Climate change is killing the Winter Olympics, experts warn,
Climate change is killing the Winter Olympics, new data has revealed.
This year’s event will kick off on 6 February in Milano Cortina, where athletes from around the world will go head–to–head across 16 disciplines – many of which require abundant snow.
Now, Climate Central has revealed the devastating impact climate change has had on this location in the high–altitude Italian Alps.
In the 70 years since Cortina first held the Winter Games in 1956, February temperatures in the northern Italian town have warmed by a whopping 3.6°C (6.4°F).
This warming has led to fewer freezes, with Cortina d’Ampezzo now experiencing 19 per cent fewer freezing days annually than in 1956.
As a result, the event will heavily rely on artificial snow this year.
‘Despite taking place in the high–altitude Italian Alps, centered around the town of Cortina, the 2026 Olympics will also require more than 3 million cubic yards of artificial snow,’ Climate Central explains.
‘With artificial snow becoming a regular part of winter sports, the challenge of ensuring adequate conditions highlights the central role that the weather plays in the Winter Olympics and Paralympics — especially for the reliability and safety of outdoor competitions.’
This year’s Winter Olympics will be held in ‘Milano Cortina’, which comprises eight locations – Milano, Verona, Tesero, Predazzo, Bormio, Livigno, Antholz–Anterselva, and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Cortina d’Ampezzo first hosted the Winter Olympics 70 years ago, back in 1956.
Since then, global warming has pushed the average February temperatures up by 3.6°C (6.4°F), taking the area closer to thawing point.
‘Studies show that average February snow depth in Cortina has decreased with warming — by about 15 centimeters (6 inches) from 1971–2019,’ Climate Central said.
Cortina isn’t the only site affected.
Milan – which will host the figure skating and ice hockey – has warmed by 3.2°C (5.8°F) since 1956.
Unsurprisingly, this warmer weather can affect the conditions for several disciplines.
‘Without cold enough temperatures and sufficient snow on the ground, Olympic athletes may experience conditions like rain, wet snow, or low snow coverage,’ Climate Central explained.
‘Resistant and hard surfaces are required for elite competition to ensure fair and safe conditions for athletes.
‘If surfaces cannot refreeze, the risk of injuries increases and athletes later in the start list are likely to experience less favorable conditions.’
Skiing or snowboarding might be the first sports that spring to mind when you consider those that might be affected.
However, Climate Central highlights another discipline – the bobsled.
This high–speed race is held on an outdoor ice track, where sleds compete in timed runs.
While ideal bobsled tracks have temperatures at freezing or below, many tracks require constant refrigeration to maintain these conditions.
‘While necessary to prevent melting, refrigeration creates frost which can make the track slower, presenting fairness concerns for athletes,’ Climate Central explained.
Looking ahead, things are only set to get worse.
A 2024 study found that, of 93 potential host cities for the Winter Olympics, only 87 currently have reliable conditions.
However, by 2050, that number will drop to just 52 under a high–emissions scenario.
‘The future of the Winter Olympics — and the reliability, safety, and fairness of many outdoor winter sports competitions — is uncertain in a warming climate,’ the experts added.
