Transportation

For media based in Whistler during Games time, transfer options (listed below) include Ridebooker.com, Pacific Coach Lines as well as personal vehicles or rental car service (please ensure you have a designated parking space at your Whistler accommodation as no public parking spaces will be available in February 2010).

Whistler is located 2.5 hours drive north of Vancouver International Airport or about 5 hours drive north of Seattle, Washington.

Highway Restrictions

Another important consideration is that the Ministry of Transportation will be operating a traffic management check point for vehicles travelling north of Squamish on the Sea to Sky Highway (HWY 99), which is the only access route to Whistler from the Vancouver area. The checkpoint will be in effect on the Sea to Sky Highway near the Alice Lake turn-off, north of Squamish. The checkpoint will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from February 11 to 28, 2010.

Visitors travelling to Whistler in their own vehicle during these hours must have an official permit to pass through the checkpoint. Documents confirming a parking space (provided by the hotel/ accommodation provider) are required to obtain a permit. Hotel/ accommodations providers will be asked to send permits to guests in advance, however if you don't receive a permit in advance you can obtain one from one of the Sea to Sky permit offices (located in either Vancouver or Squamish).

Day visitors to Whistler are encouraged to take commercial motor coaches or travel during off-peak hours. Visitors do not require a permit if travelling by bus.

If you travel outside the 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. window, you do not require a permit - however as there will no public parking available in Whistler during the Games so you still need to have pre-arranged parking.