Switzerland has put its full weight behind hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 2038. The Swiss government has announced its full support for hosting the competition, after the International Olympic Committee gave the alpine nation an exclusive opportunity to be host.

Switzerland closer than ever to hosting the Winter Olympics

Speaking at a press conference on September 27, the President of Switzerland Viola Amherd (Centre) announced the government’s support for a Winter Olympic bid for 2038. She confirmed that they would be creating a working group alongside Olympic organisation SwissOlympic to start crafting the bid, clarifying how much it would cost and where it would be held.

The news follows Switzerland’s unsuccessful bid to host the 2030 Winter Olympics - despite reaching the top three, Switzerland lost out to a bid from France. However, as part of the rejection the International Olympic Committee gave Switzerland the right to “privileged dialogue” when it came to the 2038 games.

This status means that other countries are not able to launch rival bids, meaning that provided a suitable bid is submitted, Switzerland will host the 2038 Winter Olympic Games after Milan in 2026, the French Alps in 2030 and Salt Lake City in 2034. This would be the third time the country has hosted the competition, having held the 1928 and 1948 games in St. Moritz.

2038 Winter Olympic Games a "great opportunity" for Switzerland

Amherd argued that international sporting events provide “positive impulses in society and the economy.” "The Federal Council sees the Olympic and Paralympic Games as a great opportunity for the country,” she added, noting that it would help boost Switzerland's reputation and encourage sporting development.

She promised that the 2038 games would be “a fit for Switzerland - modest and free of unnecessary gigantism” like that seen at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. She said that private finance would be the main funder of the games and that the Army, police and emergency services are well prepared to provide security.

What challenges does the Swiss Winter Olympic bid face?

While Switzerland looks more likely than ever to host the Winter Olympics, several questions remain unanswered. First is which part of the Swiss mountains would host the event - though in the 2030 bid, it was promised it would be held nationwide. 

Second, the games will have to be subject to a referendum before they can take place, and some have worried that the cost of the event would put off Swiss voters. For instance, Sion’s attempt to host the games in 2026 came unstuck thanks to its rejection at a referendum, following the revelations that it would cost the city more to host than it would earn in income.

"Of course, we can hold the Winter Olympics in Switzerland," noted Swiss Olympic director Ralph Stöckli back in August 2023. “The crucial question is whether we want to.”

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