The Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a New Year's Day bar fire killed 40 people and injured 116, has been confirmed as a venue for the Alpine ski races at the 2038 Winter Olympics.
Less than a fortnight after the blaze at Le Constellation, officials announced that the municipality will be a key site in Switzerland's bid for the Games. The country has been granted privileged status by the International Olympic Committee, meaning no other nation can bid while it finalises its proposal.
Organisers confirmed on Monday that Crans-Montana would stage events as part of a plan to host competitions across the country, avoiding taxpayer spending on new construction. The resort will also host the 2025 World Championships in Alpine skiing and World Cup races in three weeks' time.
The bar's owner and his wife face potential charges including manslaughter by negligence. The fire is alleged to have started in the basement when sparklers ignited soundproofing foam. Swiss skier Camille Rast dedicated her recent World Cup victory to the victims, saying: 'We race for them.'
Other confirmed venues include St Moritz (bobsleigh), Engelberg (ski jumping), Lenzerheide (biathlon), and ice hockey in Zurich, Zug and Lugano. Lausanne will host the opening ceremony, figure skating and short-track skating, while Bern will hold the closing ceremony. Geneva will stage speed skating and curling, and be the base for international broadcasters.
