By Xoel Cardenas, Sr. Communications Specialist, Office of the Vice President for Research 

Research and the Olympic Games may not seem like an obvious pairing. But at the University of Utah, they are fundamentally connected. As the state prepares to host the Winter Olympic Games again in 2034, the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is helping guide the scientific, technological, and societal insights that will shape a successful and sustainable Games. 

With more than eight years until the flame is lit, planning is already underway. That preparation includes the University of Utah and its research community, whose work in snow, climate, and sustainability is helping ensure Utah is prepared not only to host world-class competition, but to do so in a way that advances long-term climate, water and community goals. 

Research Driving Olympic Impact 

On Dec. 3, the Utah Snow Symposium was held at the S.J. Quinney College of Law.Researchers, industry leaders, and community partners gathered to explore the intersection of snow science, sustainability, and Olympic planning. The theme, “From Research to Olympic Success,” underscored OVPR’s commitment to innovation, translation and societal impact.

In opening remarks, Scott Doughman, director of Strategic Initiatives & Olympic Planning in the Office of the President, outlined three primary research objectives guiding the university’s Olympic preparation efforts: innovation, translation, and societal impact.

Between the University of Utah, International Olympic Committee (IOC), U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and the National Governing Body, partnered research priority categories include: 

• Snow, Ice & Earth Science 
• Human Performance 
• Sport Gear & Materials Technology 
• Sports Psychology 
• Societal Impact 

These themes came to life through panel discussions and rapid-fire presentations from U of U, local and regional experts. Topics included AI-based snow modeling, storm snow shear strength in Little Cottonwood Canyon, and emerging approaches to predicting snow reliability. These are examples of the use-inspired research OVPR is prioritizing as Utah prepares for the future. 

Sustainability In Focus 

A consistent theme throughout the Utah Snow Symposium was sustainability. Presenters at the event emphasized how climate trends, water resources and environmental stewardship will define not only the 2034 Games, but every future Games held under the IOC’s developing “recurring host city” model. 

“As the Olympics move toward a host city model where locations are recurring hosts, it is imperative that the locations begin to think about sustainability,” said Dr. Jakob Jensen, Associate Vice President of Research. “Salt Lake City being a good example, in that this is the second time we’re hosting in only a few decades. We anticipate hosting more in the decades ahead.” 

Research at the University of Utah plays a critical role in this. Studies in snowpack modeling, snow water forecasting and water resource planning all feed directly into long-term Olympic decision-making, from venue viability to athlete safety.

Water, Climate, and Interdisciplinary Partnerships 

The University of Utah’s leadership in snow and climate science is strengthened by OVPR-led initiatives designed to accelerate collaboration and impact. 

One major example is the Peak Water Sustainability Engine (PEAK), designed to support the development of water innovations and technology. PEAK emphasizes industry partnerships and use-inspired research, an approach essential for tackling interconnected challenges like water supply, climate resilience and outdoor recreation. 

The Global Change and Sustainability Center further amplifies this work by bringing together faculty and students across disciplines to pursue solutions to global environmental change. By connecting engineering, atmospheric science, policy, ecology, health and the social sciences, the U is creating a research ecosystem that can respond to the scale and complexity of Olympic planning.

“The world class snow research at the University of Utah was on display at the Snow Symposium and a multitude of paths to amplifying the Olympic effort were revealed,” said Leif Anderson, Director of the Global Change and Sustainability Center.

Together, these efforts supported by the OVPR position the university as a central partner to the IOC and other organizers as they navigate how to host the Games with sustainability in mind. 

 ‘Greatest Snow on Earth’ — Now and for the Future 

Utah proudly claims “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” and U researchers are working to ensure that remains true for both the 2034 Games and the future of the region.

“Snow is such an incredibly important part of our ecosystem both for recreational and competitive activities, but also just for the well-being of the state from the water standpoint,” said Jensen. “It’s imperative that sustainability is at the heart of Olympic planning. That’s why the IOC is moving to a host city model. They want to make the Olympics a more sustainable platform. U research helps to inform that, drive that, and make it a reality.”

With the combined strength of OVPR initiatives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and deep community partnerships, the University of Utah is shaping what sustainable Olympic hosting can look like for 2034 and beyond. 

To learn more about the Utah Snow Symposium, including access to event slides and presentations, click here.