Climate Change Threatens Future Winter Olympics Hosting

Warmer temperatures and lack of natural snow create challenges for Winter Games organizers.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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As global temperatures rise, host cities for the Winter Olympics are facing increasing difficulties providing the necessary snow and cold weather conditions for winter sports competitions. The 2026 Milano Cortina Games in Italy will require 3 million cubic yards of artificial snow due to a 20% drop in freezing days, and future host sites like Utah are also seeing dramatic declines in snowfall, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the Winter Olympics.

Why it matters

The Winter Olympics rely on reliable winter weather conditions, but climate change is making those conditions increasingly scarce in traditional host regions. This threatens the future of the Winter Games as organizers struggle to adapt by using energy-intensive and environmentally damaging artificial snow. The impact extends beyond the Olympics, as reduced snowpack also leads to drought and water supply issues for local communities.

The details

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics will take place in much warmer conditions compared to when the region first hosted the games in 1956, with average temperatures rising by 6.4°F. This has led to a 20% drop in freezing days and a shortage of natural snow, forcing organizers to import 3 million cubic yards of artificial snow. The artificial snow is less safe and riskier for athletes, and its production and transportation adds to the carbon footprint of the games. Similar challenges are emerging for future host sites, with Utah seeing dramatically low snowfall this winter and the French Alps losing about a third of their snowpack over the past century.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Milano Cortina, Italy.
  • The region first hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956.
  • Average temperatures in Cortina, Italy have risen by 6.4°F since 1956.

The players

Marcene Mitchell

Senior vice president for climate change at the World Wildlife Fund.

Carlos Martinez

Senior climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Jon Meyer

Assistant Utah state climatologist.

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What they’re saying

“The number of freezing days, which is what you need to have snow, has dropped by almost 20%.”

— Marcene Mitchell, Senior vice president for climate change, World Wildlife Fund

“To create artificial snow requires massive amounts of water and energy.”

— Marcene Mitchell, Senior vice president for climate change, World Wildlife Fund

“Globally, winters are changing drastically.”

— Jon Meyer, Assistant Utah state climatologist

What’s next

The impact of climate change on future Winter Olympics hosting will likely be an ongoing issue that organizers and host cities will need to continue addressing through measures like increased use of artificial snow, scheduling changes, and site selection.

The takeaway

The Winter Olympics face an uncertain future as climate change makes it increasingly difficult for traditional host regions to provide the necessary winter weather conditions. Adapting to these challenges will require significant investments and changes that could fundamentally alter the character and environmental impact of the games.