Winter Olympics: Climate Change Makes Competition Harder
Tuesday, 2026/02/10204 words3 minutes608 reads
The Winter Olympics are facing serious challenges due to climate change. Rising temperatures and declining snowfall are forcing organizers to rely heavily on artificial snow. At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy, artificial snow will make up 85% of the total snow used.
While artificial snow ensures consistent conditions for competitions, it comes with significant risks. Research shows that artificial snow is harder, icier, and denser than natural snow. This increases the danger for athletes. "It's the difference between falling on the pavement and falling on grass," explains Madeleine Orr, a sport ecology professor. When athletes fall on artificial snow, injuries tend to be more severe.
The changing climate is also affecting training. Athletes must travel farther to find suitable snow conditions, which increases costs. Canadian freestyle coach Philippe Marquis notes that his team has lost training opportunities at home and now must train in South America. "There are fewer and fewer places around the world that get consistent natural snowfall," he says.
Looking ahead, scientists predict that only 10 of the 21 venues that have hosted Winter Olympics since 1924 will have suitable conditions by 2050. Despite these challenges, experts agree that artificial snowmaking is essential for the future of winter sports.
