French Alps and Salt Lake City Emerge as Preferred Hosts for Winter Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially designated the French Alps and Salt Lake City as its preferred hosts for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. IOC member Karl Stoss, Chair of the Future Host Commission for Olympic Winter Games, announced this decision during a press conference held in Paris on Wednesday.

Stoss highlighted the standout qualities of the French Alps and Salt Lake City-Utah projects, emphasising their compelling vision for the athlete experience, alignment with regional and national socio-economic development plans, and robust support from the public and all levels of government. As a result, these two proposals have been chosen to enter into a ‘targeted dialogue’ with the IOC for the respective Games.

The IOC will initiate further discussions with the preferred hosts, led by their national Olympic committees (NOCs), with the intention of formally awarding both editions at the 142nd IOC session scheduled to take place in Paris in July.

The IOC Executive Board disclosed its decision to extend an invitation to Switzerland 203X for a ‘privileged dialogue’ concerning the 2038 Winter Games. However, Stoss indicated that the Switzerland 203X proposal needs refinement in its venue plan. The privileged dialogue is set to continue until 2027, but it could conclude earlier if the project meets the necessary criteria.

Stoss expressed optimism about Switzerland 203X, noting “Switzerland 203X has great potential, with its project aligned with Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and the principles of sustainability, cost reduction, environmental protection and legacy.”

The IOC’s commitment to these values underscores its dedication to shaping the future landscape of Winter Olympic Games hosting.