IOC Considers Expanding Winter Olympics Sports Beyond Snow and Ice

Proposal to include events like cross-country running and cyclocross could open up Winter Games to more diversity.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55am

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The International Olympic Committee is reviewing its mandate that all Winter Olympic sports must be played on snow and ice, opening the door for events like cross-country running, cyclocross, and snow volleyball to potentially join the Winter Games program as soon as 2030 or 2034. This move is aimed at increasing the diversity of the Winter Olympics and providing more medal opportunities for athletes from regions that traditionally struggle to field competitive winter sports teams. However, established winter sports federations have pushed back against the proposal, arguing it would "dilute the brand, heritage, and identity" of the Winter Games.

Why it matters

Expanding the Winter Olympics beyond just snow and ice sports could help increase participation and representation from a wider range of countries and athletes, making the Games more globally inclusive. However, it also risks upsetting the traditional winter sports community and changing the fundamental character of the Winter Olympics.

The details

The IOC's review of the Winter Olympics program is being led by new IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who has set up a working group to consider "identifying ways for sports to be added to or removed from the program through a clear and transparent process." Proposals have been made to include events like cross-country running and cyclocross, which take place on muddy fields rather than snow, as well as indoor sports like snow volleyball. Supporters argue these could provide more opportunities for African and South American athletes to win medals. However, the group representing established winter sports federations has pushed back, saying such an approach would "dilute the brand, heritage, and identity" of the Winter Games.

  • The IOC is expected to make a decision on potential program changes for the 2030 or 2034 Winter Olympics at an executive board meeting in June 2026, after the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games.
  • In November 2025, the Winter Olympic Federations group criticized the proposal to expand beyond snow and ice sports.

The players

Kirsty Coventry

The current IOC President who initiated the review of the Winter Olympics program.

Sebastian Coe

The president of the International Association of Athletics Federations, who has suggested including cross-country running in the Winter Games to provide more medal opportunities for African athletes.

David Lappartient

The president of the Union Cycliste Internationale, who has supported including cyclocross in a potential 2030 Winter Olympics bid in the French Alps.

Fabio Azevedo

The president of the International Volleyball Federation, who has advocated for including snow volleyball in the Winter Games.

Max Cobb

The American secretary general of the International Biathlon Union, who has questioned the push to add cross-country running and cyclocross to the Winter Olympics.

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What’s next

The IOC is expected to make a decision on potential program changes for the 2030 or 2034 Winter Olympics at an executive board meeting in June 2026, after the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games.

The takeaway

The IOC's review of the Winter Olympics program reflects a desire to make the Games more globally inclusive, but faces resistance from established winter sports federations who want to preserve the traditional character of the event. The outcome could significantly reshape the future of the Winter Olympics.