CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy: Heavy snow has arrived in the Italian Alps just in time for the start of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, easing concerns about green slopes and the reliance on artificial snow for competition venues.
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From Bormio, which will host ski mountaineering events, to the Antholz valley, site of biathlon races, venues have been blanketed with fresh snow less than two weeks ahead of the opening ceremony on February 6, according to meteorologists. Pictures from the region show snow-covered peaks, low-hanging clouds, and fields glistening white.
“The snow has arrived,” said Italian meteorologist Mattia Gussoni, adding that further heavy snowfall is expected in the coming days, ensuring adequate natural coverage for the Games’ start.
White Winter Olympics beckons as snow falls in Italian Alps https://t.co/11arMeyi5G pic.twitter.com/OcfAWTnnkH
— Singapore Italian Association (@italysingapore) January 26, 2026
The Winter Olympics, running from February 6 to 22, will be spread across northern Italy, from alpine skiing in Cortina to freestyle skiing in Livigno, with most venues located in the Dolomites between 1,200 and 1,800 metres (3,940–5,900 feet) above sea level. While this altitude generally guarantees snow, climate change has halved snow cover in the Alps over the past century, raising concerns about artificial snow reliance.
Organisers have confirmed plans to produce 2.4 million cubic metres of artificial snow, requiring 948,000 cubic metres of water. This is considerably less than the volume used at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where nearly 2.8 million cubic metres of water was employed for snow sports.
Despite the welcome natural snowfall, organisers will keep snow-making equipment on hand, as required by international skiing and biathlon federations, to ensure consistent course conditions.
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Gussoni cautioned that while early snow is promising, it is “too early to say” whether conditions will remain optimal throughout the Games. “Weather is forecast to be quite changeable in the coming weeks,” he said, adding that organisers will continue monitoring conditions closely to maintain a “white wonderland” for athletes and spectators alike.