Ski Resorts
VANOC Resorts to Straw at Cypress
There is likely a straightforward answer to this question, but I don’t know what it is: why did the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC) decide that Cypress Mountain, which is located in Vancouver, would be a suitable venue for any ski or snowboard events? Are they not aware of how warm the weather can get in Vancouver? I can only assume VANOC was required to hold a certain number of events in Vancouver to call it the “Vancouver” Olympics.
The problem is, Vancouver winter weather fluctuates between “just cold enough to snow on the mountains nearby” and “warm”. And this year, the weather in Vancouver has been very warm. So warm, in fact, that Cypresss had to close early due to a lack of snow. And with the Olympics only weeks away, the world is watching as VANOC scrambles to put together courses for halfpipe, ski and snowboard cross and other competitions with a combination of snow they saved and… wood and straw. Seriously. There is such a lack of snow on Cypress that structures to support the courses now need to be built, and they are going to be partially composed of wood and straw.
This is extremely embarrassing, and news coverage of the problem grows daily. (Check out this update here, or simply use Google News to locate one of the hundreds of stories now detailing the problem).
It should be noted that Whistler currently has more snow than they know what to do with. As I left they were constructing the downhill courses and they looked great. But again, if VANOC had no choice but to use Cypress, I suppose it was an understandable calculated risk… which now appears to be working against them.
Discussion
Post a comment
If children’s books have taught us anything it’s that VANOC should use brick rather than wood or straw. The wolf might blow the whole damn halfpipe event down.
The conditions at the local mountains here in Vancouver have been absolutely heartbreaking. Gut wrenching. However you want to describe them, it’s embarassing.
I’m surprised they didn’t plan to do all the events at Whistler.
To be fair though, the half pipe doesn’t really need much natural snow anyway… still, it’s a real shame.
Are you guys staying for the Olympics? If so — please let me know and we should grab a drink!