The IOC is considering moving the Winter Olympics forward due to climate change.

According to the IOC, future Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympic Games may be moved forward by one month compared to usual.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry speaks at a press conference in Milan, Italy, on February 4, 2026. (Source: THX/VNA)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that due to the effects of climate change, future Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games may be moved forward by one month compared to usual.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with IOC members, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the committee may consider adjusting the timing of future Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the option of moving them forward being considered.

Meanwhile, Karl Stoss, the IOC's program review officer, also stated: "The Winter Paralympics will likely take place in February and the Winter Olympics in January."

He argued that holding the Winter Paralympics in March each year was too late because the temperatures at that time could melt the snow, affecting the competitions.

More than 100 IOC members met on February 4th to discuss the “Fit For The Future” review program initiated by the IOC President. The IOC is expected to reconvene in June to make decisions regarding the Olympic review, including considering the addition of new sports and events to the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6-22, and the Winter Paralympics from March 6-15. Meanwhile, the Alps 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled from February 1-17, 2030, and the Utah 2034 Winter Olympics from February 10-26.

Since the Innsbruck Winter Olympics in 1964, which opened on January 29th, all medal ceremonies at the Winter Olympics have taken place in February.

Moving the event forward to January could affect the schedules of traditional World Cup tournaments and clash with the schedules of professional sports leagues such as the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The IOC has long maintained that climate change poses a challenge to the selection of future Olympic host countries as well as to the organization of the Games.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/ioc-can-nhac-day-som-to-chuc-olympic-mua-dong-do-bien-doi-khi-hau-20260206152820881.htm