Climate change will pose new challenges for hosting the Winter Olympics.

As global temperatures rise, hosting the Winter Olympics is becoming more challenging. Warmer winters are affecting snow conditions in cities once ideal for winter sports, like Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, which will host the 2026 Games. Artificial snow is being relied upon, but it raises safety and environmental concerns.

As global temperatures continue to rise, hosting the Winter Olympics is becoming increasingly challenging for cities that were once known for their snowy climates, according to climate experts. Cities traditionally ideal for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, are now experiencing the effects of warmer winters, making it difficult to maintain the conditions required for these events.

The 2026 Milano Cortina Games in a Warmer World

The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, will take place in a notably warmer environment than previous decades. Since Cortina last hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956, average temperatures have risen by approximately 6.4°F, as reported by Climate Central. This temperature increase has resulted in fewer freezing days and a noticeable reduction in the amount of natural snowfall. According to Marcene Mitchell, Senior Vice President for Climate Change at the World Wildlife Fund, the number of freezing days, crucial for natural snow formation, has dropped by nearly 20%.

Artificial Snow Becomes Essential

Due to these warmer conditions, organizers are compelled to import approximately 3 million cubic yards of artificial snow for the 2026 games, even though the venues are situated at high altitudes in the Italian Alps. Mitchell noted that the use of artificial snow leads to icier and more hazardous surfaces for athletes, increasing the risks during competition. Furthermore, the creation and transportation of artificial snow add to the carbon footprint of the event, requiring substantial amounts of water and energy.

Impact on Snow Quality and Sports Events

Warmer-than-freezing temperatures can affect the consistency of snow, often transforming it into slush. This change forces crews to spend additional time smoothing slopes, which can delay competitions. Carlos Martinez, Senior Climate Scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, explained that some of the most popular outdoor sports, including skiing and snowboarding, are particularly vulnerable to these temperature fluctuations.

Global Warming Reduces Viable Winter Olympic Sites

As the climate warms, regions that were once reliable hosts for the Winter Games are now facing significant challenges. Climate Central reports that every city that has hosted the Winter Olympics since 1950 has seen rising temperatures. A 2024 study identified 93 potential host locations, but only 52 are expected to have dependable winter conditions by the 2050s. Jon Meyer, Assistant State Climatologist for Utah, stated that the impacts of global warming on snowpack are being observed across all continents. These changes are altering the viability of future Winter Olympic locations.

Future Olympic Locations at Risk

The French Alps, selected to host the 2030 Winter Olympics, have already lost around one-third of their snowfall over the past 100 years. Utah, set to host the 2034 Winter Games, is also experiencing the consequences of reduced snowfall. This winter, Salt Lake City recorded just 0.10 inches of snow by early February, a stark contrast to the typical 33.4 inches during this period. One nearby ski resort has accumulated only 143 inches of snow, 150 inches below the average. Meyer noted that this represents uncharted territory for low- and mid-elevation snowfall in Utah, with similar trends emerging across the Western United States. The reduced snowfall also raises concerns regarding drought and the potential decline of water supplies in these regions.

Long-Term Challenges for Winter Olympics

Experts warn that warming temperatures will continue to pose significant challenges for hosting the Winter Olympics globally. Martinez emphasized that the decreasing availability of natural winter conditions is a growing issue, while Mitchell stressed that "you cannot hold the Winter Olympics without winter," a reality that climate change is now making increasingly difficult. The changes seen in places like Milan and Cortina highlight the immediate effects of climate change on winter sports, but they also serve as a warning of the long-term difficulties that future Winter Olympics will face.

Summary of Key Issues

• Average temperatures in historic Winter Olympic locations are rising, reducing the number of freezing days and natural snowfall.
• The increasing need for artificial snow raises safety concerns and contributes to higher carbon emissions.
• Warmer temperatures lead to inconsistent snow quality, causing delays and challenges for athletes in outdoor sports.
• Only 52 out of 93 potential future Winter Olympic host sites are expected to maintain reliable winter conditions by the 2050s.
• The long-term impacts include drought, declining water supplies, and ongoing challenges for hosting winter sports events worldwide.

The 2026 Milano Cortina Games are a clear example of how climate change is already affecting winter sports and highlight the ongoing challenges that will impact future Winter Olympics across the globe.

Sources:

• ABC News - How climate change will make hosting the Winter Olympics more challenging
• Climate Central - Milano Cortina 2026: Warming Winter Olympics
• Time - ‘We’re Rolling the Dice.’ What Climate Change Means for the Winter Olympics
• How climate change will make hosting the Winter Olympics more challenging