Switzerland moves closer to hosting 2038 winter Olympics after government support

Monday 22 June 2026 - 09:59

The Swiss government has formally endorsed a bid to host the 2038 Winter Olympic Games, marking a significant step forward in the country’s ambitions to bring the global sporting event back to the Alps nearly a century after it last staged the competition.

The decision strengthens Switzerland’s position in ongoing discussions with the International Olympic Committee, as the country is currently considered one of the leading candidates in what the Olympic body describes as a “privileged dialogue” phase.

If successful, the bid would mark the return of the Winter Olympic Games to Switzerland for the first time since the 1948 edition held in St. Moritz. That historical legacy is now being leveraged by Swiss officials as they present the country as a natural home for winter sports due to its alpine geography, established infrastructure, and long-standing sporting tradition.

Government backing is seen as a crucial milestone in the bidding process, as Olympic host selection typically requires strong alignment between national authorities, sporting organizations, and local host regions. Swiss officials argue that the country is uniquely positioned to deliver a sustainable and compact Games model, aligning with the IOC’s recent emphasis on cost control and environmental responsibility.

Switzerland’s bid is also part of a broader strategy to reinforce its international sporting profile, with several cantons expected to contribute venues rather than relying on a single host city. Discussions have included potential hubs such as Zurich and other alpine regions, which could share event hosting responsibilities under a decentralized model.

The IOC, headquartered in Lausanne, has increasingly favored flexible hosting frameworks in recent cycles, allowing multiple regions to co-host events rather than concentrating infrastructure in a single metropolitan area. Switzerland’s proposal is viewed as closely aligned with this evolving approach.

While no final decision has been made, the Swiss endorsement is expected to accelerate technical evaluations and planning discussions in the coming months. If selected, Switzerland would join a select group of nations that have hosted multiple Winter Games editions, reinforcing its status as one of the traditional powerhouses of winter sport.