Switzerland is making a bold move in its bid to host the Winter Olympics in 2030. Not only does the country want to spread the games across its entire territory, but it also aims to make it the most cost-effective Olympics in history. The proposal, which has been approved unanimously by Switzerland's sports federations, outlines a budget of $1.6 billion for the event. Adjusted for inflation, this would make it the cheapest Olympics since Los Angeles turned a profit in 1984.
This shift towards a more sustainable and sport-focused approach to hosting the Games comes at a time when governments are being cautious about spending billions on extravagant showcases. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has also expressed the desire for the Paris 2024 Games to be more cost-effective, with the government shouldering only a quarter of the total cost.
However, locals in Switzerland remain cautious. Past promises of keeping costs low have been broken, resulting in financial burdens on citizens long after the Games have ended. Many are skeptical that the projected budget of 1.6 billion will not be exceeded. Despite this skepticism, enthusiasm for hosting the Winter Olympics in 2030 is growing, particularly because the games would be spread across the entire country, with no single canton assuming the burden of hosting.
Switzerland has a rich history with the International Olympic Committee, hosting it since 1915, and is known for its contributions to winter tourism. However, previous attempts to host the Winter Games were thwarted by local skepticism, with bids in 2013, 2017, and 2018 being rejected. This time around, the promise of cost control has sparked renewed interest among the Swiss population, with two out of three Swiss citizens supporting the bid according to a recent poll.
The International Olympic Committee will choose the host for the 2030 Winter Games next summer, and Switzerland will face competition from a bid by two French Alps regions with the backing of President Emmanuel Macron, as well as a likely bid from Sweden.
While promises of a frugal Winter Games have been made in the past, economists remain skeptical. Given that the projected budget of $1.6 billion is only 10% of the average cost of the previous seven Winter Olympics, it is uncertain whether Switzerland can truly deliver on its promise. However, experts suggest that Switzerland's chances of breaking even are higher than previous hosts, as the country plans to make use of existing venues and infrastructure rather than constructing new facilities.
The plan for the 2030 Winter Games includes Lausanne and Bern hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, ice hockey matches in Zurich and Zug, downhill racing in Crans-Montana, and half-pipe events in St. Moritz. Most of the venues are already in place or will be refurbished for upcoming championships, and only long-track speed-skating is lacking a facility. In this case, officials propose relying on a neighboring country to host the event.
Switzerland's vision for the Winter Olympics focuses on avoiding the extravagant "gigantism" that has plagued previous Games. Instead, the country aims to ensure that the event adapts to its organizing country, rather than the other way around. By adhering to this principle and leveraging existing resources, Switzerland hopes to achieve its goal of hosting the cheapest and most sustainable Winter Olympics in history.