The Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, scheduled to kick off on February 6, 2026, are facing a major hurdle – a technical issue with the artificial snow production system at the Livigno venue, which will host snowboard and freestyle skiing events. Organizers announced that the problem, related to the water supply system, has been resolved, and testing is underway to restart snow production.
The delay has raised concerns among officials, including International Ski Federation (FIS) Secretary General Michel Vion, who warned about significant delays at the Livigno site earlier this month. Artificial snow is crucial for the Games, as it provides a compact and durable surface for athletes to compete on.
The Monte Sponda reservoir, built to supply water for snow cannons, has a capacity of 203,000 cubic meters and was completed in November at a cost of €21.7 million. However, environmentalists are criticizing the energy consumption and water usage required for artificial snow production.
This setback adds to existing concerns about the Games’ sustainability and environmental impact, with many questioning the feasibility of hosting winter sports in a warming climate.
