The Winter Olympics and Paralympics have traditionally symbolized snow, cold, and mountain sports on a global scale. However, the reliability of winter conditions is being challenged by rising temperatures and unpredictable snowfall, leading to concerns about the sustainability of these events. With Italy preparing to host the upcoming Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, the impact of climate change is influencing planning decisions and infrastructure choices, highlighting the difficulties in fulfilling sustainability promises.
A recent study commissioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed that by the 2050s, only about half of the previous Winter Olympics host cities may have suitable conditions to host the Games due to warming temperatures. The ski-resilience index from November 2025 indicated growing vulnerabilities in snow reliability at many resorts, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, the main venue for the upcoming Games. This raises uncertainties about the post-Olympic sustainability of these locations.
Despite the challenges, the IOC remains committed to its climate goals, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and mandating host cities to utilize existing or temporary venues. Competition sites must maintain climate reliability, ensuring suitable conditions for events without extensive artificial interventions until at least mid-century.
In the Italian Alps, temperatures are already exceeding long-term averages, affecting natural snowpack and necessitating increased reliance on artificial snow and refrigeration. While organizers tout Italy’s sustainable event planning history, concerns persist regarding the environmental impact of the Winter Games.
Gloria Zavatta, the sustainability and impact director for the upcoming Winter Games, emphasized the event’s adherence to international greenhouse-gas reporting standards and commitment to offsetting emissions by the end of 2026. However, challenges remain, particularly in accounting for emissions from spectator travel, which is a significant contributor to the carbon footprint of major sporting events.
The definition of “reuse” in venue planning for the Milano-Cortina Games has come under scrutiny, with concerns about the environmental impact of major renovations to existing facilities not fully reflected. The construction of new structures in Milan, such as the Olympic Village and the Santa Giulia arena, raises questions about the long-term sustainability of these venues post-Games.
Calls for a rotating Winter Games model have emerged within the sports community, advocating for a limited number of climate-stable venues to alternate hosting duties. The reliance on snowmaking for the Winter Games underscores the challenges of maintaining traditional winter conditions in the face of climate change, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to ensure the future viability of these events.