Skiers Raise Alarm Over Oil Sponsorship at Winter Games

The Olympic torch, on its way to Italy, stopped unexpectedly in front of ENI’s headquarters. An executive from a low‑carbon branch carried the flame, linking the event to ENI’s new “premium partner” status with the Games. ENI is also setting up a winter village in Milan, offering a snowboard simulator and a city ski trail made from its own polymer. Visitors can try out these products while the company promotes itself as a green energy player. Nikolai Schirmer, a Norwegian extreme skier and YouTuber, says it is absurd that winter sports rely on oil money. He argues that the very fuel driving these companies harms snow and threatens future Olympics. “It’s like a quartet playing on a sinking ship, ” he said. Schirmer has gathered more than 20, 000 signatures and is pushing the International Ski Federation to review fossil‑fuel sponsorship. The campaign, backed by athletes such as Gus Schumacher and Ukaleq Slettemark, seeks a report on the ethics of such deals. A separate letter from Olympians will be sent next week, and Greenpeace released a video showing athletes washed away by crude oil. Climate activists have disrupted ski races before, and in 2025 they threatened a protest at the World Championships over Equinor’s sponsorship.The IOC praised athletes for speaking out. President Kirsty Coventry said the Games are always looking to improve and listen to concerns, but progress takes time. She highlighted renewable electricity at venues and a fleet that includes 21% electric cars. Olympic executive Christophe Dubi acknowledged climate challenges but did not address the petition directly. ENI officials said they are committed to net‑zero by 2050 and invest in renewables, though oil production is still rising. Several athletes have shared personal stories of disappearing snow. Lindsey Vonn noted that glaciers she skied on as a child are gone. Gus Schumacher grew up in Alaska with fewer snowy winters and urges the sport to protect natural snow, not fuel companies that undermine it. Schirmer argues that ENI’s Olympic sponsorship is a form of greenwashing. The company markets itself as sustainable while its oil output continues to grow, making the partnership harmful to winter sports and climate goals.