French Alps proposed to host the 2030 Winter Olympics

Introduction

The selection of a host for the 2030 Winter Olympics is a significant moment for the international sporting calendar and for the communities involved. The decision influences planning timelines, investment, athlete preparation and the legacy of winter sport in the chosen region. Recent developments around the French Alps have placed that region at the centre of discussion for the 2030 Winter Olympics.

Main developments

Invitation to targeted dialogue

On 29 November 2023, following a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee’s Future Host Commission, the IOC Executive Board invited the French National Olympic and Sports Committee to enter into targeted dialogue proposing that the 2030 Winter Olympics be held in the French Alps. That step marked formal progression in the host selection pathway and signalled IOC interest in the French proposal.

French Alps 2030 and Olympic Agenda integration

The bid campaign is being presented under the name “French Alps 2030.” Official materials indicate that French Alps 2030 would be the first edition of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to fully integrate the principles of Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5. This positioning highlights an emphasis on aligning the event with the IOC’s recently updated framework for how Games are organised and delivered.

What the announcement means now

The targeted dialogue phase is intended to allow detailed discussions between the IOC and the proposed host to examine feasibility, organisation and alignment with IOC policies. For a region such as the French Alps, moving into targeted dialogue represents an important step toward confirming formal hosting agreements and beginning the preparatory work that precedes final selection and staging.

Conclusion and outlook

With the French Alps identified in IOC communications and French Alps 2030 framed as a model for implementing Olympic Agenda 2020 and 2020+5, stakeholders will watch subsequent developments closely. The targeted dialogue phase will clarify timelines, commitments and the degree to which the Games will reflect the IOC’s stated principles. For athletes, organisers and local communities, the process now shifts from proposal to planning, with forthcoming announcements expected to set out next steps and milestones toward the 2030 Winter Games.