The impending Milan-Cortina Olympics is set to rely on an unprecedented volume of artificial snow, with at least 2.4 million cubic meters being produced—enough to compare with the sheer size of Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza. This significant use of artificial snow raises concerns, as it is harder than natural snow, potentially leading to more severe injuries from falls during competitions.

The production of this much artificial snow necessitates nearly a million cubic meters of water and has become a standard practice for many major international sporting events in light of changing climate conditions. Historical instances, such as the 2006 Torino Olympics where temperatures soared above ten degrees Celsius, highlight the challenges venues face, including the 2010 Vancouver Olympics needing helicopter aid for snow replacement due to rain. Even during the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018, there was almost no natural snow on the courses.

The adjustments made by international ski and biathlon federations, including demands for specific density, evenness, and durability of the snow tracks, are indicative of the rising adaptation strategies in winter sports. As climate change continues to disrupt natural snowfall patterns, the reliance on artificial snow has important implications for the safety of athletes, the authenticity of the competition, and the sustainability of winter sports in general.