Could the French Alps be chosen to host the 2030 Winter Olympics?
Driven by the belief that through unity and collaboration, a collective Olympic ambition can be realized within the French Alpine region, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions aim to submit a joint bid for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2030. This effort is in consultation with the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, the French Paralympic and Sports Committee, and with the involvement of the government.
This ambition, extending beyond athletic considerations, is part of a larger transformation of the winter sports economy and environment, with the aim of showcasing France’s exceptional natural, cultural, and touristic heritage.
IOC, Reflection, Transformation, and Implications
Hosting this event requires careful consideration within the framework of an in-depth reflection on the Winter Games, driven by pivotal changes initiated by the IOC, and involving significant implications such as:
- Addressing challenges related to biodiversity preservation and the urgent demands of climate change. A substantial departure from the conventional model of Winter Games organization is necessary, echoing the transformation seen with Paris 2024 for the Summer Games.
- Integration into a national strategy for the future of winter sports, particularly amid the context of climate change, a direction in which both candidate regions are already deeply engaged.
Next Steps in the 2030 Olympic Bid
- Presenting a bid proposal to the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) and the French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF), along with their decision-making bodies, in September.
- Submitting the proposal to the Future Host Commission for the Winter Olympic Games in the latter part of September.
The IOC Executive Board will subsequently decide, likely in December 2023, on opening a dialogue with select candidates, pending thorough examination and support from the French government regarding the bid dossier.
Stay tuned for updates, and in the meantime, Tignes remains a “Land of Games” where athletes frequently train in preparation for their competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics (link to our article).
The mountain awaits you this winter, book yourself a wonderful stay in Tignes with us!
