The Jamaican bobsled team is one of the most iconic underdog stories in Winter Olympics history. Ever since their debut at the 1988 Calgary Games, fans have asked the same question:
Where does the Jamaican bobsled team actually practice—especially in a country with no snow?
Here’s a full breakdown of how and where Jamaica prepares for international bobsled competition.
Jamaica (Off-Ice Training & Push Practice)
Although Jamaica does not have an ice track, much of the team’s strength, sprinting, and push training takes place on the island.
Training in Jamaica Includes:
- Track sprint work (critical for push starts)
- Weightlifting and power development
- Dry-land sled push training
- Athletic conditioning camps
Many team members come from Jamaica’s strong track and field background, which provides elite-level speed and explosiveness—key traits in bobsled.
However, when it comes to actual ice training, the team must travel abroad.
United States (Primary Ice Training Base)
The Jamaican team frequently trains in Mount Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid.
This historic sliding track has hosted multiple Winter Olympics and is one of North America’s premier bobsled training facilities.
Why Lake Placid?
- World-class refrigerated ice track
- Access to USA Bobsled & Skeleton facilities
- Technical coaching support
- Regular international competition events
Training in Lake Placid allows Jamaica to compete and practice alongside top nations like the United States, Canada, and Germany.
Canada (Calgary Olympic Park)
Another major training site is Canada Olympic Park, now operated by WinSport in Calgary.
This is the same venue used during the 1988 Winter Olympics—the Games where Jamaica made its historic debut.
Calgary offers:
- Consistent ice conditions
- Olympic-standard facilities
- International racing opportunities
Germany & Europe (World Cup Circuits)
When preparing for major competitions like the Winter Olympics or IBSF World Cup, Jamaica often trains and competes in Europe, including tracks in Germany such as Winterberg bobsleigh track.
Europe is home to many of the fastest and most technically demanding tracks in the world, making it critical for Olympic-level preparation.
How the Jamaican Team Makes It Work
Because Jamaica lacks a domestic ice track:
- They operate as a travel-based training program
- Athletes often split time between Jamaica and North America
- Funding and sponsorship play a major role in determining training access
- Many athletes train year-round in cold-weather countries
This unique setup requires intense coordination, fundraising, and international partnerships.
Why Jamaica’s Training Model Is Unique
Unlike winter sport powerhouses, Jamaica must:
- Train thousands of miles from home
- Adapt to foreign facilities
- Develop talent without domestic ice infrastructure
Yet despite these challenges, the team continues to qualify for Winter Olympics events and compete on the world stage.
Final Answer: Where Does the Jamaican Bobsled Team Practice?
The Jamaican bobsled team:
- Trains off-ice in Jamaica
- Practices on ice primarily in Lake Placid, New York
- Also trains in Calgary, Canada
- Competes and prepares in European tracks, especially Germany
Their global training approach allows them to remain competitive despite tropical origins—making their story one of the most inspiring in Olympic history.