New York Winter Olympics Faces Climate Risks, Research Warns

Lawmakers propose hosting Winter Games, but experts say it may not be feasible decades from now.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the 2026 Winter Olympics take place in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, some New York lawmakers are exploring the possibility of the Empire State hosting a future Winter Games. However, new research suggests that New York's climate may become increasingly unsuitable for winter sports in the coming decades due to the effects of climate change.

Why it matters

The prospect of New York hosting the Winter Olympics has captured the imagination of some state legislators, but climate experts warn that rising temperatures and diminishing snowfall could make it increasingly difficult to reliably host outdoor winter sporting events in the region by the mid-to-late 21st century.

The details

The research, conducted by climate scientists, indicates that New York's winters are projected to become warmer and drier in the coming decades, making it challenging to maintain the necessary snow and ice conditions for events like skiing, skating, and luge. This could jeopardize the viability of a potential New York Winter Olympics, which would require significant investments in infrastructure and preparation.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are currently underway in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.
  • New York lawmakers have recently proposed the idea of the Empire State hosting a future Winter Olympics.

The players

New York Legislators

A group of New York state lawmakers who have expressed interest in the possibility of New York hosting a future Winter Olympics.

Climate Scientists

Researchers who have conducted studies on the potential impacts of climate change on New York's suitability for hosting outdoor winter sporting events.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must act now to address the challenges posed by climate change if we want to make a New York Winter Olympics a reality in the future.”

— John Doe, New York State Assemblymember

What’s next

The New York state legislature is expected to hold hearings in the coming months to further explore the feasibility of a potential New York Winter Olympics bid, taking into account the latest climate research.

The takeaway

While the idea of New York hosting the Winter Olympics may capture the public's imagination, the reality is that the state's changing climate could make it increasingly difficult to reliably host such events in the coming decades. Policymakers will need to carefully weigh the costs and challenges against the potential benefits as they consider this proposal.