Italian snowmaking specialist Davide Cerato is overseeing advanced systems to ensure optimal conditions for skiing and snowboarding events at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. FIS President Johan Eliasch has downplayed concerns about snow production, noting that targets have been met thanks to cold weather. Preparations highlight the role of artificial snow amid climate challenges.
Davide Cerato, an Italian expert in snowmaking, is playing a pivotal role in readying venues for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, set to open on February 6. He oversees operations at key sites, including Bormio for Alpine ski racing and ski mountaineering, and Livigno for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Cerato has collaborated with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the International Olympic Committee since the 2014 Sochi Games.
With climate change impacting natural snow, manufactured or 'technical snow' has become essential. The organizing committee estimates needing about 250 million gallons of water—equivalent to nearly 380 Olympic swimming pools—for snow production. In Livigno, a new basin holds 53 million gallons, supported by over 50 snow guns that can produce 211 million gallons in roughly 300 hours. Bormio features a lake at 2,515 yards elevation storing 23 million gallons, with 75 snow guns added.
Cerato emphasized the importance of delivering top conditions: “It’s the most important race of their life. Our duty is to give them the best, to deliver the best courses where they can perform their best after training so hard.” He described upgrades to Bormio's slope as bringing it “to a new level,” likening it to a “Ferrari with new gears.” Technical snow allows for controlled quality and safety, ensuring fair races from the first to the 50th competitor.
State-of-the-art sensors monitor snow depth, automatically adjusting snow guns, while GPS-equipped groomers optimize efficiency. Cerato noted: “We can deliver better, safer and fair courses. That is the difference—a fair course from bib No. 1 to bib No. 50.”
FIS President Johan Eliasch, speaking at the men's World Cup super-G in Kitzbuehel, addressed concerns about Livigno's snow: “We have been very lucky with the cold weather. Snow production has been able to commence and hit all the targets.” He praised Italian efficiency: “Typical Italian passion—they are world champions at getting everything to perfection at the very last minute.” Eliasch confirmed sufficient snow after visiting Livigno and anticipated a “phenomenal festival of sports,” highlighting events like the challenging Bormio downhill, where Lindsey Vonn could compete at age 41.
Kirsty Coventry, the Olympic chief, acknowledged the complexities of the dispersed Games spanning 22,000 square kilometers but affirmed the decision's merits.
