Skiers Raise Alarm Over Oil Sponsorship at Winter Games
The Olympic torch, en route to Italy, halted unexpectedly in front of ENI’s headquarters. An executive from the company’s low‑carbon division carried the flame, tying the moment to ENI’s new “premium partner” status with the Games.
ENI’s Winter Village in Milan
ENI is establishing a winter village in Milan, complete with:
- A snowboard simulator
- A city ski trail constructed from its own polymer
Visitors can test these products while the company markets itself as a green energy player.
Criticism from Extreme Skier Nikolai Schirmer
Norwegian extreme skier and YouTuber Nikolai Schirmer decries the reliance of winter sports on oil money. He argues that fossil fuels harm snow and threaten future Olympics:
“It’s like a quartet playing on a sinking ship,” he said.
Schirmer has collected over 20,000 signatures and is urging the International Ski Federation to audit fossil‑fuel sponsorships. The campaign, backed by athletes such as Gus Schumacher and Ukaleq Slettemark, seeks a comprehensive report on the ethics of these deals.
Broader Activism
- A separate letter from Olympians is slated for release next week.
- Greenpeace released a video depicting athletes “washed away” by crude oil.
- Climate activists have disrupted ski races before; in 2025 they threatened a protest at the World Championships over Equinor’s sponsorship.
IOC Response
The International Olympic Committee praised athletes for speaking out. President Kirsty Coventry said the Games always aim to improve and listen, but progress takes time. She highlighted:
- Renewable electricity at venues
- A fleet that includes 21 % electric cars
Olympic executive Christophe Dubi acknowledged climate challenges but did not directly address the petition.
ENI’s Position
ENI officials reiterated their commitment to net‑zero by 2050 and investment in renewables, though oil production remains on the rise.
Athlete Voices
- Lindsey Vonn noted glaciers she skied on as a child are gone.
- Gus Schumacher, who grew up in Alaska, warned that fewer snowy winters demand protection of natural snow rather than funding fuel companies.
Schirmer’s Greenwashing Claim
Schirmer argues that ENI’s Olympic sponsorship is a form of greenwashing. The company markets itself as sustainable while its oil output continues to grow, making the partnership harmful to winter sports and climate goals.
