Each year, the finest Canadian athletes in the world of luge descend upon Calgary for the Viessmann Luge World Cup. The event is held at Winsport’s Canada Olympic Park. Winsport is a one-of-a-kind location, that is a state-of-the-art training facility for winter sport athletes of all skill levels. The impressive luge track towers above the landscape, as athletes make their way through the twists and turns at speeds approaching 95 MPH. The competitors have nothing but their skills and racing sleds as they make their way down the winding path. Athletes will compete in three different Olympic luge categories including men’s singles, women’s singles, and doubles. The World Cup scoring has the participants make two runs and the lowest team or individual time is the winner of the event. Points are awarded to the athletes depending on finishing order and then they are applied to their season total. The top finishers during the years between Olympic Games will get the chance to compete for their country in the next Winter Olympic Games.
Not only will you be able to witness the unique spectacle of the sport of luge, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a family fun day during Day 2 of the event. This is a great place to bring the entire family to kick off the holiday season. Kids will love taking photographs with Santa and participating in a multitude of fun activities. Adults will love the party tent, where they will find beverages, snacks, and entertainment. There is even a VIP area for those looking for a unique perspective of the races. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportunity to interview Chris Dornan, the Media Relations Manager of Luge Canada, about this unique and entertaining event.
RAL: Tell me a bit about the event.
CD: We have been operating Viessmann Luge World Cup in Canada since 1996. Our fan base is dedicated and growing. This year we plan to have over 200 people in attendance. The event is perfect for people of all ages seeking different levels of entertainment, from the thrill seekers looking for high-speed action, to families taking advantage of Christmas at the Track while snapping photos with Santa. You’ll enjoy sleigh rides, a petting zoo, face painting, airbrush tattoo artist, cookie decorating, ball pit, bouncy castle, discover luge, family skating, and a Springfree Trampoline! You can even catch a glimpse of exciting Luge World Cup action!
RAL: What makes the Viessmann Luge World Cup unique?
CD: The unique thing is that there is only 14 tracks around the world and two in Canada, none of which are within the city limits like Calgary. The event gives you the opportunity to take in luge, do a park tour, ski, and everything is located just minutes from downtown. Not to mention that this really is a preview of the 2018 Olympic races. All of these athletes will most likely be competing at the next Games.
RAL: What can visitors to the area expect for local lodging?
CD: Across the street from Canada Olympic Park, the Fourpoints Sheraton is offering a special deal for those who are visiting for the event. In addition, there are many resorts and lodging options throughout Northwest Calgary including Hyatt Regency Calgary and Sunshine Mountain Lodge.
RAL: What does the Viessmann World Cup mean to the community?
CD: The 1988 Olympic Winter Games put Calgary on the map, and it is a community that continues to take great pride in its Olympic culture. Nearly every Canadian athlete attending the Games has at some point crossed through Calgary. These events continue to have an impact on the economy as a whole.
RAL: Does the event support any causes in the local community?
CD: Yes we do. We are offering a discount to patrons who bring a gently used jacket to donate. We will be giving the jackets to Mustard Seed. They are a local nonprofit that helps the less fortunate in the community find shelter, food, and clothing. They do great work and we are proud to work with them. The event is free of charge and we bring in local school groups to check out the track and to participate in a meet-and-greet with the athletes.
RAL: Why should people come to the event?
CD: The Viessmann Luge World Cup is a event like none other. Where else can you see top athletes use their skills, wit, and a small sled to race at speeds nearing 150 K/H (95 MPH) down a track made of ice? The track itself is an engineering feat that deserves to be seen. It reaches high into the air above the complex and has a seemingly impossible set of turns and banks. However, this event is not just about luge. The holiday celebration is a great way for the Calgary community to kick off the Christmas season with fun and excitement.
For more information on the Viessmann World Cup, Calgary and the Canadian Luge Team please visit their website.