Federica Brignone Flags Matterhorn Snow Loss, Resumes Training

Olympic alpine ski champion Federica Brignone posted a video denouncing the rapid disappearance of snow on the Matterhorn (Cervino) glacier. The Swiss operator Zermatt Bergbahnen announced the permanent closure of the summer ski area on 1 August 2026, citing extreme temperatures, lack of night‑time freezing, and safety concerns. The loss of snow has halted the high‑altitude ski season, affecting tourism, ski schools, and the preparation of national teams.

Despite the closure, Brignone returned to the Plateau Rosa glacier at the end of July for two training sessions, testing her left knee ahead of a possible training camp in Ushuaia, Argentina. Her comeback highlights the challenges athletes face in adapting to climate‑driven changes in alpine training conditions.