Heavy snowfall in Livigno, Italy, has led to significant disruptions in Olympic events scheduled for the region. On February 14, 2026, the picturesque town, which has been bustling with activity since it began hosting snowboard and freestyle skiing events for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, experienced a sharp slowdown as heavy snow blanketed the area. Tractors and local residents were seen clearing streets, while training sessions were cancelled due to unsafe conditions.
The snowfall forced the cancellation of aerial practice sessions ahead of the men’s and women’s events, which are set to commence on February 15. The harsh weather made it impossible for athletes to safely jump, creating challenges for competitors like Australian aerial skier Reilly Flanagan, who is making his Olympic debut.
Flanagan acknowledged the difficulties presented by the weather, stating, “We’ve already had two days on the site jumping and testing it out, seeing what the site is like. It would have been ideal to jump today, but everyone’s in the same boat.” He emphasized the need for athletes to adapt to the situation, noting that visualization techniques would be crucial in light of the conditions.
The 21-year-old competitor from Noosaville has only five years of experience in aerial skiing and has been on the World Cup circuit for two years. He expressed concern about the current weather, describing it as “probably some of the worst conditions that we’ve tried to jump in.” Flanagan’s comments reflect the broader sentiment among athletes who are grappling with the impact of the inclement weather on their preparation.
As the Olympic events approach, the anticipation among competitors remains high, despite the setbacks. Athletes and coaches are now focused on adjusting their strategies and making the best of the situation. The forecast for the coming days will be closely monitored, as competitors hope for improved weather conditions that would allow for safe training ahead of the highly anticipated events.
With the world watching, Livigno’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial for the success of the Olympic Games. The resilience of the athletes and the local community will play an integral role in overcoming the hurdles posed by nature as they strive for excellence on a global stage.
