famous Whistler Blackcomb resort.”

“Inclusivity and accessibility are core to our culture at Whistler Blackcomb,” said Belinda Trembath, COO & VP of Whistler Blackcomb. “Our partnership with Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 underscores the commitment we have made to these values, and we are honoured and excited to not only serve as a host venue, but to support the growth and adoption of adaptive winter sports throughout the world.”

Winter Adaptive Sports Legacy

The partnership between Whistler Blackcomb and Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will also aim to build a winter adaptive sporting legacy for future Invictus Games. By offering the first-ever winter adaptive sports program, this event will enable competitors from around the world to not only learn a range of adaptive winter sports but also to take that knowledge home with them.

Some participating nations lack established winter adaptive sports programs, and the 2025 Games will serve as a catalyst for encouraging greater participation in winter adaptive sports in their home countries. The organizing committee will develop a winter sports handbook and a set of resources that will be passed on to future games, ensuring the sustained growth of adaptive sports.

The two organizations will also work together to promote greater awareness of the opportunities to participate in both winter and indoor adaptive sports all year round. It will also encourage more conversation and spotlight for the psychological and physical benefits of adaptive sports, no matter what time of year.

Whistler Blackcomb’s Contribution to Adaptive Sports

Whistler Blackcomb has worked closely with the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program for several years, and they are contracted to run their Adaptive Ski and Ride Program. Their commitment to inclusivity is evident as they offer lessons for local, provincial, national, and international guests, running approximately 1300+ lessons per Winter season.

Lessons cater to participants of all ages, ranging from kids aged 3+ through to adults, and include those with cognitive and physical challenges, sometimes both. Whistler Adaptive Ski and Ride Program primarily runs stand-up ski lessons but also offers VI lessons, snowboarding lessons, some 3 & 4 track lessons, as well as an increasing number of sit-ski lessons for absolute beginners to advanced skiers.

The Military Pass

To honor the service of Vail Mountain’s founders from the 10th Mountain Division, and the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, and Australian Defense Force, Vail Resorts offers the Epic Military Pass. This pass provides unlimited, unrestricted access to 41 resorts, including Whistler Blackcomb, for $205 USD for Active and Retired Military and their dependents. It’s a way to extend gratitude and provide opportunities for service members to enjoy the great outdoors year-round.

About Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is North America’s largest ski resort offering year-round adventure for all ages and skill levels. Powder hounds, glade lovers and groomer aficionados won’t want to miss big mountain skiing and riding as winter brings an unmatched variety of terrain. With more than 8,000 skiable acres, 200+ runs, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers, all serviced by 35 lifts – including the one-of-a-kind PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, there’s something for everyone. Summer is also incredible, with plenty to do, from mountain biking in our world-class Whistler Mountain Bike Park, to sight-seeing and hiking more than 50km of high alpine trails, to incredible events and experiences on-mountain. Whatever the season, adventure awaits.

Whistler Blackcomb operates on the unceded territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’Wat) Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. The Whistler Blackcomb team has deep gratitude for the opportunity to live and work in this beautiful place, colonially known as Whistler. We encourage all guests of the resort to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for an opportunity to respectfully learn about these lands, their people and culture.