In a landmark decision, the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will take place in the French Alps. The announcement was made on July 24 during the 142nd International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Paris, coinciding with the beginning of the Paris 2024 Games.
Marking the fourth time France has hosted the Winter Games, this event is set to be a showcase of the country’s dedication to winter sports and sustainable event management. The French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) and the French Paralympic and Sports Committee (CPSF), alongside the Sud and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions, are dedicated to presenting Games that are economically efficient, environmentally conscious, and authentically French.
The Sud region will serve as a key location for many events, with Briançon hosting freestyle skiing, snowboarding, and para-snowboarding competitions. Nice will be the venue for ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating, curling, and wheelchair curling. The Promenade des Anglais in Nice will provide a stunning backdrop for the Closing Ceremony.
The Games will also see events spread across Courchevel-Méribel and Val d’Isère for downhill skiing, and La Clusaz for cross-country skiing. This widespread geographic distribution means that the Games will span over 500 kilometers, with several Olympic villages situated near event venues to accommodate athletes and visitors.
Despite beating out bids from Switzerland and Sweden, France's selection is contingent upon providing financial assurances from both state and regional authorities to the IOC. These guarantees must be submitted by October 1, 2024, and receive parliamentary approval by March 1, 2025.
As the French Alps prepare for this prestigious event, the 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics promise to celebrate not only the spirit of competition but also France’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cultural heritage.