In a mere fortnight, a multitude of sportspeople and countless spectators will converge on the chilly town of Cortina d’Ampezzo for the commencement of the Olympic Winter Games. However, a recent study by the U.S.-based non-profit Climate Central reveals that compared to seven decades ago, when the town last hosted the event, temperatures have risen by over three degrees on average.
Between 1956 and 2025, the average February temperatures in Cortina increased from around -7°C to -2.7°C. This significant warming trend, as noted by Kristina Dahl, Climate Central’s vice-president for science, could lead to a shift from freezing conditions to thawing temperatures. Analyzing a global temperature dataset dating back to the 1940s, Climate Central also discovered a decrease of 41 days per year with temperatures below freezing in Cortina.
Maintaining naturally cold and snowy conditions is crucial for providing optimal competition environments for athletes, emphasized Dahl in an interview with CBC News. The report also highlights changes in average temperatures for the Winter Paralympics over the past five decades, with March temperatures in Cortina and Milan rising by 2.5°C and 2.1°C since 1976.
These findings underscore the impact of climate change, largely driven by fossil fuel consumption, on outdoor events, leading to a growing reliance on artificial snow. International Ski Federation president Johan Eliasch previously expressed concerns about the need for artificial snow at Livigno, the venue for freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. However, recent colder temperatures in the region have helped alleviate these concerns.
The necessity of ample snow extends beyond the competition areas to ensure athlete safety and proper runoff zones. Climate scientist and University of Waterloo professor Daniel Scott highlighted the importance of reliable snowpack, citing past instances where warmer temperatures contributed to heightened injury risks for athletes.
As climate change continues to influence Winter Olympics preparations, the future viability of hosting such events is being called into question. A study co-authored by Scott and commissioned by the International Olympic Committee examined potential host locations, stressing the importance of adequate snowpack and cold temperatures for maintaining snow courses.
Looking ahead, a warming climate may prompt changes in the organization of Winter Games events, potentially necessitating indoor venues for certain disciplines. Dahl emphasized that the evolving climate could reshape athlete training practices worldwide.