Snow joke: Winter Paralympics athletes angry at scheduling as big thaw hits

March 12, 2026

TL;DR

Unseasonably warm temperatures in Cortina d’Ampezzo are causing snowmelt and dangerous conditions for the Winter Paralympics.
The snowboard park course had to be redesigned due to melting and refreezing snow, leading to multiple crashes.
In the men's seated downhill event, 11 out of 23 starters did not finish due to 'slush' conditions.
Athletes like US para snowboarder Amy Purdy have questioned the timing of the Paralympics.
Average March temperatures in Cortina have risen by 2.5C in 50 years, impacting winter sports viability.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) acknowledges climate change and increased sustainability efforts but notes challenges in shifting the winter sport calendar.
Snowmaking machines were used, but less snow was manufactured than predicted due to earlier heavy snowfall.
The total manufactured snow requirement is expected to increase with continued warm weather and a forecast of rain.

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