Salt Lake City has officially been awarded the 2034 Winter Olympics following a vote by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Paris. This marks the second time Utah will host the Games, following the successful 2002 event.
Salt Lake City was the lone contender for the 2034 Games, with climate change and high operational costs deterring other potential host cities. Utah capitalized on the limited competition, highlighting its enthusiasm for winter sports and existing infrastructure. The city also pitched itself as a prime candidate for a proposed permanent rotation of Winter Olympic cities, a plan supported by Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi.
The 2034 Games are expected to feature a compact layout, with all venues located within one hour of the athlete village on the University of Utah campus. All 13 venues are already in place, having been used in the 2002 Games, requiring no new permanent construction.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox views securing the Games as a key step in establishing the state as North America’s winter sports capital. He, along with other local leaders, was in Paris for the bid presentation. Meanwhile, many winter Olympians remained in Utah to train and participate in the celebrations.
Christopher Lillis, a gold medalist at the 2022 Winter Olympics, expressed his excitement for the 2034 Games, seeing it as a dream come true for aspiring young athletes. He emphasized the high-quality sports facilities in the area, notably Utah Olympic Park.
Matthew Lindon, a long-time resident of the ski resort community of Park City, highlighted the city’s growth and transformation since hosting the 2002 Games. He described the city’s transition from a local destination to a world-class skiing resort, welcoming visitors from around the globe.
