The future of the Winter Olympics is melting away, and Utah's bid is on thin ice. But there's a glimmer of hope for the Beehive State.
A recent climate change study reveals that Utah is among a select few locations worldwide that could reliably host the Winter Games for decades to come. This is despite the slow start to this year's snow season, which has already caused some winter sports events to be relocated. The study, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), highlights the state's favorable climate conditions, especially compared to other potential sites.
But here's where it gets controversial: the study also predicts that by the 2080s, Utah may no longer be a viable host, even though there's interest from Utah's governor and others in making it a permanent Winter Games venue. The reason? Rising global temperatures and the potential impact on snow conditions.
The study examined 93 locations worldwide and found that only four, including Utah, could consistently maintain cold enough temperatures to keep or make snow for the Winter Games and the Paralympics by the 2080s, assuming high greenhouse gas emissions. The other three locations are Lake Louise in Canada, and two undisclosed sites in Europe and Japan.
And this is the part most people miss: the study suggests that Utah could still host the Olympics in the 2050s and 2080s, but with some adjustments. Fraser Bullock, the president of the Organizing Committee for the 2034 Winter Games, believes that with modifications, similar to those proposed in the study, Utah could remain a strong contender. This includes adjusting the Games calendar to start the Paralympics earlier or shortening the gap between the Olympics and Paralympics.
However, the study's co-author, Daniel Scott, cautions that Utah's Solider Hollow Nordic Center may face marginal conditions in the 2050s and become unreliable by the 2080s if emissions remain high. This is a concern as Solider Hollow is one of two Utah venues specified by the IOC for the 2034 Games, along with Snowbasin Resort.
The study also explores the impact of moving the start date for the Olympics and Paralympics, which could significantly improve conditions for the Paralympics. Starting the Olympics in January and the Paralympics in February could enhance Utah's climate reliability as a host beyond 2034. Additionally, replacing Solider Hollow with a higher elevation venue is recommended to strengthen future bids.
Utah's Olympic organizers are well aware of the climate challenges. They considered starting the 2034 Games earlier but decided against it due to the risk of winter inversions, a unique climate phenomenon in Utah. Instead, they are preparing for potential weather issues, including stockpiling snow and having contingency plans for bolstering snowpack if temperatures rise.
So, will Utah be a part of the Olympic rotation in the future? The answer may lie in the balance between climate adaptation and the desire to host the world's greatest sporting event. What do you think? Should Utah continue its Olympic dream, or is it time to let the snow melt away?
