IOC Bidding Process and the 2038 Winter Olympics Outlook
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has fundamentally transformed how it selects hosts for its global events. Approved at the 134th IOC Session on June 24, 2019, in Lausanne, Switzerland, the new bidding process was designed to align with the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020. This shift moves away from rigid deadlines and single-city requirements toward a more flexible, collaborative approach.
The primary goal of these changes is to foster ongoing relationships between the IOC and potential hosts, reducing the risks and costs associated with traditional bidding wars while allowing for more sustainable hosting arrangements.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Flexible Hosting: The Olympic Charter now allows multiple cities, regions, or countries to co-host the Games.
- Removed Deadlines: The strict requirement to elect a host exactly seven years before the event has been eliminated.
- Two-Stage Dialogue: The process is split into "Continuous Dialogue" (non-committal) and "Targeted Dialogue" (exclusive negotiations).
- Future Host Commissions: Dedicated bodies for Summer and Winter Games now oversee interest and report to the IOC Executive Board.
- Switzerland's Status: Switzerland is currently in "privileged dialogue" for the 2038 Winter Games.
The New Bidding Framework
The modern IOC approach replaces the old competitive bidding system with a permanent, ongoing dialogue. This allows the IOC to explore interest among cities, regions, countries, and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) without the pressure of a fixed election date.
The Future Host Commissions
To manage this process, the IOC established two Future Host Commissions—one for the Summer Games and one for the Winter Games. These commissions include non-executive board members to ensure broader influence within the IOC Session.
The Winter Commission is composed of four IOC members and four other members. The current membership includes Chair Karl Stoss, Danka Hrbeková, Martin Fourcade, Samira Asghari, Johanna Talihärm (representing athletes), Einars Fogelis (AIOWF), Ian Chesterman (NOCs), and Rita van Driel (IPC member).
The Two Stages of Dialogue
The bidding system is structured into two distinct phases to filter and refine potential hosts:
- Continuous Dialogue: These are non-committal discussions between the IOC and any interested party (city, region, country, or NOC) regarding the possibility of hosting future events.
- Targeted Dialogue: Upon instruction from the IOC Executive Board, the process moves to targeted discussions with one or more "Preferred Hosts."
The 2038 Winter Olympics: Switzerland's National Bid
In November 2023, the IOC entered into "privileged dialogue" with Switzerland for the 2038 Winter Games. This marks a historic shift, as Switzerland intends to be the first national bid, meaning the Games would be hosted by the country rather than a single city or region. The IOC noted in January 2026 that Switzerland could become the preferred bidder by 2027.
The proposed plan involves a distributed model across ten cantons and 14 municipalities. The distribution of events is as follows:
- Lausanne & Bern: Opening and closing ceremonies.
- Geneva: Curling and speed skating.
- Lausanne: Figure skating and short track skating.
- Crans-Montana: Alpine skiing.
- Lugano, Zug, and Zurich: Ice hockey.
- Engelberg: Cross-country skiing, nordic combined, and ski jumping.
- Lenzerheide: Biathlon.
- St. Moritz-Celerina: Bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton.
- St. Moritz-Silvaplana: Freestyle skiing and snowboard.
Financial backing is already securing the bid, with the Swiss Federal Council committing up to CHF 200 million ($249 million) and sportswear brand On contributing approximately CHF 20 million ($25.7 million). Public sentiment remains largely positive, with a April 2026 poll showing 61% support and 28% who are somewhat in favor.
| Country/Region | Status/Timeline | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Privileged Dialogue (2038) | First national bid; distributed across multiple cantons. |
| Canada | Potential Backup (2038) | COC willing to bid if Switzerland does not materialize. |
| Norway | Potential (2038 or 2042) | Prime Minister backs a bid; 2042 seen as most realistic. |
| USA (NY/Lake Placid) | Exploratory (2042) | Committee formed to evaluate a co-hosted bid. |
| Finland (Lahti) | Proposed (2038) | Mayor of Lahti proposed city as a main venue. |
Other Potential Bidders
While Switzerland is the primary focus for 2038, other nations are monitoring the situation. The Canadian Olympic Committee expressed willingness to bid if the Swiss proposal fails. In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith suggested Calgary or Edmonton could bid, provided they develop integrated rail systems and new stadiums, potentially utilizing Vancouver's 2010 venues for sliding and jumping events.
Norway, following a strong 2026 performance, is considering a bid for either 2038 or 2042. Meanwhile, in the United States, Governor Kathy Hochul has backed a potential 2042 bid co-hosted by New York City and Lake Placid, establishing an Exploratory Committee in June 2026 to evaluate the feasibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Continuous and Targeted Dialogue?
Continuous Dialogue is a non-committal exploration phase open to any interested party. Targeted Dialogue is a focused, exclusive negotiation phase with a "Preferred Host" as designated by the IOC Executive Board.
How has the Olympic Charter changed regarding host selection?
The Charter was modified to remove the requirement that a host be elected exactly seven years before the Games. It also expanded the definition of a host from a single city to include multiple cities, regions, or entire countries.
What makes the Swiss bid for 2038 unique?
Switzerland is pursuing a "national" bid rather than a city-specific one, distributing events across various cantons and municipalities throughout the country.
Who oversees the interest in future Winter Olympic Games?
The Future Host Commission for Winter Games, consisting of four IOC members and four other representatives (including athletes and IPC members), oversees interest and reports to the IOC Executive Board.
Which US cities are considering a future Winter Olympics bid?
New York City and Lake Placid are currently being evaluated by an Exploratory Committee for a potential co-hosted bid for the 2042 Winter Games.