Climate Change and the 2026 Winter Olympic

Climate change is reshaping winter sports and the future of the Winter Olympics and World Cup international competitions. 

In the 2022–2023 season, 7 of the first 8 of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation World Cup competitions were cancelled, followed by 26 World Cups (across 5 disciplines) in the 2023–2024 season, all due to lack of snow. Higher crash and injury rates among snow sports athletes were partially attributed to higher temperatures and lower quality snow conditions at the Sochi Games.

A survey of professional and Olympic winter athletes and coaches from 20 countries found 90% had concerns about how climate change will affect the future of their sport.

Snowmaking facilities that have been used to adapt to low snow conditions are becoming increasingly important to creating safe, competitive environments.

A recent scientific study, “Advancing climate change resilience of the Winter Olympic-Paralympic Games,” offers more detailed information. 

Full article: Advancing climate change resilience of the Winter Olympic-Paralympic Games