The Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana has been confirmed as the host for the Alpine ski racing events at the 2038 Winter Olympic Games. This announcement comes less than two weeks after a devastating fire at a local bar claimed 40 lives and injured 116 others on New Year's Day.
Privileged Status for Swiss Olympic Bid
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has granted Switzerland a privileged status as the sole bidder for the 2038 Games. This unique position means no other nation will be permitted to bid while Swiss officials finalise their detailed proposal. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this effectively guarantees that Switzerland will host the Winter Olympics in twelve years' time, marking the country's first Winter Games since St Moritz in 1948.
Organisers confirmed the selection of Crans-Montana on Monday, emphasising a strategy to utilise existing venues spread across the nation. This decentralised approach is designed to avoid costly new construction projects and minimise spending for taxpayers.
A Community in Mourning Looks to the Future
The decision to award major Olympic events to Crans-Montana arrives during a period of profound grief for the community. The fatal blaze at the Le Constellation bar is under investigation, with the owner and his wife facing potential charges including "manslaughter by negligence". Authorities believe the fire started in the basement when sparklers ignited soundproofing foam on the ceiling.
In a poignant tribute last week, Swiss skier Camille Rast dedicated her World Cup giant slalom victory to the victims. Wearing a black mourning band on her arm, Rast stated, "This week, in my home town, there was a tragic accident and I think about those families. We race for them."
A Nationwide Festival of Winter Sport
The 2038 Games will be a truly national event. The iconic resort of St Moritz is slated to host the bobsleigh, while Engelberg will stage ski jumping and Lenzerheide the biathlon. Ice hockey will be played in Zurich and Zug, with some games in Lugano to include the Italian-speaking region.
Lausanne, the home city of the IOC, will be a central hub, hosting the opening ceremony, figure skating, and short-track speed skating. The closing ceremony is planned for the capital, Bern. Geneva will utilise the Palexpo complex—familiar from Davis Cup tennis—for speed skating and curling, and will serve as the main base for international broadcasters.
The choice of Crans-Montana is not unexpected, as the resort is a well-established fixture on the international skiing circuit. It is scheduled to host the Alpine World Ski Championships in 2025 and will welcome World Cup racers in just three weeks' time ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics.
