The Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, still reeling from a devastating bar fire that claimed 40 lives on New Year's Day, has been confirmed as the host for Alpine ski racing at the 2038 Winter Olympic Games.
Privileged Status for Swiss Olympic Bid
In a significant move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has granted Switzerland privileged status as the sole bidder for the 2038 Games. This means no other nation will be permitted to bid while Swiss officials finalise their nationwide hosting proposal. Barring any unforeseen complications, this paves the way for Switzerland to host its first Winter Olympics since the 1948 event in St Moritz.
Organisers confirmed the selection on Monday, emphasising a decentralised model that will spread events across the country. This strategy aims to utilise existing world-class venues and avoid costly new construction projects funded by taxpayers.
A Bittersweet Announcement for Crans-Montana
The decision comes less than two weeks after the fatal fire at Le Constellation bar, which also left 116 people injured. The bar's owner and his wife face potential charges, including manslaughter by negligence, with investigators alleging sparklers in the basement ignited soundproofing foam.
The resort's Olympic future is intertwined with this recent tragedy. Last week, Swiss skier Camille Rast dedicated her World Cup giant slalom victory to the victims, tapping a black mourning band on her arm after her win. "This week, in my home town, there was a tragic accident and I think about those families. We race for them," she stated.
Crans-Montana's selection is not entirely unexpected, given its established pedigree. The resort is scheduled to host the Alpine Skiing World Championships in 2025 and will welcome World Cup races in just three weeks' time, ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
A Nationwide Festival of Winter Sport
The 2038 Games plan showcases Switzerland's diverse winter sports landscape. The iconic resort of St Moritz is slated to host the bobsleigh events, while Engelberg will stage ski jumping and Lenzerheide will be the venue for biathlon.
Ice hockey will be played across multiple arenas, with games in Zurich and Zug, and some matches heading to Lugano to include the nation's Italian-speaking region. Lausanne, the home city of the IOC, will host the opening ceremony alongside figure skating and short-track speed skating.
The capital, Bern, is planned for the closing ceremony. Geneva will utilise its large Palexpo complex—familiar from Davis Cup tennis and equestrian events—for speed skating and curling, and will also serve as the main base for international broadcasters.
This confirmation marks a new chapter for Crans-Montana, blending the profound duty of memorialising a local tragedy with the honour and global spotlight of preparing for the Olympic Games in 2038.
