CALL FOR WINTER REVAMP

Pressure builds on Games organisers owing to climate concerns, budgeting

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Pressure is mounting on the Italian authorities to accelerate preparations for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics amid funding gaps and unusually warm temperatures, as the head of world skiing openly advocates a fundamental overhaul of how future Winter Games are hosted.

With the Games due to start on Feb 6, International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) president Johan Eliasch said Italy’s challenges were symptomatic of deeper structural issues facing winter sport, as rising costs, climate pressure and underused infrastructure fuel calls for a rotating model of permanent Olympic hosts.

Proponents argue that such a model - in which a small pool of established venues would host the Winter Olympics on a recurring basis - would allow long-term planning, reduce spending and ensure consistent conditions for athletes and spectators, rather than forcing hosts to build or upgrade facilities that are rarely used once the Games end.

Eliasch said several Olympic venues in Italy were facing technical difficulties not because of shortcomings by the local organisers, but because of funding issues at government level.

The Games organisers, meanwhile, have said the venues will be ready on time.