Global warming and prohibitive costs threaten the future of the Winter Olympics. Organizers need to soften their demands to retain potential hosts. France was selected to enter into “targeted dialogue” to host the 2030 Winter Games. President Emmanuel Macron hailed the bid as “innovative, sustainable and inclusive.” The IOC will begin detailed discussions with French representatives before the event is officially awarded next year. Only two candidates bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Winter Games require expensive infrastructure and face challenges due to rain and mild conditions affecting snow cover. A study published by the IOC stated that only 10 countries will be able to host the Winter Olympics by 2040, down from 15 now. The IOC is considering cost-reducing measures and possible rotation between pre-existing hosts for future Games.
