NBC's Kristen Dahlgren is in Canada with more on the host city and how preparations are going.

From its sparkling skyline, to mountains that seem to rise straight out of the sea, Vancouver is a breathtaking backdrop to this winter Olympics. It may be Canada's third largest city, but it's the biggest to ever host the winter games.

Nine venues will welcome 5,500 athletes from more than 80 countries around the world.

But Vancouver may also be the warmest host city on record and this year's exceptionally mild temperatures mean a lack of snow at the lower elevations.

Normally Vancouver gets periods of warm and colder weather alternating but this year, since January 1st, it's been all heat.

At Cypress Mountain, the site of snowboarding and freestyle skiing, they have had to bring in snow. Organizers promise it will be ready for action, and athletes like the U.S. mogul team, say, for them, it's just a minor bump in the road.

Heather McPhie, USA moguls skier says, "We've skied in rain, we've skied in tons of snow, we've skied in hot weather, cold weather, so we're ready for it."

American athletes have been arriving all week picking up their official team uniforms, already wearing the pride that goes with them.

Nicole Pikus, Pace Skeleton said, "I don't know how to explain it, maybe elated, ecstatic, it's such a crazy feeling to be here involved with all of this it's so much bigger than us and our sport"

For many, it is as big as it gets. As the world comes together, for just over two weeks to share this breathtaking venue and a common quest for gold.

The opening ceremony is Friday and you can see it right here on KULR-8 starting at 6:30pm and 24/7 online with kulr8.com.