GENEVA (AP) — Olympic winter sports must be played on snow and ice, according to the Olympic Charter. But could a muddy field of play get its chance at a future Winter Games, even as soon as in the French Alps in 2030 or Salt Lake City in 2034?

U.S. Olympic skiers and scientists explain the sharp differences between natural snow and machine-made snow, from the science to the rising risk of crashes.

Live Coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics is Tomorrow, Feb. 6th on NBC and Peacock; Live Coverage Begins at 2 p.m. ET, with Primetime Coverage at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Future editions of the Winter Olympics could be moved to January from their current February slot in order to benefit from more snow and colder weather, as climate change is forcing the International Olympic Committee to review all aspects of its winter sports bonanza.

Davide Cerato will play a major role in skiing and snowboarding events at the upcoming Olympics, but he won't be competing. The Italian snowmaking expert is responsible for perfecting several of the courses that will feature in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games,

The rising global temperatures could endanger the future of the Winter Olympics, even with technological innovations like snowmaking machines.

Titletown Winter Games on Saturday includes five Olympics-inspired events, and free snow tubing is offered on Sunday.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella declared the 2026 Winter Olympics open. Two cauldrons — one in Milan and one in Cortina — have been lit, marking a first in the Winter Games’ history. Hello everyone from Cortina d'Ampezzo - a 4.