Increasing temperatures worldwide due to climate change are limiting the possible locations for future Winter Olympics. These warmer temperatures lead to reduced snowfall and earlier melting of snow and ice in traditionally colder regions that would in the past be perfect locations to hold this event.
Olympic skier Eileen Gu stood at the top of the slope, just moments before descending down what could be a life changing run. Behind her are years of unwavering dedication fueled by a passion for the slopes. The lights turned green and she jumped down the mountain. However, it was not her hard work and dedication to the sport that let her down, but rather the once crisp powder that had turned to slush just a few hours into the morning races. She navigated the snow with as much poise and control as possible but the ground just wasn't as dense as it had been for her competition a few hours earlier. She carved her way down the slope and as she reached the bottom she saw her name slide onto the leader board. Eighth place. It wasn't her skill that put her in that position, but rather, the snow.
Climate change is affecting the quality and quantity of snow on ski trails. The increased temperatures and changes in precipitation are making the amount of snow ski hills are receiving unreliable. This is leading sites that are holding big winter events to shift to having to use artificial snow during competitions in order for athletes to compete.
Lance Vaughan, the Divisional Director of National Ski Patrol of the Western Division, offered his insights into the use of artificial snow and its effect on competitions. He stated that “skiing on artificial snow takes the adaptability out of the race. Part of being a great skier and being able to ski at the Olympic level is about how well you can adapt to the ground and react to the unexpected.” Artificial snow creates a consistent race which according to Vaughan, “takes the fun out of it and makes it easier for all competitors instead of setting the best apart.” But with unreliable snowfall, the events are given no option. Vaughan explains the only other technique being used to prepare for the Winter Olympics is snow storage. They take the excess snow throughout the year and store and maintain it until they spread it on the slopes for events as needed. However, this is a short term fix that actually has some environmental impacts itself including poor water quality from melting to habitat disruption. Over time even the excess snow will not be enough to maintain conditions for the future winter sport events.
Are our future Winter Olympics at risk? Will artificial snow become the only solution or can we search for more environmental solutions? Shorter winter seasons and delayed snowfall impact the preparation and maintenance of snow covered venues. These shorter seasons also mean less time for winter athletes to train on the slopes. Limiting their opportunities to refine their skills due to the shrinking timeframe of quality snow, these athletes could start to see a decline in their performance.
Vaughan explains how many ski lodges are being proactive in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Many locations are embracing sustainable practices, such as incorporating green infrastructure. This involves strategic measures like planting vegetation to offer natural shade, ultimately preserving snow and countering the impact of increasing temperatures. Furthermore, winter competition sites are implementing transformative measures by transitioning to carbon-neutral events. This commitment involves prioritizing renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and actively offsetting carbon emissions.
Finally, Vaughan emphasized the importance of community education. Engaging local communities in adaptive sports programs that can be pursued in diverse weather conditions helps maintain interest and participation in winter sports, even in the absence of traditional snow conditions. Vaughan states, “the Olympics are the one time our country comes together to root for a common cause. For something that means so much to all of us and the comradery that comes with the Olympics, being educated on the effects of climate change can foster a sense of responsibility and collective action”.
We want to see the Winter Olympics 3030 take place. Green infrastructure and carbon neutral initiatives are efforts to preserve the sport for as long as possible, but it is a short term fix. Right now we are adapting to the effects of climate change on the slopes but we need to do more to mitigate it and find long term solutions. Eileen Gu has dreams of continued dominance, but without reliable snowfall there are concerns about the nature of the sport. Vaughan states it best when he says, “It’s not just about winning on the slopes but about ensuring that there are slopes to conquer in the winters to come.”
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Hannah Jump is currently a masters student at Stanford in the Communications media studies department. She received her BA from Stanford in developmental psychology last spring. She plays for the Stanford Women's basketball team and is passionate about all things sports, the beach, and coffee :)
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