The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy will rely heavily on artificial snow, with the total volume expected to be twice that of the iconic Roman Colosseum. This decision comes as natural snowfall in the region, located near the Alps, has become increasingly unpredictable and insufficient for international winter sports events.
Despite the economic and recreational value of ice and snow sports, global warming poses a significant threat to industries and regions dependent on snow and ice. A 2025 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlights the alarming rate at which climate change is depleting freshwater reserves through glacier melt. This trend could result in staggering GDP losses of up to $4 trillion in sectors like agriculture, energy (especially hydropower), and tourism. Moreover, billions of dollars' worth of infrastructure and real estate are at risk from climate-related hazards such as floods, landslides, and rising sea levels.
The challenges posed by climate change have already impacted winter sports events. The 2024 Alpine Skiing World Cup in Mont-Tremblant, Canada, was canceled due to unusually warm temperatures and insufficient snowfall. UNEP estimates that by 2050, shrinking snow cover could lead to losses of up to $30 billion for the global winter tourism industry.
Artificial snow has emerged as a crucial solution to sustain winter sports. Davide Cerato, an Italian expert in artificial snow production, explains that specialized equipment ensures consistent conditions for international competitions. The snow produced has a stable and uniform density, melts less easily, and helps maintain an even surface, which is essential for fairness and safety in competitions.
"We can guarantee that every athlete, whether they're the first or the 50th, competes on the same course," Cerato assured.
To meet the demand for artificial snow, local authorities have constructed two large reservoirs near the high-altitude venues. One reservoir can hold approximately 200 million liters of water, while the other holds 88 million liters. These reservoirs will supply water to 125 snow cannons, which will transform it into snow. According to data from the Italian newspaper Corriere del Trentino, the Games will require around 2.4 million cubic meters of artificial snow, equivalent to twice the volume of the Colosseum. Producing this amount of snow is estimated to consume about 948,000 cubic meters of water. Automated monitoring systems will activate the snow cannons whenever gaps appear on the snow surface, ensuring optimal conditions for the Olympic athletes.
