Beijing Winter Olympics: 100% artificial snow on ski slopes creates controversy

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FRANCE 2

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J.Debraux, P.Lafon, A.Matteoli, A.Merle R.Mathe, S.Giaume, V.Roussel, J.Cordier – France 2

France Televisions

At the Beijing Winter Olympics, the first ski events have already begun. Athletes evolve on tracks whose snow is completely artificial. This creates controversy, because the tracks were made from scratch, to the detriment of the environment.

A long corridor tinged with white, for the first time in history, the Olympic Games are organized with 100% artificial snow. For several weeks, 365 snow cannons will supply the Olympic sites in Beijing (China) with two million cubes of water. This is an aberration for environmental associations. The subject is sensitive among athletes. “Obviously, I would have preferred a place with natural snow and I believe that we should not hesitate to say it to hope that the next events take into account the preservation of the environment”thinks Chloe TrespeuchFrench snowboarder.


However, the Chinese authorities boast of their respect for the environment with solar panels and hydrogen-powered buses. But the tracks were built on a protected natural site which was not intended for winter sports. This is not the first time countries have used artificial snow for the Olympics.


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