The 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, was a slushy affair. And the Paralympics, which start March 6, may be more of the same.
From ice rinks to ski slopes, conditions were warmer and wetter than expected. Some Olympians — including figure skaters, speedskaters and cross-country skiers — cited the slush as contributing to an unusual rash of falls, crashes and disappointing performances.
But warm, wet conditions are something that elite winter athletes will have to get used to. Climate change is driving temperatures higher, leading to less snowfall and shorter periods of safe ice on frozen bodies of water. As competing on artificial snow or in indoor