The Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a deadly bar fire killed 40 people on New Year's Day, has been confirmed as the host of Alpine ski races at the 2038 Winter Olympics. The announcement comes less than a fortnight after the blaze at Le Constellation, which also injured 116 others.
Switzerland has been granted privileged status by the International Olympic Committee, effectively barring other nations from bidding while it finalises its proposal. Barring an unexpected development, the country is set to host the 2038 Games, with events spread across multiple locations to avoid taxpayer spending on new construction.
Crans-Montana's selection is not a surprise, given it will stage the 2026 Alpine World Ski Championships and World Cup races in three weeks' time. The resort's involvement in the 2038 bid was confirmed on Monday by organisers, who aim to use existing facilities nationwide.
Other venues include St Moritz for bobsleigh, Engelberg for ski jumping, and Lenzerheide for biathlon. Ice hockey matches are planned for Zurich, Zug, and Lugano. Lausanne, home to the IOC, will host the opening ceremony, figure skating, and short-track speed skating. Bern will hold the closing ceremony, while Geneva will stage speed skating and curling and serve as the international broadcast centre.
The New Year's Day fire at Le Constellation is alleged to have started when sparklers ignited soundproofing foam in the basement. The bar's owner and his wife face potential charges, including manslaughter by negligence. Swiss skier Camille Rast dedicated her World Cup giant slalom victory last week to the victims, tapping a black mourning band on her arm after her win.
