7 months ago
2026 Winter Olympics to Use 3 Million Cubic Yards of Artificial Snow
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy, will need more than 3 million cubic yards of artificial snow.
This is because the weather has been getting warmer, making it harder to have enough natural snow.
The temperatures in Cortina have gone up by 6.4°F since 1956, and in Milan by 5.8°F since 1950.
The snow is also not as deep as it used to be.
Because of these changes, the Olympics might not have enough snow for all the sports, and it could be less safe for the athletes.
Many cities might not be able to host the Winter Olympics in the future because of these warming trends.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina will require over 3 million cubic yards of artificial snow.
February temperatures in Cortina have increased by 6.4°F since 1956, with 41 fewer freezing days annually.
Milan's February temperatures have risen by 5.8°F since 1950, affecting indoor ice sports.
Average February snow depth in Cortina has declined by 15 cm between 1971 and 2019.
Only 52 of 93 potential host cities are expected to have reliable winter conditions by the 2050s.
- Who
- Organizers of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina
- What
- Need for 3 million cubic yards of artificial snow due to warming temperatures
- Where
- Milan–Cortina, Italian Alps
- When
- February 2026
- Why
- Rising temperatures and declining natural snowfall
Key facts
- Event
- 2026 Winter Olympics
- Location
- Milan–Cortina, Italian Alps
- Artificial Snow Required
- 3 million cubic yards
- Temperature Increase in Cortina
- 6.4°F (3.6°C) since 1956
- Temperature Increase in Milan
- 5.8°F (3.2°C) since 1950
- Snow Depth Decline in Cortina
- 15 cm (6 inches) between 1971-2019
- Future Host Cities with Reliable Conditions
- 52 out of 93 by 2050s
Quotes
The Winter Olympics in a Warming World by Climate Central
An analysis report by Climate Central
“Rapid warming has pushed February average temperatures closer to the thawing point—27.1°F during 2016–2025, compared with 19.3°F during 1956–1965.”
thestatesman.com
“The 2026 Games will require more than 3 million cubic yards of artificial snow, despite being hosted in the high-altitude Italian Alps.”
thestatesman.com
