Take a Cultural Tour of Whistler’s Nation Houses

Whistler has always been a haven for visitors from all over the world who seek adventure and outdoor activities but the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games attracted a whole new level of international flare.

Competing countries set up Nation Houses in Whistler to support their Olympic teams and allow visitors a chance to experience their culture and hospitality firsthand. From Jamaica to Switzerland to Norway, stopping by these Nation Houses took you on a world tour without ever leaving Whistler.

For the biggest party in the village, it was the Jamaican Bobsleigh Federation’s contribution to the Games. The Savage Beagle nightclub (situated along Whistler’s Village Stroll) played host to the island nation with Jamaican cuisine, specially-brewed Jamaican beer and non-stop reggae beats. Guests rubbed shoulders with Jamaica Bobsleigh members from both past and present teams and watched Olympic action on the big screen TVs. Decked out in the Jamaican national colours of green, yellow and black, the Savage Beagle brought island life right to Whistler.

The sights, sounds and tastes of Switzerland were on display at the Mountain Club, located along the Village Stroll next to Town Plaza. As a meeting point and social hub for the Swiss Olympic team, Mountain Club offered visitors a taste of traditional Swiss culture. Featured were Swiss cuisine, Swiss bottled water, children’s entertainment by Globi, Switzerland’s version of Mickey Mouse, free samples of Swiss cheeses, Swiss Nespresso coffee and chocolate, live music with musicians from St. Moritz and contests, prizes and giveaways.

Norway House at Millennium Place offered complimentary morning waffles. Hosted by the Norwegian Church Abroad, Norway House was a place where Scandinavian athletes mingled with visitors, read newspapers from home and celebrated medal victories. Members of Norway’s Royal Family also made an appearance.

Canada House was located inside the Whistler Public Library and offered opportunities to meet Canadian athletes, Whistler’s mayor and members of Whistler’s community. The kids loved the family snow play zone with snow climbing and sliding in the backyard. Large screens showed live Games coverage along with multi-media presentations of Whistler’s past, present and future. Community pancake breakfasts took place throughout the Games, highlighting the Games and athletes. Canada House also hosted a Closing Ceremony community après on February 28, 2010.

Though not open to the public, the following Nation Houses set up shop in Whistler to support their teams:

USA House was located in a rented log home south of the village. Hosted by the US Olympic Committee, roughly 5,000 people passed through the house over the course of the Games. With a private meeting room and kiosk store, USA House was a gathering spot for sponsors, athletes, international federations and the national governing bodies of the different sports. Plenty of networking and celebrations took place here.

Austria House is Whistler’s first Passive House and was built at the entrance to Lost Lake Park. Employing Austrian design and technology, the unique sustainability elements of a Passive House allow it to heat, cool and ventilate itself. The Austrian Olympic Committee used the space along with Austrian Public Broadcaster ORF who broadcasted daily back to Austria during the Games.