Boulder, CO (January 29, 2026) — As the world has turned its attention to the Winter Olympics, a growing body of scientific research and the athletes who depend on snow for their careers are delivering a clear message: winter is warming, snow is becoming less reliable, and the future of winter sport is increasingly at risk. New peer-reviewed studies show climate change is already reshaping where the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games can be held, shortening seasons, and threatening winter-based economies worldwide.
In response, Olympians and scientists from the Protect Our Winters Alliance are elevating both the urgency of the challenge and the solutions needed to protect the places, seasons, and sports they love.
“The science is clear: winter is getting shorter and less reliable, and the future of the Winter Olympics is no longer guaranteed. Athletes and mountain communities are feeling this first because winter sports are on the front lines of climate change. But those who depend on winter also know how to do hard things. Protect Our Winters exists to turn that urgency into action, mobilizing athletes and scientists, and encouraging policymakers to protect winter and the people and places that depend on it.”
— Erin Sprague, CEO, Protect Our Winters
PART I: THE SCIENCE — WHAT THE DATA TELLS US ABOUT THE FUTURE OF WINTER SPORTS
Olympic and Paralympic Viability in a Warming Climate
New research out last week, led by Dr. Daniel Scott at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Robert Stieger, University of Innsbruck and Dr. Maddy Orr, University of Toronto, and supported by Protect Our Winters Canada, examines how climate change is reshaping where—and whether—the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games can be held. In Advancing Climate Change Resilience of the Winter Olympic–Paralympic Games (Current Issues in Tourism), researchers analyzed 93 potential host locations identified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as already having the required winter sports infrastructure.
- Under a high emissions scenario (if we continue on our current path of emissions), the number of reliable Winter Olympic host locations drops 52% by 2050, and 68% by 2080.
- Paralympic Games locations that are held later in the season fare even worse, with an 82% loss by 2050 and up to 96% by 2080 under the same high emissions path.
Beyond the Games: Shrinking Snowpack, Shorter Seasons and Economic Impacts
There is strong scientific consensus that winter is warming and snow is declining globally, with particularly acute impacts in mountain regions. Here is a selection of peer-reviewed scientific research on temperatures, snow pack and trends in winter:
“Climate change is here and science paints a clear picture – we see rising minimum temperatures, fewer cold spells, widespread reduction in snow cover, and shorter winters. Winter sports and challenges facing international competition, give a snapshot of climate impacts that parallels the lived experience we hear about from our athletes and community. The Winter Olympics, of course, are not immune.”
— Alex Lee, PhD, Director of Science and Education, Protect Our Winters
Global Warming Is Reducing Cold Winters and Snow Reliability
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) documents widespread warming, fewer cold days, and declining snow cover across mid- and high-latitude regions.
- These trends are assessed in Chapter 11 of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), Working Group I, which synthesizes observational data and climate model projections linking greenhouse gas emissions to winter warming and snow loss.
- Source: IPCC AR6 WGI, Chapter 11 – Weather and Climate Extreme Events in a Changing Climate https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/chapter/chapter-11/
Snow Loss Is Already Causing Economic Impacts
- The IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report identifies tourism and recreation as climate-exposed sectors already experiencing economic damages due to warming temperatures and declining snow reliability.
- Winter tourism and snow sports are explicitly recognized as vulnerable to reduced snow cover and shorter seasons.
- Source: IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report – Summary for Policymakers
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_SPM.pdf
Declining Mountain Snowpack Is a Well-Established Climate Impact
- A comprehensive review published in Nature Climate Change establishes declining mountain snowpack as a robust and well-documented consequence of climate warming.
- Highlights reduced snow accumulation, earlier melt, and increased variability in snow conditions.
- “Observed declines in mountain snowpack are consistent with warming-driven shifts from snow toward rain and earlier melt.”
- Source: Mankin et al., “The changing nature of snowpack” https://www.nature.com/articles/s41612-018-0012-1.pdf
Snow Loss Will Accelerate as Temperatures Continue to Rise
- New research published in Nature shows that continued warming will lead to substantial future losses of seasonal snow, even under moderate emissions scenarios.
- The study demonstrates that many regions are approaching temperature thresholds beyond which reliable seasonal snow becomes increasingly rare.
- “Human influence has emerged as the dominant driver of observed Northern Hemisphere snow loss.”
- Source: Mankin et al., “Evidence of human influence on Northern Hemisphere snow loss” https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06794-y
Regional Snowmelt Timing Is Shifting Significantly
- Research published in PLOS Climate documents earlier snowmelt and increased mid-winter melt events, with implications for water supply, ecosystems, and winter recreation.
- “Snowpack duration is decreasing, driven by both earlier melt and increased winter ablation.”
- This study includes Dr. Alix Contosta, a member of the POW Science Alliance, highlighting Alliance expertise in regional snow and climate impacts.
- Source: Wilson et al., “Long-term changes in seasonal snowpack melt dynamics”
https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000529
(POW Science Alliance contributor: Dr. Alix Contosta)
The Western U.S. Faces a Low-to-No Snow Future
- A major peer-reviewed paper synthesizes observations and projections showing that large areas of the western United States are trending toward persistent low-to-no snow conditions by mid- to late-century without strong emissions reductions.
- “Warming temperatures are pushing many regions toward conditions where snowpack is no longer a reliable seasonal feature.”
- Source: “A low-to-no snow future and its impacts on water resources in the western United States” https://par.nsf.gov/servlets/purl/10343077
Together, these bodies of research show that natural snow reliability is declining, increasing reliance on man-made snow and narrowing the geographic range of viable winter sport venues. These trends have direct implications for mountain community health and economies, workforce stability, and the long-term feasibility of hosting Winter Olympic Games in traditional snow regions.
Regional Scientific Experts from the POW Science Alliance*
- California: Dr. Andrew Schwartz
- Pacific Northwest: Dr. David Hill
- Utah: Dr. McKenzie Skiles
- Colorado / Mountain West: Dr. Jenny Watts
- Northeast: Dr. Elizabeth Burakowsk
PART II: ATHLETE VOICES — LIVED EXPERIENCE FROM THE FIELD OF PLAY
Athletes in the Protect Our Winters Alliance, including many Olympians, experience these impacts firsthand and are using their platforms to advocate for action including science-based solutions and protection of public lands.
“I’ve raced World Cups where it was pouring rain and there was barely a strip of snow to ski on, entire seasons were reshaped overnight. Climate change isn’t theoretical, it’s already rewriting our sports. What warming is doing to our sports is an early warning, not the biggest issue. The good news is that there are solutions, we just need to act quickly.”
— Jessie Diggins, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist, Cross-Country Skier
““Winter is changing quickly. Places that I know seem to look different every year, and it’s scary! The good thing is we know what’s causing it and we know how to fix it. If we work together to push for big solutions, we can solve big problems.”
— Gus Schumacher, Olympic Cross-Country Skier
“Because the Paralympic Games run later in the season, we’re often competing when snow conditions are less reliable. That’s not just a challenge for athletes; it’s a sign of how quickly climate change is reshaping winter for mountain communities and everyone who depends on snow. Through Protect Our Winters, we’re speaking up because the science is clear, the solutions exist, and the choices we make now will determine our future.”
— Jack Berry, Cross-Country Skier (Paralymics)
“Snowboarding has taught me to respect nature. The Games are a huge moment, and they’re also a chance to do better for the planet by choosing smarter solutions that protect our winters and inspire people, especially young people, who love the outdoors like I do, to be a part of the change.”
— Bea Kim — Olympic Snowboarder (Halfpipe)
“If we don’t reduce emissions rapidly, winter sports will likely become less international, less accessible, less relevant, and we loose not just the olympics, but what the Olympics represents globally. Fortunately, science tells us what needs to be done and innovation has given us options, now we just need to act.”
— Julia Kern — Olympic Cross-Country Skier
“Skiing has shaped my life, challenging me, inspiring me, and connecting me to an incredible community while opening doors I never imagined. Representing Team USA at the Winter Olympics was one of the greatest honors of my life, and I hope my journey has encouraged the next generation to discover a sport that is deeply fulfilling. That’s why I care so deeply about protecting our climate. If we want future skiers to get on the hill, dream big, and pursue ambitious goals, we must protect the environments and winters that make it all possible.”
— Troy Murphy — Mogul Skier (2018 Winter Olympics)
Founded by snowboarder Jeremy Jones, Protect Our Winters empowers hundreds of athletes worldwide to use their voices in speaking up for clean air, clean water and a healthy planet.
POW Athletes Alliance
- Olivia Giaccio – Moguls skier (USA)
- Julia Kern – Cross-country skier (USA)
- Jaelin Kauf – Freestyle moguls / dual moguls skier (USA)
- Bea Kim – Snowboarder specializing in halfpipe (USA)
- Noah Elliot – Para Snowboarder (USA)
- Jessie Diggins – Cross-country skier (USA)
- Gus Schumacher – Cross-country skier (USA)
- Anna Gibson – Ski Mo (USA)
- Cameron Smith – Ski Mo (USA)
- Jack Berry – Para Cross-country skier (USA)
POW Athletes Alliance (former Olympians)
- Taylor Gold – Snowboarder (USA)
- David Wise – Freestyle skier (USA)
- Simi Hamilton – Cross-Country skier (USA)
- Kailtlyn Farrington – Snowboarder (USA)
- Troy Murphy – Mogul skier (USA)
- Steven Nyman – Alpine Ski Racer (USA)
- Jared Shumate – Ski jumper (USA)
- Travis Ganong – Alpine Ski Racer (USA)
Protect Our Winters supports solutions that match the scale of the challenge—rapid emissions reductions through clean energy transition, protection for public lands from fossil fuel development, and civic engagement designed to support forward-looking policies and actions at all levels of government.
PART III: WHAT COMES NEXT — ACTION, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT
Athletes worldwide are also calling on sports governing bodies to align Olympic values with climate science. Tens of thousands of athletes, winter sports athletes, enthusiasts and concerned citizens including Protect Our Winters have signed theSki Fossil Freepetition. Started by Nikolai Schirmer, a Norwegian skier, filmmaker, and environmentalist from Tromsø, this effort is urging the IOC and FIS to end fossil fuel sponsorship of winter sports. Schirmer will deliver this petition to the IOC headquarters in Milan before the Games.
The campaign follows this analysis, which found that Eni, a fossil fuel company and Milano Cortina Olympic Premium Partner, is directly contributing to snow and ice loss while using Olympic partnerships to greenwash its brand.
Key findings include:
- Fossil fuel emissions linked to Eni are estimated to cause the loss of 985 km² of snow cover and 6.2 billion tons of glacier ice annually
- Every €1 of Olympic sponsorship by Eni generates 63.5 kg of CO₂e
- Northern Hemisphere May snow cover has declined by 4.8 million km² since 1970
Organizers compare this moment to 1988, when tobacco sponsorship was banned from the Winter Olympics after public health harms became undeniable. This May, Olympians from the Protect Our Winters Alliance will travel to Capitol Hill, meeting with lawmakers to advocate for climate policies that protect winter, public lands, and their communities.
