Milano, Italy – A dramatic protest erupted at the entrance of the Unipol Forum during the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 15, 2026.

Members of Extinction Rebellion staged an action ahead of the Figure Skating and Short Track competitions. Two protesters used harnesses to lower themselves from the walkway above the main entrance and hung a large banner reading “Fake Snow, Real Profit.”

Simultaneously, another group chained themselves to the turnstiles at the arena entrance, drawing attention from spectators, security personnel, and law enforcement.

The protest challenged claims that the Games were the most sustainable ever. “The environmental impact of the Olympics is terrifying,” Extinction Rebellion said, highlighting destroyed natural areas, billions of liters of water used for artificial snow, and seven billion euros spent on an event incompatible with climate goals.

Activists noted that snowfall in the Alps has dropped 34% over the last century and that 90% of Italian ski slopes now rely on artificial snow, straining water resources in a country facing repeated droughts. They also criticized high costs, rising living prices in host communities, and infrastructure projects such as the 118-million-euro Cortina bobsled track, built after cutting down centuries-old larch trees.

Extinction Rebellion further condemned the involvement of states and companies responsible for conflicts while promoting Olympic peace rhetoric.

The protest at the Milan arena reignited public debate on the environmental and social impacts of large sporting events, with the group urging communities to be heard and calling for sustainable practices in sport.

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