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Milano-Cortina 2026: Fair play? Not a chance!

Artificial snow, traffic, concrete, fossil fuel sponsorship: numerous fouls were committed against nature before and during the 2026 Winter Olympics – and were also the subject of media coverage.

Media coverage of Milano-Cortina 2026

Selected media reports on the 2026 Winter Olympics – CIPRA as a committed voice for sustainable Alpine policy.

Winter Olympics on shaky ground

Use as much concrete and steel as possible: that seems to be the sustainability strategy for the Winter Olympics in the Italian Alps. Mountain communities are particularly affected. The icing on the cake is the construction of a new cable car on a slippery slope in Cortina.

After the Games is before the Games

The French people were not involved in the planning of the 2030 Winter Olympics. Environmental organisations are mobilising for public participation and sustainable Games. Meanwhile, Switzerland is preparing its Olympic bid for 2038.

Point of view: Winter Games need to face reality

Major events promise modernity, revitalisation and global visibility. In the Alps, however, these promises are now being made in territories marked by the climate crisis, depopulation and, at the same time, growing tourist pressure. Looking closely at Milan-Cortina 2026, what emerges is not only a celebration of sport, but one of the largest public and infrastructure investment programmes ever concentrated in the Alpine area – with effects that are set to continue well beyond the time of the competitions, says Vanda Bonardo, president of CIPRA Italy.

Petition against oil companies in skiing

An oil giant as a premium partner: energy company ENI is sponsoring the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Athletes are now calling for a rethink in winter sports with the “Ski Fossil Free” petition.

Winter Olympics on shaky ground

Use as much concrete and steel as possible: that seems to be the sustainability strategy for the Winter Olympics in the Italian Alps. Mountain communities are particularly affected. The icing on the cake is the construction of a new cable car on a slippery slope in Cortina.

Challenges and opportunities of long-distance hiking

What role does long-distance hiking play and how has it changed over the years? On 11 December 2025, International Mountain Day, CIPRA explored these questions with a panel discussion and film screening in Liechtenstein.

Via Alpina Youth – responsible bivouacking Call to action & points to think about

This paper builds on the Yes We Camp whitepaper and its “call to action & points to think about” and places the concept of responsible bivouacking in direct relation to the Alpine Convention, with a particular focus on the nature protection protocol. It demonstrates that responsible bivouacking can operationalize the objectives of the Alpine Convention by translating international legal principles into concrete, user-oriented practices in the alpine space.

The Alps: More than just a playground

After two decades of being staged on other continents, the Olympic Games are returning to the Alps in 2026 with a commitment to “sustainable games” – a promise that has already been broken several times in the run-up to the event. In its new position paper, CIPRA calls for comprehensive reforms from both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the host countries.

Winter Olympics: the Alps are more than just a playground

Major, global sports events have the power to fascinate and inspire. Winter sports hold a special place in the Alps, with their deep-rooted tradition and passionate following. We however believe that, as they currently stand, the Winter Olympic Games are neither environmentally nor socially acceptable. Despite promises of reform, recent developments such as the preparations for Milano-Cortina 2026 and the 2030 Games in France, as well as the “privileged candidacy” of Switzerland for the Winter Games 2038, all prove that the Olympic model remains unsustainable. In recent decades, referendums (e.g. in Innsbruck, Sion, Munich, Grisons) have several times demonstrated that large segments of the population are no longer willing to pay the price of the Winter Olympics.

A mountain holiday

Taking young people who do not go on holiday to discover rock climbing in the Southern Alps

Shaping Sustainable Tourism Mobility in the Alpine Region

Sustainable tourism mobility is becoming increasingly important, as overtourism and traffic congestion in tourist regions affect both guest satisfaction and regional quality of life. To address this, a dedicated event will explore current developments and key issues such as destination mobility management, the integration of sustainable transport services into tourism offers, and cross-sectoral cooperation for climate-friendly solutions – in line with the Alpine Convention’s Climate Action Plan 2.0 and the goals of THE PEP.

Podcast series: People talk about the Via Alpina

A Belgian trail runner, a French filmmaker, a Swiss researcher and a mountain hut warden from Piedmont: a multilingual podcast series gives a voice to different people along the Via Alpina.

Learning from a region that spans four countries

From the Carpathians to the Alps: in mid-September 2025, partners in the Central Mountains project visited Feldkirch/A. The focus was on cross-border cooperation in tourism, spatial planning and youth participation.

Winter sports reach a tipping point

Hydrologist Carmen de Jong warns of the ecological consequences of Alpine ski tourism. Her research shows that, without a rethink, the industry is heading for its demise.

Voices along the Via Alpina – film and panel discussion

For 25 years, the Via Alpina has been connecting people, cultures and landscapes across the Alpine region as an international long-distance hiking trail. With a series of podcasts, the project "Voices along the Via Alpina" tells its story, highlights the challenges and opportunities of long-distance hiking and raises awareness of sustainable tourism in the Alps. To mark the end of the anniversary year and International Mountain Day on 11 December 2025, CIPRA International is hosting a film evening at Skino, followed by a panel discussion and apéro at Literaturhaus Liechtenstein.

Stone up - let's preserve our heritage!

Dry stone walling represents the intangible heritage of mankind, a unique adaptation of communities to the challenges of the environment and nature, an important component of the landscape and identity. Despite its uniqueness, however, the skills of dry stone walling are dying out.

Responsible bivouacking

Bivouacking is becoming increasingly popular, but spending the night outdoors can be problematic, especially in sensitive Alpine regions. A free handbook from CIPRA provides guidance on environmentally friendly behaviour along the Via Alpina.

International Mountain Camp in the French Alps

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape surrounding majestic Mont Blanc, an unforgettable international summer camp brought together young people from Liechtenstein, France, Italy, Switzerland, and Slovenia. More than just a hike through alpine trails, the camp was a celebration of connection, discovery, and real inclusion.

Mountains for All: Embracing Inclusion in Mountains and Outdoor Activities

My Travel Diary - Walking. Thinking. Feeling. Sharing.

Your travel diary for slow travel

Position: Transport and mobility in the Alps

In its new 40-page position paper, CIPRA outlines sustainable mobility in the Alpine region with the least possible negative impact of transport on the environment and people. In addition to travel, the paper also addresses commuter traffic, long-distance traffic and freight transport - supplemented with facts, concrete measures and good examples.

Voices along the Via Alpina

The Via Alpina has been connecting people, cultures and landscapes across the Alps for 25 years now. A multilingual podcast series tells its story, highlights the challenges and opportunities of long-distance hiking and raises awareness of sustainable tourism in the Alps.

Voices along the Via Alpina

The Via Alpina has been connecting people, cultures and landscapes across the Alps for 25 years now. A podcast series tells the story of the project, highlights the challenges and opportunities of long-distance hiking and raises awareness of sustainable tourism in the Alps.

Caretaker Tourism

The Alpine Climate Board (ACB) is a body of the Alpine Convention that is committed to climate-neutral and climate-resilient Alps by 2050, with the “Tourism” pathway also in this sector. Within the framework of “Caretaker Tourism”, certain organizations and individuals assume responsibility for developing climate-friendly and sustainable tourism strategies.

Mindful hiking through snow and silence

A snowshoe hike in the Liechtenstein Alps: under the guidance of a hiking guide, young adults experienced a sustainable form of winter sport, practised mindfulness and raised their environmental awareness.

YOALIN wins climate competition

CIPRA’s project received the Clima Now Foundation’s Spotlight Prize, worth CHF 50,000. YOALIN is committed to climate-friendly travel.

Sporting commemoration of a ranger

The 29th edition of the “Danilo Re Memorial” took place from 16 to 19 January 2025 in Scuol in the Swiss National Park. This year, for the first time, CIPRA took part in the international meeting of representatives of Alpine protected areas and organisations.

An end to snowmobiles and heliskiing

In France, snowmobile tours are now officially banned in the Chamrousse ski resort; other areas could soon follow suit. In Austria, environmental organisations are calling for an end to heliskiing.