The article discusses the alarming decline of cross-country skiing, highlighted during recent competitions in Val di Fiemme, Norway, where the conditions for skiing are becoming increasingly challenging. On one hand, Norway demonstrated prowess by swiftly winning the men's relay race, yet the weather proved troublesome, with rain impacting the women's event the following day. Amid the jubilant victories, the article emphasizes the looming issues that could threaten the sport's sustainability.

Particularly, the high temperatures and insufficient snowfall are stressing the viability of cross-country skiing, with organizers struggling to maintain the tracks through artificial snow and other measures. Coach Sjur Ole Svarstad noted the dire conditions that led to a rare warning issued to competitors about the challenging skiing conditions prior to the women's relay. This juxtaposition of sporting success against deteriorating environmental conditions raises questions regarding the future of winter sports in these regions.

The narrative serves as a wake-up call for stakeholders in the skiing community to address these ecological challenges, as the sport's traditional venues continue to threaten viability amidst climate changes. The dependency on technological interventions, like artificial snow, while necessary, signals a worrying trend that could shape the future landscape of competitive skiing.