Swiss authorities can rely on public opinion to host the 2038 Winter Olympics
At the regular session in Milan (Italy), the head of the IOC department for the selection of venues for the Winter Olympics, Karl Stoss, confirmed the intention to continue a privileged dialog with Switzerland regarding the 2038 Games.
“Switzerland is the only country interested in hosting the Winter Olympics in 2038. Negotiations can develop into a targeted dialog with the subsequent selection of the Olympic capital,” emphasized a high-ranking IOC official.
Out of competition
Switzerland has been granted the exclusive right to host the 2038 Winter Olympics out of competition, but the candidate must fulfill all IOC requirements and receive guaranteed political support. These steps must be completed by December 2026, when the IOC Executive Committee will meet. At that time, a targeted dialog can be launched.
If an agreement with the Swiss authorities cannot be reached by the end of 2027, the IOC will be forced to look for other candidates.
Although there is no certainty on Switzerland’s bid yet, the IOC is spreading the details of the 2038 Games. Thus, according to Karl Stoss, if the Confederation confirms the bid to host the Olympics, the opening ceremony will be held in Lausanne, where the IOC headquarters is located, and the closing ceremony – in Bern.
For Switzerland, the Winter Olympics in 2038 could be the third in its history. The Confederation has hosted them twice – in 1928 and 1948. Both times the Games were held in St. Moritz.
In 2030, the Winter Olympics will be hosted by the French Alps, and in 2034 – Salt Lake City (USA).
