With only a few weeks to go before Milano Cortina 2026, the Winter Olympic Games are entering a period of reflection driven by the International Olympic Committee -IOC- as part of its Fit for the Future strategy. Among the ideas being explored are the inclusion of disciplines such as cyclocross or cross-country running, as well as the potential transfer of certain indoor sports currently on the summer programme, including judo. These proposals have prompted a swift and negative reaction from the winter sports federations, which issued a joint statement to outline a united stance.
Despite their differences, all parties agree on a shared objective: reaching new audiences, increasing visibility and ensuring a sustainable model for the Winter Games. This raises a central question: how can the IOC address the concerns of winter federations while still moving towards a programme with greater global reach?
Would these proposals change the Winter Games?
The Fit for the Future initiative stems from several factors: the decreasing number of viable host regions due to climate change, the need to rebalance the scale of the Summer and Winter Olympics, and the desire to modernise a programme historically shaped by weather conditions. In this context, proposals such as cyclocross, cross-country running or the addition of indoor sports from the summer programme have emerged, all with the aim of broadening participation and diversifying the Olympic offering. But would they genuinely attract a wider audience or lead to any significant change? And would these sports become permanent winter disciplines, or merely experimental additions?
These ideas raise questions about their fit within an event traditionally linked to snow and ice. Introducing sports without that natural connection might have a limited impact on global viewership and could overshadow long-established winter disciplines. The IOC has also suggested revising the definition of “winter sport” in the Olympic Charter. It is worth noting that sports like curling or bobsleigh now rely on specialised facilities beyond natural snow, yet their origins, development and symbolism remain deeply connected to winter environments and form part of the Games’ longstanding identity.
The example of Bandy on the table
In this case, a sport as appealing as Bandy could also be considered. Although it is not currently an Olympic discipline, it meets all the requirements to become one and can also be played indoors on an ice rink.
Ski mountaineering as a natural example
Winter sports federations have voiced a shared concern that importing disciplines from the summer environment could “dilute” the identity of the Winter Olympic Games. They argue that the event is built around sports conceived and developed on snow and ice, with their own technical, cultural and logistical characteristics. In their statement, they highlight ski mountaineering—set to debut at Milano Cortina 2026—as an example of a natural evolution of the programme, expanding the range of events without compromising the coherence of the winter ecosystem.
Their position underscores the importance of protecting a sporting heritage built over decades. At the same time, they express a willingness to innovate, provided the connection with winter terrain remains intact. They emphasise the need to strengthen the narrative and institutional value of snow and ice sports in the face of proposals that could alter their standing within the Olympic calendar.
How to evolve without losing the essence
Winter federations tend to favour other avenues for modernising the Winter Games without adding sports unrelated to their environment. Enhancing television formats, using artificial snow in urban settings or expanding variations within existing disciplines could help attract new audiences. Recent additions such as ski mountaineering illustrate the potential for internal growth in sports with deep roots in mountain culture.
Visibility throughout the Olympic cycle is also crucial. Greater media presence, improved broadcast production and competitions designed to engage younger audiences can all strengthen global interest. Millions of people ski or snowboard every year—so why is it still difficult to turn that into consistently strong TV viewership? The IOC continues to examine these questions as it works to balance the preservation of winter traditions with the goal of reaching broader audiences.
