The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the French Alps and Salt Lake City, USA, as the preferred hosts for the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics. Switzerland and Sweden initially expressed interest in hosting the 2030 Games, but Japan’s Sapporo withdrew due to a bribery scandal around the Tokyo 2020 Games, and Canada’s Vancouver pulled out over financial concerns for 2034.

The IOC plans to start detailed discussions with the chosen hosts, aiming to finalize the decision at the 142nd IOC Session in Paris next July. Climate change impact studies led to a delay in selecting the 2030 host and prompted the approval for a double allocation of the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics next year.

Considering limited viable Winter Games locations by 2040, the IOC highlighted the challenges posed by climate change. Additionally, Switzerland’s project for the 2038 Olympics earned special recognition, leading to privileged discussions with the IOC exclusively.