Read the SkiUnion report (link posted a few posts above) it really sums it up well.
Was a proper miracle that the comp happened; about 4:30 am all the new snow that was being created on the inrun avalanched down the 46 degree slope, taking out the base layer from the 2 days before; leaving about 25 tonnes of snow in the transition. If this wasn't bad enough. it then pissed it down with torrential rain for about 3 hours.
The snowmaking equipment also failed; the nitrogen tanker having a fault, meaning we could make no more snow. for the runout or to replace the top of the runin.
We spent a few hour hauling bins full of snow up the landing with ropes to try and rebuil dthe runin, but whatever we did the rain washed away. My early morning work shaping the kicker was even wasted as, although we covered it to protect from the rain, the humidity jusst destroyed it.
From about 9 we had a few sketchy hours trying to find something to do, but any work done immediately vanised under the rain; the riders lounge was full of anxious pros; wondering if their trips from the US, Europe, Japan and Australia would be worth it; and considering alternative option for the day. Matt Walker's idea of taking all the prize money, putting it behind the bar and awarding firt place to whoever could drink the most was popular (especially with me), Colby West remained positive, his attitude giving us motivation to bust out some extra effort with the remaining snow.
It wasn't until 11:30 that we were able to actually get some proper work in to try and rescue the situation, however everyone manned up and in just 3 and a half hours we managed to create something that worked.
Massive props to everyone who worked hard to get the comp going; to Woodsy for dropping in first to test the speed, going huge in the process (also for being first to double flip it); and to the rest of the riders for sticking around instead of going off to the pub.
Watch out for the full report and Pete Wilson's shots in the next couple of days.
