The pressure is mounting on Italian authorities to expedite preparations for the Milano-Cortina Olympics, as funding gaps and unusually warm temperatures loom large. The head of world skiing, Johan Eliasch, advocates for a fundamental overhaul of how future Winter Games are hosted, citing rising costs, climate pressure, and under-used infrastructure as key issues. This growing concern over climate pressure, escalating costs, and the waste of Olympic infrastructure after the Games is strengthening support for a rotation system, where a small pool of established venues would host the Winter Olympics on a recurring basis. Proponents argue that this model would enable long-term planning, reduce spending, and ensure consistent conditions for athletes and spectators, rather than forcing hosts to build or upgrade facilities that are rarely used post-Games. Eliasch highlights technical difficulties at several Olympic venues, attributing them to funding issues at the government level, not local organizers' shortcomings. Games organizers assure that venues will be ready on time, but Eliasch emphasizes the importance of meeting a certain quality threshold and experience standard for spectators, fans, and athletes. He warns that funding constraints could push preparations beyond critical tipping points. Snowmaking has emerged as a key concern, with parts of the downhill course in Bormio lacking snow due to warm temperatures. Italian officials, however, express satisfaction with the situation, citing additional snow cannons in Livigno. Eliasch contrasts the current situation with regular international competitions, emphasizing the need for financial certainty and contingency planning. He advocates for a rotation model, arguing that without long-term planning, investments will not materialize, and the Games are becoming increasingly expensive. The debate is accelerated by climate change, which could become an existential threat, making a rotation scheme the only logical way to manage costs. The implications extend beyond winter sport, as the Olympics compete with major events like Formula One, NFL, NBA, and football for prominence, and the five rings symbolize something that must be protected at all costs.
