It was supposed to be Sweden’s first Winter Olympics. But the blue and yellow hopes disappeared early in the process. It is now clear that France will be the host country for the Winter Olympics in 2030.

Just two days before the Summer Olympics are inaugurated in Paris 2024, the announcement comes that France will also host the Winter Olympics in 2030. The games will take place in the French Alps.

“France pushes the limits of excellence every time it organizes a sports event. We believe in the future of our mountains, and we need to support their model for the future: innovative, ambitious, mindful of ecological issues, and accessible by everyone,” says France’s President Emmanuel Macron and added:

“I reaffirm to you here this morning the full commitment of the French State to organizing these Games. Paris 2024 will be a success, and the same will be true for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2030. You can trust us – we will be there, and we are proud to support this candidature for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2030.”

After Sweden dropped out, France and the USA fought for the Winter Olympics in 2030. Now, the IOC has chosen the French, but only if the country can provide guarantees for the financing.

“The IOC will not sign the contract until the delivery guarantees have been received,” explains IOC Vice President John Coates during the IOC congress.

France is a pioneer when it comes to the Winter Olympics, with the first games held in Chamonix in 1924. Since then, there have been two more Winter Olympics: in Grenoble in 1968 and Albertville in 1992.

In 2030, the games will take place in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, located in the southeastern corner of France.

Before that, the Winter Olympics 2026 will be held in Italy, with Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as the central locations for the event. Cross-country skiing will take place at the well-known ski stadium in Val di Fiemme, while biathlon will also be held at a well-known location: the World Championships Arena in Anterselva.

Read More: IOC elects French Alps 2030 as Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games host

Later in the day, as expected, the IOC also decided to award the 2034 Winter Olympic Games to the USA and Salt Lake City. Thus, there will be a return to Utah, which also hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002. The USA has previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932, 1960, and 1980.

Also Read: IOC elects Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 as Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games host

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