Climate Change Threatens Future Winter Olympics

Researchers warn that only 30 mountain locations may be suitable to host the Games by the 2080s

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:08am

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A bold, abstract painting in soft, flat colors depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and challenges facing the future of the Winter Olympics due to climate change.As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, the future of the Winter Olympics hangs in the balance, prompting the International Olympic Committee to consider drastic measures to protect winter sports.Salt Lake City Today

The future of winter sports is at stake as climate change threatens the very essence of the Winter Olympics. Belgian biathlete Maya Cloetens, training for the upcoming Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, can't help but worry about the impact of climate change on her beloved sport. Researchers warn that only 52 out of 93 mountain locations currently equipped with winter sports infrastructure will have sufficient snow depth and cold temperatures to host the Winter Olympics in the 2050s, and this number could drop to as low as 30 by the 2080s.

Why it matters

The potential host sites for the Winter Olympics are dwindling, and the Paralympic Winter Games, which follow two weeks after the Olympics, face an even bleaker outlook. The reliance on snowmaking technology, which requires immense energy and water, raises concerns about its long-term sustainability. The impact of climate change on snowmaking is evident in the Alps, where seasonal snowfall has significantly reduced over the last 40 years due to rising temperatures.

The details

The Italian company TechnoAlpin, supplying snowmaking systems, acknowledges the challenges, with Davide Cerato, overseeing snowmaking operations, expressing uncertainty about the future. The organizing committee of the Milan-Cortina Games estimates the need for 946 million liters of water for snowmaking, highlighting the critical role of water resources. Carmen de Jong, a hydrology professor, emphasizes the importance of water, stating that without it, the Games cannot take place.

  • The 2030 Winter Olympics will be held in the French Alps.
  • The 2034 Winter Olympics will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • The 2038 Winter Olympics are being exclusively discussed for Switzerland due to its existing infrastructure and excellent public transportation.

The players

Maya Cloetens

A Belgian biathlete training for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.

Karl Stoss

The chair of the Future Host Commission for the International Olympic Committee.

Davide Cerato

The overseer of snowmaking operations at the Italian company TechnoAlpin, which supplies snowmaking systems.

Luca Mercalli

An Italian climatologist who observes the stark contrast between the snow-covered mountains of the past and the grey landscapes of today.

Carmen de Jong

A hydrology professor who emphasizes the importance of water resources for the Winter Olympics to take place.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The International Olympic Committee is taking steps to minimize the environmental impact of the Olympics, including requiring hosts to reduce water and electricity use and avoid unnecessary construction. They are also considering reducing the number of sports, athletes, and spectators to protect winter sports for the long term.

The takeaway

The future of the Winter Olympics lies in choosing countries with good climate conditions and high standards for environmental protection. The time for change is now, and the Winter Olympics must adapt to the challenges posed by climate change to ensure the long-term viability of winter sports.