Winter Olympics may be limited to fewer mountain sites as climate warms

Researchers estimate the number of mountain locations able to reliably host the Winter Olympics could fall from 93 today to about 52 by the 2050s, and the International Olympic Committee is considering a permanent pool of host sites and earlier dates to cope with warming winters.

Belgian biathlete Maya Cloetens trains for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games while noticing shorter, milder winters where she learned the sport near Grenoble. Researchers and Olympic officials are discussing how warming temperatures are shrinking the list of reliable Winter Olympic sites. The International Olympic Committee has been shown modeling that links rising temperatures and reduced snow reliability to fewer potential hosts. That has prompted talks about a permanent rotation of suitable locations and shifting the season earlier. Key findings: - Research used by the IOC found 93 mountain locations with current elite infrastructure, but only about 52 would likely have sufficient snow depth and cold temperatures in the 2050s, and that could fall to around 30 by the 2080s depending on future emissions. - The IOC gives priority to sites with at least 80% existing venues, which further reduces the pool of viable hosts. - Modeling indicates advanced snowmaking will be necessary at most sites by mid-century, and starting the Olympics and Paralympics about three weeks earlier would substantially increase the number of reliable Paralympic locations. - Recent Olympic hosts such as Grenoble, Chamonix and Garmisch-Partenkirchen were identified as unlikely to be climate-reliable for future Games, while organizers are planning large-scale snowmaking and water storage at some venues now. Summary: Fewer mountain sites will likely be able to host Winter Olympic events as the climate warms, increasing reliance on artificial snow and creating demands on water and energy. The IOC is exploring a permanent pool of climate-reliable hosts and earlier scheduling, and has already selected the French Alps for 2030 and Salt Lake City for 2034 while holding talks with Switzerland about 2038.