Climate and the Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics depend on cold, snowy conditions that are becoming less reliable as temperatures rise, snow seasons shorten, and humidity increases.

Past host locations such as Chamonix, Sochi, Vancouver, and Beijing illustrate the range of risks and adaptations, from artificial snow and snow farming to refrigerated tracks, indoor facilities, and possible shifts toward higher or more northerly venues. These measures can preserve competition but require substantial water and energy, placing climate resilience in tension with sustainability. Research assessing Olympic sites therefore informs scheduling, host selection, and the International Olympic Committee’s long-term planning.