Whistler Creekside will host alpine skiing events at the 2010 Games.

WHISTLER, B.C. - Being an Olympic athlete is just a dream for most people, but hosting the Winter Games is a decades-old dream come true for Whistler ski resort.

"We've been saying for years that we're born to host the Games, born to be a part of the Games, and this community has been waiting almost 50 years to host this party," says Breton Murphy with Tourism Whistler.

Whistler's Olympic aspirations date back to the only other West Coast Winter Olympics. After visiting Squaw Valley California during the 1960 Winter Games, Four Vancouver businessmen had a vision: bring the Olympics to Whistler. Electricity didn't arrive in this valley until 1964 and the lifts first opened on Whistler Mountain in 1966. Their bid for the 1968 Games failed, but 40 years later brought success.

The men and women's Olympic downhill will be contested at Whistler Creekside.

Spectators can not only watch the Olympians compete, they'll be able to ski themselves. About 90% of the Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort will remain open to the skiing public during the Olympic Games.

"To be honest, I think it'll be some of the best skiing that people can experience up here," says Amber Turnau with Whistler-Blackcomb. "We've got 8100 acres of terrain, only 10% of that will be affect so that leaves a whole lot of terrain to explore."

Exploration made much easier and faster by the new Peak to Peak Gondola. The longest unsupported span in the world transports skiers and sight-seers across the 2.75-mile void separating Whistler and Blackcomb peaks in 11 minutes.

For visitors who like to keep their skis on the ground, 15 miles of cross-country ski trails surround near-by Lost Lake, many lit for night skiing.

And of course, Whistler Village will be bustling with nightly entertainment, much of it free. There will be no shortage of shopping and nightlife and activities beyond attending athletic events - amenities worthy of a global celebration of sport.