Climate Connections: Olympic Skier Sounds Alarm on Vanishing Snow
Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz
Guest: Julia Kern, Olympic Cross Country Skier
Air Date: May 12, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz spotlights Olympic cross country skier Julia Kern's firsthand perspective on how global warming is reshaping winter sports. Kern explains the impacts of vanishing snow and climate change on her athletic career, daily training, and the broader skiing community — and highlights how athletes are stepping forward to demand climate action.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Reality of Shrinking Snowpack
- Julia Kern’s Observation: Increasingly warm winters and diminishing snowpacks are making it harder for cross country ski areas to survive.
- Quote: “Most cross country ski areas have to have some form of snowmaking capability to even be viable in the winter.” (B, 00:26)
2. Unusual and Unpredictable Race Conditions
- Changing Midwinter Patterns:
- Warm spells cause snow to melt mid-season. (A, 00:32)
- After warm thaws, sudden cold fronts leave icy, unfavorable conditions. (A, 00:42)
- Kern’s Championships Experience:
- “All of my world championships that I've experienced have been really warm, slushy conditions where we're skiing in T shirts some of the time.” (B, 00:35)
3. Off-Season Challenges: Smoke and Air Quality
- Wildfire Impacts Beyond the Snow:
- In Vermont, Kern was unable to train outdoors because of poor air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke.
- “The air quality was so bad that she could not train outdoors.” (A, 00:42)
4. Taking Action: Athlete Advocacy
- Using Her Platform:
- Kern feels compelled to speak out and advocate for climate solutions.
- Quote: “I have the privilege to have a platform, and so I want to use it.” (B, 00:50)
- Athlete Activism:
- She and other elite athletes are pressing international sports organizations to phase out fossil fuel company sponsorships.
- Upcoming Advocacy: In June, she and fellow Olympians plan to meet with policymakers in Washington, D.C. to push for climate action. (A, 00:53)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the challenge of hosting ski races:
“Most cross country ski areas have to have some form of snowmaking capability to even be viable in the winter.” — Julia Kern (00:26)
-
On competing in unusual conditions:
“All of my world championships that I've experienced have been really warm, slushy conditions where we're skiing in T shirts some of the time.” — Julia Kern (00:35)
-
On using her status for change:
“I have the privilege to have a platform, and so I want to use it.” — Julia Kern (00:50)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:01-00:26: Introduction to Julia Kern and overview of shrinking snowpacks
- 00:26-00:32: Increased reliance on artificial snowmaking
- 00:32-00:42: Unseasonal temperatures and race conditions
- 00:42-00:53: Wildfire smoke, air quality issues, and athlete advocacy
- 00:53-end: Calls to action — fighting for climate solutions at the policy level
Summary
Julia Kern's journey illustrates how the impacts of climate change are no longer abstract for winter athletes: shorter snowy seasons, unpredictable weather, and even smoke-filled off-seasons directly threaten their livelihoods and passions. Kern and her peers are leveraging their platforms to advocate for a fossil-free sports industry and real legislative action, emphasizing that climate change is a challenge that demands urgent, collective response.
To learn more or get involved, visit climateconnections.org.
