Snowy Shift: Milan Slopestyle Safety Overhaul Amid Climate Shakeup

The Olympic snowboard slopestyle event is shifting dates because of a weather warning. Organizers moved the men's and women's qualification rounds from February 16 to February 15 to avoid heavy snow that could bring temperatures down to –12 °C. The change aims to keep athletes safe and the competition fair. The decision comes after high‑profile crashes, like Mark McMorris’s fall caused by a hidden snow patch and Lindsey Vonn’s knee injury. These incidents remind officials that small errors can lead to serious harm, especially when the course conditions are unpredictable. In past Winter Games, wind and uneven snow have tested riders. In 2013, gusty winds at PyeongChang made the slopestyle final feel like a battle against nature, yet athletes still finished strong. That experience fuels the current emphasis on risk reduction.Climate change and the use of artificial snow add another layer of complexity. The Dolomites will produce about 50, 000 cubic metres of man‑made snow—roughly 85 % of the total. While this guarantees a consistent surface, it is harder and less forgiving than natural snow, increasing the danger of severe injuries when athletes fall. Experts compare it to falling on pavement versus grass, stressing that harder surfaces can worsen impact injuries. Athletes and coaches are calling for careful monitoring of these conditions. The new schedule is a precautionary step, but questions remain about how artificial snow will affect performance and safety throughout the Games.