Surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants and hotels, the Olympic venue itself can hold up to 7700 spectators at what is known as the 'timing' flats'. Monday's staging of the Men's downhill, after a mix of warm temperatures, heavy snowfall, rain and fog that have wreaked havoc with the Alpine schedule, came off in perfect conditions without a hitch. Olympic officials are now familiar with the finicky weather patterns of Whistler's West Coast location, but athletes are so far pleased with what they've experienced.
“The conditions were great,” said Canadian Manuel Osborne-Paradis, who finished a disappointing 17th on his home track in the Men's downhill. “There's no way I thought it would be in such good shape after the weather we've been having.”
Transportation to the venue has been seamless, with numerous buses making continuous stops along Hwy. 99 to shuttle ticket-holders, volunteers and local workers to and from Whistler Village, a short 10-minute trip.
“I haven't had a problem once with any of the buses,” said Creekside resident Chris Worthman.“It's actually been a nice change of pace taking the bus everyday.”
Whistler Creekside Venue and the Alpine Media Centre have been lauded in recent media coverage for its combination of top-notch organization, world-class runs and hassle-free spectator experience.
“I'm pretty impressed,” said Los Angeles Times photographer Wally Skalij. “I think the venue is great as far as access for visitors and media alike. The jumbo screen at the finish is a hit with spectatorsand everyone has been very well informed of results and such.”
Keeping in tune with the Canadian reputation for friendliness and politeness, the Creekside Alpine Venue has managed to keep the beat.
“I don't want to take anything away from the Italians,” said Skalij, “but Whistler has been definitely a lot more organized than the Turin Games and people are a lot more polite. Even the police are nice. It's fun to be up here.”
The venue will host these remaining Olympic alpine events, the men’s events rescheduled after weather issues:
February 17 -Ladies' Downhill
February 18- Ladies' Super Combined Downhill, Ladies' Super Combined Slalom
February 20 - Ladies' Super-G
February 21 - Men's Super Combined Downhill, Men's Super Combined Slalom
February 24 - Men's Super-G
Written by Todd Lawson at Whistler .
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