The Whistler Sliding Centre has been thrust into the spotlight following the Feb.12 death of Georgia luger Nodar Kumaritashvili during a practice run just hours before the Opening Ceremony. A few facts about Whistler Sliding Centre, which will host Olympic luge, bobsled and skeleton competition:

• The ideal ice temperature for fast times and consistent performance is -5 Celsius or 23 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The ice is maintained 18 hours a day, seven days a week.

• The track was built from June 2005 to December 2007.

Source: Whistler Sliding Center press office; Tony Benshoof and Gordy Sheer, USA Luge; and Steven Holcomb.

Photos by Michael Madrid, USA TODAY. Graphic by Robert Ahrens, David Evans and Alex Newman, USA TODAY. 3D model from Google Earth.