Warm weather and rain are in the forecast for snow-starved Cypress Mountain, the Olympic venue for freestyle skiing and snowboarding but Vancouver and International Olympic Committee members say they're confident the mountain will be fine come Games-time.
Temperatures aren't expected to dip below zero on the mountain this week, but VANOC officials are assuring all that the Games will go on.
"There's enough snow on the courses, the build is finished," VANOC executive vice president Dave Cobb said Monday. "They're putting the final touches of dropping snow in today."
Officials were also quick to deny rumours that some Cypress events may be cancelled or moved.
"It is a false rumour," said Christian Hrab of the Canadian Snowboard Federation. "The snow conditions are suitable for our events."
IOC president Jacques Rogge agreed, adding that there was no need for a backup plan.
"There is no concern and there is no Plan B," Rogge said.
Olympic staff have been trucking and flying in snow for the courses for two weeks. In an extra attempt to stop snow from breaking down, tubes filled with dry ice have been placed within the mogul and aerial courses.
Environment Canada says highs will hover around 3 C this week at Cypress, leading up to the first day of competition on Saturday, when there is a 60 per cent chance of rain on the mountain.
Mogul skiers will be the first to try the runs at the venue on Vancouver's North Shore, starting today.
Training runs for snowboarders have been cut back to preserve snow on those runs, but athletes have been offered make-up time at Whistler, where snow is abundant.
With files from The Canadian Press and a report from CTV British Columbia's Mike Killeen
