January 21st, 2026 - As Winter Temperatures Rise, Olympic Athletes and Organizers Struggle to Find Reliable Snow

A warming planet is increasingly challenging the future of winter sports, as elite athletes like Gus Schumacher prepare for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Schumacher, a seasoned cross-country skier from Alaska, is no stranger to harsh conditions. Yet, in recent years, he's found himself competing on artificial snow in less-than-ideal circumstances. "It’s entirely man-made snow and kind of brown on the sides," he shared about some of his recent races. This shift to synthetic snow and less picturesque landscapes is becoming a frequent reality in the face of rising global temperatures.

The current situation is a direct result of the impact of climate change on traditional winter venues. Officials in the Italian Alps, where the upcoming Winter Olympics will be held, report enough man-made snow for the event, but they also express growing concerns about the long-term viability of such events. Karl Stoss, Chairman of the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission, predicts that by mid-century, only a handful of countries will have cold enough climates to host Olympic snow sports without relying on artificial snow.

The shrinking pool of reliable host cities is a pressing issue for winter sports. According to a study, by 2050, only four cities—Niseko in Japan, Terskol in Russia, and Val d’Isère and Courchevel in France—would be able to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics without relying on artificial snow. The growing unpredictability of snowfall poses a serious threat, not only to the infrastructure of the games but also to athletes, especially those competing in the Paralympics. Warmer temperatures are creating more dangerous conditions for outdoor events like skiing and snowboarding.

Athletes and coaches are feeling the effects of these changing conditions. A 2022 survey found that 90% of winter sports professionals believed climate change was negatively impacting their sport. Many point to previous Winter Olympics, such as the 2014 Sochi Games, where warm temperatures and poor snow conditions led to higher injury rates. Even traditional winter venues like Grenoble and Garmisch-Partenkirchen may no longer be viable by 2050 due to insufficient snowfall.

The warming climate also impacts countries like the U.S., where places like Utah and Park City are facing delayed snow seasons and higher-than-usual temperatures. The state of Utah, for example, experienced its warmest year on record in 2025. For cities like Salt Lake City, hosting future Olympics is becoming more of a gamble as global warming makes snow surface conditions less reliable, especially for the Paralympic events scheduled after the main Games.

To mitigate these challenges, the International Olympic Committee is considering moving events earlier in the year to January and February or even holding the Olympics and Paralympics at the same time in different locations. While snow-making is a common solution in North America, it faces opposition in Europe due to its environmental impact, including water usage and damage to local ecosystems. As the reality of warmer winters sets in, athletes like Chris Hecker, a wax technician for the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, are adjusting to the increasingly unpredictable snow conditions. For Hecker, the shift to artificial snow has made his job easier but less enjoyable. "Natural snow always makes the surrounding scenes look a lot nicer when you’re skiing," he says.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Schmooze (verb, SHMOOZ) - To schmooze is to warmly chat with someone often in order to gain favor, business, or connections.

Example: The event provides an opportunity for local business owners to network and schmooze.

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