Winter Olympics: French Alps and Salt Lake City recieve bid boost by IOC

IOC member Karl Stoss, chair of the Future Host Commission for Olympic Winter Games, confirmed the decision at a press conference in Paris on Wednesday.

The Future Host Commission met with interested parties for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics in Lausanne earlier this month and they presented their projects, but the French Alps and Salt Lake City proposals have been chosen to enter “targeted dialogue” to host the respective Games.

“What really stood out about the French Alps and Salt Lake City-Utah projects was their vision for the athlete experience, their alignment with regional and national socio-economic development plans, and their very strong support from the public and from all levels of government,” Stoss said.

The IOC will now begin further discussions with the preferred hosts, led by their National Olympic Committees, with the aim of awarding both editions officially at the 142nd IOC session in Paris in July.

It was also revealed on Wednesday that the IOC Executive Board has decided to invite Switzerland 203X into “privileged dialogue” for the 2038 Winter Games, but Stoss suggested the proposal had to work on its venue plan.

The privileged dialogue will last until 2027, but could end earlier if the project is ready.

Stoss added: “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.”