The potential for Utah to remain a viable host for future Winter Olympics comes into question as climate change impacts are scrutinized. Despite a slow start to the snow season, a fresh study suggests Utah is still among the few places worldwide that could host the Winter Games for decades, but this status might be at risk by the 2080s.
“It is among the most climate reliable locations in North America and globally,” stated Daniel Scott, co-author of a 2024 climate change study backed by the International Olympic Committee. This updated study highlights the urgency of addressing climate change to safeguard the future of the Winter Games.
However, by the 2080s, Utah’s suitability could be in jeopardy, even as Governor Spencer Cox and others express interest in making Utah a permanent Winter Games host should the IOC consider rotating the Games among select locations.
Only four global locations are anticipated to remain cold enough to host the Winter Games through the late 21st century if greenhouse gas emissions remain high, according to the study. Surprisingly, Lake Louise in Canada, not Utah, is the sole North American location identified as climate-reliable under these conditions.
Specific site details were omitted from the study at the request of the IOC, noted Scott, a professor at Canada’s University of Waterloo.
Could Utah host the Olympics in the 2050s and 2080s?
Fraser Bullock, president and executive chair of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, believes Utah could still host future Games with modifications to the event schedule. “In the high emissions scenario, we would likely need to adjust the Games calendar in order to begin the Paralympics sooner,” Bullock mentioned.
Utah stands strong as a candidate for future Winter Games rotations. Bullock emphasized Utah’s capability to manage a 2080 calendar for the Olympics and Paralympics effectively.
Two Utah venues, Snowbasin Resort and Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, were among 93 locations specified by the IOC. These venues were part of the 2002 Winter Games and are slated to host events again in 2034, with Snowbasin for Alpine skiing and Soldier Hollow for Nordic skiing.
“If there was to be a standing roster of rotational Games, Utah certainly would be one that would stand a great chance of being part of that rotation,” with the caveat that “if the Paralympics were still held in March, it might become a bit more risky.”
— Daniel Scott, co-author of 2024 climate change study supported by IOC
The study, conducted with Robert Steiger of the University of Innsbruck, predicts only 45 of 93 locations could ensure cold conditions by the 2050s if emissions are high. By the 2080s, this number drops to 30, even if Paris Climate Agreement targets are met.
Olympic snow stockpiles and Soldier Hollow
For the Paralympics, Utah could face challenges. Soldier Hollow may become unreliable by the 2050s and 2080s under high emissions. Snowbasin, however, would remain reliable only under low emissions, becoming unreliable by the 2080s if emissions are high.
To address this, Scott’s study suggests moving the Olympics and Paralympics start dates earlier, which could improve conditions. Replacing Soldier Hollow with a higher elevation venue might also strengthen Utah’s bid.
Bullock, however, prefers contingency plans like snow stockpiling, similar to the approach taken for the 2002 Winter Games. “The biggest risk venues for the Winter Games are the nordic events because you can only go so high,” he explained.
Utah’s organizers have prepared for less-than-ideal weather conditions, with strategies to collect and store snow ahead of the Games if needed. This method was also employed in Vancouver’s 2010 Winter Games and Sochi’s 2014 Winter Olympics.
Utah’s ‘snow fail’ this winter
This winter, Utah experienced record high temperatures and insufficient snow, leading to the relocation of a freestyle skiing World Cup event from Deer Valley to Lake Placid, New York, and Waterville Valley Resort in New Hampshire.
The FIS cited “challenging early season weather conditions” as the reason for the move. Deer Valley, an Olympic venue in 2002 and set for 2034, has hosted the World Cup for nearly three decades.
“We’re very climate aware.”
— Fraser Bullock, president and executive chair of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
The study also indicates potential regional or multinational bids, such as Denver partnering with Canadian venues or Montreal collaborating with New Hampshire or Lake Placid.
While the idea of rotating the Winter Games among a set of permanent hosts is still under consideration by the IOC, Scott believes Utah would be a strong contender if such a roster is established.
Utah’s Olympic organizers ‘very climate aware’
The 2034 Winter Games are scheduled to begin on February 10. Bullock mentioned an earlier date was considered but rejected to avoid Utah’s winter inversion risk, which subsides mid-February.
Utah’s 2002 Winter Games narrowly missed having an inversion, and Bullock recalled a weather system clearing the air just in time. “It was blown out Feb. 8 at 4 a.m., when a frontal system came through and put a fresh blanket of snow on the mountains,” he explained.
Original Story at www.deseret.com