Alpine Skiing

U.S. skiers were heading to Whistler late last week, just days before the Olympics begin. They were drawn to the slopes by the Winter Games, but they were not too interested in the competitions.

They were anticipating that the slopes would be quiet and everything else would be looking its best.

Salt Lake City businessman Vance Checketts and his 16-year-old son, Clark, passed through Vancouver earlier this week on their way to Whistler.

"It's a great time to be here. Everything is new and running smoothly," Mr. Checketts said as he pushed his skis through the departure lounge at the Vancouver airport. "It's all ready and looking nice."

The ski trip was a Christmas present for Clark, who planned to go heli-boarding.

The pair will be back in Salt Lake City to watch the Games. Clark said he was "super-excited" to be in B.C.

A resident of Washington, D.C., who has been to Europe and elsewhere to ski, was on his way to Whistler this week for the first time. He was enthusiastic about the skiing, but appeared immune to the Olympic spirit.

"It's the Olympics," said the middle-aged man, who gave only his first name, Drew.

He planned to take advantage of the preparations for the Games.

"Everything is built up," he said. He may watch some of the Olympic events at home, or not.

Spencer Cordtsen, an architect from Rhode Island, brought his skis with him on a business trip to Vancouver. He plans to spend a few days at Whistler, but will be back home by the time the Games begin. "I'm really excited," he said.

Christina Moore, communications manager for Whistler Blackcomb, said skiers are normally discouraged from coming to areas where Olympic competitions will be held.

Many people stay away, she said, believing the slopes will be too busy, accommodations will be unavailable and the area will be a construction site.
Statistics on the number of skiers in the days leading up to the Winter Games were not publicly available.

But Ms. Moore indicated that few people had caught on to the opportunity for great skiing.

The slopes were "very uncrowded" this week, Ms. Moore said. "We have beautiful, wide-open slopes."