The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, will be held February 12-28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Some events will be held in the nearby resort town of Whistler.

Vancouver won the bidding process to host the Olympics in a vote by the International Olympic Committee on July 2, 2003, at the 115th IOC Session held in Prague, Czech Republic. The result was announced by IOC President Jacques Rogge.

Following Olympic tradition, then Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan received the Olympic flag during the closing ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. Vancouver will be the most populous city ever to hold the Winter Games.

Skiing is considered the most popular outdoor winter sport. If you are a first-time skier, it may be helpful to read the following beginner’s skiing tips:

Ski Resort – Ski resorts cater to different clientele, but most are built for skiers of all levels. Choose one that offers lessons to beginners and has an ideal area for new skiers to practice on. Many resorts offer beginner ski classes for all ages, and it could pay to ask if the resort will include a beginner’s lesson with a first-time ski lift purchase.

The Winter Olympic Games (the 2010 Winter Olympics will be held in Vancouver) is a multi-sport event held every four years, and some of the most-watched competitions are on snow and ice. The 2010 games will feature sixteen sports, under which fall a variety of disciplines.