it is indeed supposed to be an el nino year. the thing is, while it means warmer temps, it also means much more precip. (At least in Whistler) We should get tons of snow, it just won't be as light and fluffy, all season long. Season may start like a week (max) late, but it should get up and going quicker (i.e. short period of exposed terrain, etc.). We'll pretty much have to wait to see how it turns out, but yes, el nino will strike the west coast winter 09/10.