The Winter Olympics and Paralympics have long symbolized a celebration of snow, cold weather, and mountain landscapes, serving as a global platform for sports that rely on consistent winter conditions. However, with rising temperatures and unpredictable snowfall patterns, the traditional foundation of these events is increasingly unstable. Environmental experts caution that Olympic organizers are overstating the level of sustainability achievable for the Games.
As Italy prepares to host the upcoming Winter Olympics followed by the Paralympic Games, the impact of climate change is influencing decisions related to planning, infrastructure development, and environmental commitments. The challenge lies in fulfilling these promises amidst the evolving climate conditions, highlighting the complexities of ensuring a sustainable approach to hosting such large-scale sporting events.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has acknowledged the issue, citing a 2024 study revealing that by the 2050s, only around half of the previous Winter Olympics host cities would maintain the necessary cold temperatures to host the Games. A ski-resilience index from November 2025 indicated growing vulnerabilities in snow reliability, with Cortina d’Ampezzo, a key venue for the upcoming Games, facing uncertainties regarding post-Olympic sustainability.
Despite these challenges, the IOC remains committed to its climate targets, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. The organization now mandates that host cities rely predominantly on existing or temporary venues and ensure that snow competition sites are “climate reliable” until at least mid-century, meaning they must possess suitable snow and temperature conditions for events without extensive artificial interventions.
The changing climate in the Italian Alps, with temperatures exceeding long-term averages and inconsistent natural snowfall, has necessitated increased reliance on artificial snow production and refrigeration. Organizers emphasize Italy’s past efforts in promoting sustainability during major events, citing initiatives from previous Olympics and expos as precedents for the current approach, which aligns with international greenhouse gas reporting standards.
However, concerns persist regarding the environmental impact of spectator travel, a significant contributor to emissions at large sporting events. While organizers encourage sustainable transportation choices, such as reducing flights and promoting collective transport, they acknowledge limitations in controlling this aspect of the Games’ carbon footprint. The event serves as a platform to raise awareness of climate change, though some critics question the effectiveness of this strategy.
The push for sustainability at the Winter Olympics faces scrutiny from experts like Madeleine Orr, who highlights both successes and limitations in previous Games’ environmental efforts. The concept of “reuse” in venue planning is under scrutiny, as major renovations to existing facilities may not be fully accounted for in emissions assessments. The late implementation of sustainability measures for the Milano-Cortina Games has posed challenges, particularly in relation to infrastructure decisions already set in motion.
Calls for a rotating Winter Games model have emerged, with advocates suggesting a limited number of climate-stable venues take turns hosting the event to mitigate environmental impacts and optimize resource use. The reliance on artificial snowmaking underscores the intensifying pressure on the Games’ sustainability, with concerns over water usage and the need for natural snow bases to ensure safe and fair competition.
As discussions continue on reshaping the Winter Games to align with climate goals, the fundamental premise of showcasing winter sports against a backdrop of snowy mountains faces unprecedented challenges, prompting reflections on the event’s long-term viability in a changing climate landscape.