The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is considering a major date shift for the Winter Olympics, potentially moving the Games to January as climate change threatens snow conditions. Historically, all Winter Games medals have been awarded in February since the 1964 Innsbruck Olympics, but rising temperatures are forcing a rethink.
Karl Stoss, the IOC member overseeing the sports programme review, confirmed the discussions, saying: 'Maybe we are also discussing to bring the Winter Olympics a little bit earlier. To do it in January because it has an implication for the Paralympics as well.' The Milan Cortina Paralympic Winter Games are scheduled for March 6-15, which Stoss noted is 'very late because the sun is strong enough to melt the snow.'
Moving the Games to January would disrupt established World Cup races and clash with NFL and NBA schedules. The potential change is part of a broader review under new IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who took office in 2025. The IOC has long acknowledged under her predecessor Thomas Bach that climate change poses a challenge for finding future hosts and organising competitions.
By 2040, only 10 nations will be able to host snow sports at the Winter Olympics and Paralympics, according to an IOC study. The 2022 Beijing Games already relied on 100% artificial snow, using over 100 snow generators and 300 snow-making guns. The IOC members are expected to meet in June to make decisions on the 'Fit For The Future' programme, including potential date changes for the 2030 French Alps Winter Games, currently scheduled for February 1-17, and the 2034 Utah Games from February 10-26.
