Whistler, the home of the 2010 winter Olympic games has been put to the test today and failed. Whistler is located in British Columbia Canada and is known for several scenic Gondola Lifts one of which collapsed leaving dozens of skiers stranded.One of the supporting towers on the aging Excalibur Gondola lift on Blackcomb Mountain Snapped due to the cold temperatures leaving 53 people stranded in 30 Gondola's suffering the icy cold sub zero temperatures. Rescuers did manage to save all 53 skiers who were trapped in the 30 Gondola's.
This recent development has many skeptics and supporters alike wondering if the aging resort of Whistler will stand up to the rigors of an international event such as the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Although there have been several improvements to the region, including extra highway lanes and a New Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the resort still does have some strategic problems.Although the Highway has been improved, many are questioning the 126 KM drive between Whistler and Vancouver. The highway is still a mountain highway and as such has many dangerous corners.
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Today's Collapse of the Excalibur Gondola has added fuel the the fire of those questioning the success of the Olympic Games. Collapsing Gondola aside, I feel the extra business in the region will definitely help the economy, however the traffic congestion of those traveling long distances between the various venue's will make living, commuting, and working between Whistler and the Fraser Valley difficult for most residents.
