The future of winter sports in a warming world

Winter sports have long been a cornerstone of FISU, showcasing the extraordinary talents of athletes and often serving as a springboard for greater achievements in their careers.

Events like the FISU World University Games Winter have brought together participants from across the globe, uniting them in a shared passion for snow and ice sports. However, as global temperatures rise and the effects of climate change intensify, the sustainability of winter sports is increasingly under threat.

The climate crisis and its impact on winter sports

Rising temperatures have led to a decline in snow cover across key winter sports regions, including the Alps, Rockies, and Scandinavia. According to National Geographic, ski seasons in Europe are shortening, and lower-altitude resorts are already struggling to maintain natural snow.

This trend is exacerbated in the Southern Hemisphere, where regions like New Zealand and South America face delays in snowfall and shorter peak seasons. The Environmental News Network (ENN) highlights how these shifts are disrupting winter sports tourism and training schedules, even in traditionally resilient high-altitude regions.

Artificial snowmaking has emerged as a temporary solution, as seen during the Torino 2025 FISU Games, where snow machines were used extensively in venues like Bardonecchia, Pragelato and Sestriere. However, reliance on artificial snow comes with significant environmental costs, including increased water and energy consumption. A recent study estimated that by 2050, only 10 of the 21 former Winter Olympic host cities may remain climatically reliable.

Athletes speak out

The impact of climate change on winter sports is not just theoretical. In 2023, top skiers led by Austrian downhiller Julian Schütter, ambassador for the climate campaign group Protect Our Winters (POW) petitioned the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), urging action on the climate emergency. Their concerns are echoed by a groundbreaking study from the University of Waterloo, in Canada, which surveyed nearly 400 elite winter athletes and coaches. The study revealed that 95% believe climate change is negatively affecting their sport, with current adaptation measures falling short.

Training routines are also being disrupted as natural snow becomes less predictable. Athletes now face longer travel distances or must shift to artificial indoor facilities, both of which increase financial and logistical burdens. These challenges could hinder the development of young talent, particularly in regions that are less equipped to adapt.

Innovation and adaptation

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Technological innovations are providing new ways to mitigate the effects of climate change on winter sports. Companies are investing in more efficient snowmaking machines and weather-resilient ski gear. The FIS and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are exploring green solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of winter sports events.

One promising avenue is the development of renewable energy-powered snowmaking systems, which could reduce the environmental impact of artificial snow production. Additionally, initiatives like carbon offset programs and sustainable infrastructure planning are gaining traction within the industry.

A call to action

The future of winter sports depends on collective action from athletes, governing bodies, and fans. The climate crisis is not just a threat to the sports themselves but also to the communities and ecosystems that depend on them. As FISU looks ahead to its 2027 Winter Games, the question of where—and how—these events will be held looms large.

If winter sports are to thrive in a warming world, bold steps must be taken to address the root causes of climate change while embracing innovative solutions to adapt. The time to act is now, before the snow melts away for good.

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Written by Esther Owusua Appiah-Fei, FISU Young Reporter, Ghana

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.