The Invictus Games offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women (WIS). From 8 to 16 February, 2025, the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will take place in Vancouver & Whistler and will see up to 550 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and Veterans from 23 nations travel to British Columbia to compete in both winter and indoor adaptive sporting events.
Vancouver and Whistler were selected as the host cities by the Invictus Games Foundation following a competitive bid process.
About the Invictus Games
The Invictus Games are not about sport at the elite level, but about using the power of sport to inspire and support recovery from life-changing injuries. Many of those participating in the Games will have only taken up sport recently and just getting to the start line will be a remarkable achievement. However, they are not athletes in the true sense of the word and should be referred to as competitors (and not athletes).
New: Winter Sports
For the first time in Invictus Games history, winter sports events have been introduced to the competition, including Alpine Skiing, Alpine Snowboarding, Biathlon, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton and Wheelchair Curling. This is in addition to the core Invictus Games sports of indoor rowing, sitting volleyball, swimming, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby.
Attendance
- Up to 550 wounded, injured or sick (WIS) competitors from 23 nations
- 1,100 friends and family as well as 250 support staff
- 1,700 volunteers
- Estimated 600 global media
Additional Messages
- The Games are a demonstration and celebration of the human spirit, and you’re invited to be part of the journey.
- Whistler is open for everyone during the Games! The resort will remain open and operational, with minimal terrain impacts on Whistler Blackcomb.
- Whistler is proud to be an international resort that is accessible to all people - learn more about how Whistler is accessible.
- Whistler is a place that celebrates personal achievement and inspires people to step outside their comfort zone. It is a place where everyone is inspired to explore their passion and push their boundaries.
- Games schedule and more information to be announced in April.
First Nations
The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will be held on the traditional territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. The Vancouver Whistler 2025 organisers are committed to engaging with each Nation, addressing Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, and respecting Indigenous protocols in all aspects of the Games.
Volunteering
Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the Invictus Games success by providing invaluable support to Competitors and their Family & Friends. Recruitment in now in progress for 1,600 Games-time positions that will be available from February 6 to February 17, 2025. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2024 via this LINK.
Whistler is open for everyone during the Games!
The resort will remain open and operational, with minimal terrain impacts on Whistler Blackcomb.
Whistler Impacts
Whistler will benefit from the increased global exposure and media coverage from hosting the event. It is anticipated that hosting the Invictus Games will elevate Whistler’s profile as an inclusive and accessible destination of choice.
Whistler competition locations and sports:
- Alpine Skiing and snowboarding competitions will take place on Whistler Mountain
- Nordic Skiing and Biathlon will take place at Whistler Olympic Park
- Skeleton will take place at the Whistler Sliding Centre
Event organisers indicate that majority of room nights associated with the Games will be in Vancouver. Competitors and supporters will travel to Whistler for the day.
Whistler Blackcomb operations:
- Planned dates for events on-mountain events are February 10-12, 2025.
- Olympic Station Learning Area and Lower Olympic Run will be for exclusive use for the Games
- Remainder of the mountain will remain business as usual
- Spectator zones will be established next to the on-snow locations.
- There will likely be an impact to some F&B locations, but that is TBD at this time.
Tourism Whistler will be providing space in the Whistler Conference Centre to serve as the hosting facility for competitors, and their friends and family. The Whistler Visitor Centre will provide visitor servicing support for friends, family and spectators during the event.
Accessibility Upgrades
Accessibility in Whistler: whistler.com/events/accessibility
In an effort to support the development and improvement of accessable tourism products, Destination BC is inviting accommodation, activity, experience and attraction providers to complete DBC's self-assessment form and promote their accessability features.
Whistler Blackcomb: WB had a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility audit conducted at Roundhouse Lodge, Rendezvous, Blackcomb Daylodge, and Village Gondola building. This report informed planning for accessibility improvements in those locations, and plans for additional locations.
Capital upgrades have begun with the installation of an automatic door at Guest Services in Whistler Village. Further upgrades and improvements will be completed over the next several months in the lead up to the Games.
Whistler Conference Centre: In preparation for the Invictus Games, Tourism Whistler has been advancing accessibility upgrades to the Whistler Conference Centre, including improved wayfinding signage, a new accessible elevator for the building’s upper administration offices, and installation of new automatic door opening devices throughout the facility.
Whistler Village: The Resort Municipality of Whistler is taking the lead on accessibility upgrades throughout Whistler Village in preparation for hosting Invictus. Highlights include:
- Improved Wayfinding and Washroom Signage - From a wayfinding perspective, the Access Whistler Map updates the gender-neutral icons for all washrooms and elevators and identifies which washrooms are universal and which are gendered. The ramp access signs have been updated with the same updated icons and installed. These new signs also include recognition of the universal and gendered washrooms. This will also be enhanced by new wayfinding signage, which includes identifying the universal and gendered washrooms being installed in late spring that will help direct people to public washrooms on Covenant.
- Know Before You Go Videos - We are in the process of establishing funding to produce the first set of know-before-you-go videos that will assist visitors and Invictus participants to find and understand some of the accessible features and routes to these features around the village.
Whistler Insider Stories and How-To's
The Invictus Games Title
The correct name of the event is "the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025" or "the Invictus Games", depending on the context. When using the latter version, it should be clear whether the reference is to the 2025 Games, previous or future Games or generically to the Games. When appropriate to do so, the name can be shortened to just “the Games” (using an upper-case G) however “the Games” should not be used in headlines.
The name of the Invictus Games should never be shortened to just "Invictus". The word Invictus can be used on its own when used as an adjective (e.g. the Invictus spirit or Invictus Generation) or when referring to the Invictus poem, however when referring to the Invictus Games, the full name should always be used. Avoid referring to the Invictus Games as a "Paralympic-style event". The preferred description is "an international adaptive sporting event". Although Prince Harry is the Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, please do not refer to the Games as "Prince Harry’s Invictus Games" or similar.
The Invictus Games Foundation
The Invictus Games Foundation is the owner of the brand and the selector of future Host cities. It exists to ensure that the Invictus Games continue to adhere to the high standards that have been set. It is responsible for sport & competition management, rules & categorizations and branding. The Foundation is also the final arbiter on the inclusion of additional sports and Participating Nations.
The Foundation has presided over the transition from a one-off inspiring Games to a global movement allowing the ‘Invictus Spirit’ to positively influence all levels of society. People around the world have drawn inspiration form the competitors and their stories of resilience and determination.
Spirit of the Games
The Invictus Games are not about the competition, it’s about honouring the commitments these individuals make to protect the rest of our society. For those suffering from post traumatic stress/occupational stress injuries and anxiety, getting to the starting line is an accomplishment in itself; it is challenging enough to step out of your house, onto a plane or bus. Completing an event is about the whole community and family that made the accomplishment possible.
Medal ceremonies won’t be about standing on a podium at the end of the day; medals will be awarded shortly after events are completed to allow competitors and spectators the ability to celebrate in the moment, and then move on to cheering on teammates competing at other venues in Whistler or Vancouver.
The Invictus Games are a reminder to reconnect, educate younger generations about intergenerational trauma, and how sport can help heal our society.
Whistler Invictus Village
The Whistler Invictus Village will run from Sunday, February 9 - Thursday February 13 from 11 AM - 5 PM. The Whistler Invictus Village will be located in five areas throughout Whistler Village, and will be the heart of the Games, featuring something for all: interactive exhibits, competitor meet-and-greets, live entertainment, medal celebrations, live action sport screens and more. The Whistler Invictus Village along the Whistler Village Stroll will be an expansive experience of interactive displays, live performances and free access to watch the Whistler sporting competitions together with other supporters.
Activites & Events
The Whistler Invictus Village will feature daily concerts, live sport competition viewing locations, cultural and family-friendly activities through four different activation zones along the Village Stroll, including:
- Whistler Olympic Plaza - Winter sport 'try it' and Partner Activations
- Maury Young Arts Centre - Family Fun Zone (face painting, arts & crafts and more!), sport competition viewing.
- Village Square - Main Stage Concerts from 2:30 - 5:30 PM daily.
- Mountain Square - Partner Activations
Cafes and restaurants throughout Whistler Village will operate as usual.
In addition to free access to the live sport events in Whistler across several viewing locations, you can also enjoy interactive exhibits, family fun activities, live entertainment and more.
The Whistler Invictus Village will host special performances, including live entertainment and guest appearances from the Invictus family.
The Whistler Invictus Village will offer food and beverage concession stands, restrooms and seating areas. You will also find areas to take part in fun, family-friendly interactive activities.
Ticketing Information
Access to the Whistler Invictus Village is free for everyone! There is no need to pre-book or to get a ticket. The Whistler Invictus Village will be a free, fun and family-friendly experience for all. You can expect a lively engaging atmosphere.
Get Invloved
Support Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025
Whistler businesses are invited to register your support for the event by December 13, 2024. Businesses who register will receive an Invictus Games 2025 poster and decal to place at your business.
Click here to register your business and receive your free poster and decal.
View the Invictus Games Letter to Whistler Businesses here.
Below are some ways to show your support:
- Display Posters & Decals
We invite you to proudly display an official event poster or decal in your store or shop window. By doing so, you'll help increase awareness of the Games, create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for our competitors, their Family & Friends, and all supporters, and demonstrate our community's commitment to honouring the unconquered spirit of the Games.
- Offer Discounts and Incentives:
Show your support by providing exclusive discounts/ special offers to our Invictus family (i.e. 'Show your Accrediation to receive...'). Whether it's percentage off purchases, a special menu item, or a bundled offer, your contribution will help provide the best experience for our community.
- Provide Freebies:
Contribute to the community spirit by offering complimentary items or services. A free drink, a small gift, or a free activity will show your support to our valued service members and their incredible supporters, making their time with us as memorable as possible.
- Accessibility Improvements:
Is your businesses accessible? We can provide a few tips on how to review your business from an accessibility standpoint and make improvements to provide a great experience for all visitors.
- Speciality Promotion:
Show your support for the Invictus community in unique and creative ways Inspirational ideas include:
- Create and feature an Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 feature drink, treat, ice cream, etc. (e.g. The Unconquered Cookie)
- Create an Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 display in your store/ shop/ eatery.
- Provide an 'Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025' Special Menu with dishes inspired by the Games for the month of February.
- Provide an Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 viewing party for the sporting events and other coverage on your in-house screen.
- Attend the Whistler Sport Competitions:
All Whistler competitons are FREE to attend! Experience these life-changing events while you cheer on Team Canada and all Nations.
- February 10 - Skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre
- February 11 - Nordic Skiing & Biathlon at Whistler Olympic Park
- February 11 - Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding (Novice) on Whistler Mountain
- February 12 - Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding (Intermediate/ Advanced) on Whistler Mountain.
- Visit the Whistler Invictus Village:
February 9 - 13 from 11 AM - 5 PM, you can enjoy a variety of Invictus activations throughout Whistler Village which will be home to the Whistler Invcitus Village. There will be activities to engage educate and delight visitors and residents of all ages in unique, fun, accessible and interactive ways, all along the Village Stroll.
- Whistler Olympic Plaza - Winter sport 'try it' and Partner Activations
- Maury Young Arts Centre - Family Fun Zone (face painting, arts & crafts and more!), sport competition viewing.
- Village Square - Main Stage Concerts from 2:30 - 5:30 PM daily.
- Mountain Square - Partner Activations
- Gift Cards:
Provide gift cards/ gift certificates that can be used as prize giveaways for competitors, their Family & Friends and/ or the team of azaming volunteers.
- Promoting Your Support:
By participating, you'll be showing your support for the incredible competitors on their journey of recovery while gaining visability among a global audience.
Invictus Games Contact:
If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact Ryan Myers at the email listed below. Together, let's make the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 an extraordinary event for all and showcase the incredible spirit of Whistler.
Ryan Adam Myers | He/Him/His
Whistler Experience Coordinator
rmyers@invictusgames2025.ca
Whistler Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Presented by ATCO and Boeing