Paris — Winter Olympic Games to Return to Salt Lake City in 2034; French Alps Tentatively Selected for 2030

In a groundbreaking decision, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded the Winter Olympic Games to Salt Lake City for 2034, signifying a historic return to the American city that previously hosted the Games in 2002. Concurrently, the French Alps have been tentatively designated as the host for the 2030 Winter Games, pending final confirmation of financial guarantees from French organizers.

Details of the Decision

This week, in a crucial session held in Paris, key representatives from Utah—including Governor Spencer Cox, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, and other pivotal figures—engaged with IOC members to solidify support for Salt Lake City's bid. Although Salt Lake City had been a frontrunner for the 2034 Winter Games for some time, last-minute concerns emerged regarding the United States’ support for the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This issue arose from U.S. Congressional investigations into doping allegations involving Chinese swimmers before the Tokyo Olympics, which threatened to undermine WADA’s authority.

Fraser Bullock, the head of the Salt Lake City bid committee, voiced his relief and gratitude after the vote. “The last 10 days of my life were totally unexpected,” Bullock told NBC affiliate KSL. “We were cruising towards the final award, and then this concern about WADA emerged, requiring urgent attention.”

Despite these hurdles, Salt Lake City secured a decisive 83-6 vote in favor of hosting the 2034 Winter Games, reflecting strong confidence from the IOC in the city’s ability to deliver a successful event. Bullock expressed optimism, stating, “We believe that we can make adjustments that will help the U.S. and the global anti-doping community come together constructively.”

Impact on the Community and Legacy

The announcement has generated immense excitement in Salt Lake City, a locale with a storied Olympic history. Lindsey Vonn, an acclaimed U.S. gold medal skier and a prominent advocate for the Salt Lake City bid, reminisced about the emotional significance of the news. “I remember vividly when Salt Lake City was awarded the Olympics in 2002; it was a dream come true for me,” Vonn said during her appearance on NBC’s "TODAY" show. “I know that many children watching today are now dreaming of competing in 2034.”

The venues for the 2034 Games are slated to include either existing facilities or temporary structures, designed to mitigate financial burdens on local taxpayers and prevent the creation of underused infrastructure. Bullock underscored the importance of maintaining the legacy of the 2002 Games, which continue to provide benefits to Utah residents.

Celebration and Local Reactions

The announcement was met with widespread jubilation across Utah, where hundreds of residents assembled at Washington Square Park to view the announcement on large screens. The celebratory atmosphere was further highlighted by the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at Rice-Eccles Stadium, symbolizing the Games’ return to Salt Lake City.

Kaitlin Eskelson, President and CEO of Visit Salt Lake, described the announcement as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” that will elevate Salt Lake City onto the global stage.

Future Olympic Sites and Scheduling

The 2034 Winter Olympics will mark the fifth time the Winter Games have been hosted in the United States. The U.S. previously hosted the Winter Games in Lake Placid, New York, in 1932 and 1980; Squaw Valley, California, in 1960; and Salt Lake City in 2002.

For the 2030 Winter Games, the French Alps region has been tentatively selected, pending additional financial guarantees from organizers. Should this bid be confirmed, it will be the fourth time France has hosted the Winter Olympics, following Chamonix in 1924, Grenoble in 1968, and Albertville in 1992.

Looking further ahead, the Winter Olympics will next be held in Italy near Milan from February 6 to 22, 2026. The 2028 Summer Games are scheduled for Los Angeles from July 14 to 30. Brisbane, Australia, will host the 2032 Summer Olympics from July 23 to August 8.

The selections for the 2030 and 2034 Games follow extensive deliberations and negotiations. Concerns related to France’s political climate were mitigated by the stabilization of French politics, including the successful navigation of challenges by centrist President Emmanuel Macron and his coalition.

Conclusion

With the forthcoming return of the Winter Olympics to Salt Lake City and the tentative allocation of the 2030 Games to the French Alps, the global Olympic movement is poised for significant and exciting developments. Both locations are expected to deliver remarkable and impactful Games, contributing to the ongoing legacy and history of the Winter Olympics.