Paris – 23.06.2026: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the updated venue map for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps. Lyon will now serve as the host city for all ice sports, while Val d’Isère is designated for alpine skiing.
This decision marks a significant step in preparing for the Games, which are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2030. Lyon takes on the role of the “ice hub” and will host competitions in figure skating, speed skating, and short track. This choice was made to increase logistical efficiency and reduce the burden on Alpine regions.
Val d’Isère, known for its challenging slopes, will host the alpine skiing events. This selection was made to meet the high sporting demands and provide athletes with optimal conditions. Previously, Val d’Isère had been excluded from the original list of venues, but due to intense lobbying, including efforts by Jean-Claude Killy and Michel Barnier, the decision was revised.
The final confirmation of the venues by the IOC followed a series of visits and evaluations of the proposed locations. In December 2025, the IOC Coordination Commission visited several potential sites, including Val d’Isère, Courchevel, and La Plagne, to assess their suitability.
With the IOC’s approval of the venues, organizers can now begin detailed planning and construction of the necessary infrastructure. The next steps include securing financial resources, completing construction projects, and coordinating the various stakeholders to ensure a smooth execution of the Games.
The decision to select Lyon and Val d’Isère as the main venues for ice sports and alpine skiing reflects efforts to make the Games both athletically demanding and logistically efficient. By concentrating ice sports in Lyon, the Alpine regions can be relieved, and environmental impacts from travel reduced.
Organizers emphasize that the venue selection was based not only on sporting criteria but also on sustainability and long-term effects on the regions. The goal is to leave a lasting legacy in the French Alps while meeting the demands of modern elite sports.
With the IOC’s final confirmation of the venues, the vision for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps moves a step closer. The coming years will be crucial to turning these ambitious plans into reality and creating an unforgettable sporting event.