The lack of snow in Vancouver is a cause of growing concern for the organisers of the Winter Olympics.

Sixteen days before the opening ceremony there is a mood of crisis in the Canadian city. In recent weeks the ski resort of Cypress Mountain, due to be the venue for the snowboarding and freestyle skiing, has seen unprecedented high temperatures.

The organisers are hoping a cold front forecast to arrive next week will come to their aid. Meanwhile tons of snow are being transported to Cypress Mountain in a desperate attempt to prepare the pistes. The Olympic committee says the games will go ahead come what may. "We have the necessary technology available," a spokesperson has said.

Olympic torch near a snowless Vancouver by GMRoad Trip - Flickr