10:29 pm - February 4, 2026
Norwegian skier Nikolai Schirmer delivered a petition signed by more than 21,000 people and professional athletes to the International Olympic Committee on Wednesday, calling for an end to fossil fuel sponsorship in winter sports. The “Ski Fossil Free” petition was handed to the IOC’s head of sustainability, Julie Duffus, at a Milan hotel just two days before the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
The petition demands that the IOC and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation publish a report evaluating the appropriateness of fossil fuel marketing before next season. Schirmer, a filmmaker and two-time European Skier of the Year, told the Associated Press that the IOC did not allow media to witness their private meeting.
Disappearing Winters Drive Push Against Fossil Fuel Sponsorship
Schirmer, a freeride skier who documents his adventures across Europe’s steep terrains, said witnessing winter’s retreat motivated his activism. “The show goes on while the things you depend on to do your job — winter — is disappearing in front of your very eyes,” he told the AP after the meeting.
Burning fossil fuels remains the largest contributor to global climate change by far, according to the United Nations. As the Earth warms at a record rate, winters are becoming shorter and milder with less snow globally, creating clear challenges for winter sports that depend on cold, snowy conditions.
Additionally, researchers indicate that the list of locales capable of reliably hosting a Winter Games will shrink substantially in coming years. Schirmer launched his petition drive in January and surpassed his goal of 20,000 signatures within one month, with signatures continuing to accumulate.
IOC Response and Industry Context
The IOC told the AP that climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing sport and society. However, the organization did not confirm whether it would review fossil fuel marketing as demanded by the petition.
Meanwhile, Olympic partners play an important role in supporting the Games and include those investing in clean energy, the IOC statement said. FIS spokesperson Bruno Sassi noted that no fossil fuel companies are partners of the FIS World Cup and FIS World Championships.
Italy’s Eni, one of the world’s seven supermajor oil companies, serves as a “premium partner” of these Winter Games. The company defended its sponsorship role, stating it is strongly committed to the energy transition and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
Athletes Support Campaign to End Fossil Fuel Sponsorship
Athlete-driven environmental group Protect Our Winters supported the petition drive. According to POW CEO Erin Sprague, this represents the first coordinated campaign about fossil fuel advertising centered around an Olympic Games.
American cross-country skier and Team USA member Gus Schirmer signed the petition, saying it starts an important conversation. “It’s short-sighted for teams and events to take money from these companies in exchange for helping them hold status as good, long-term energy producers,” he wrote in a text message.
In contrast, a January report published by the New Weather Institute found that promoting polluting companies at the Olympics will grow their businesses and lead to more greenhouse gas emissions. Stuart Parkinson, executive director at Scientists for Global Responsibility, argued that Olympic organizers could obtain necessary funding from lower carbon sectors.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged every country to ban advertising from fossil fuel companies. Schirmer compared his petition drive to campaigns nearly 40 years ago that led to a ban on tobacco advertising at the Games.
It remains unclear whether the IOC or FIS will commit to publishing the requested evaluation report before next season or take further action on fossil fuel sponsorship policies.
