French Alps Set To Host Historic 2030 Winter Olympics

Olympic fever is building once again, and the world’s eyes are turning toward the future of the Games. With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics just around the corner, excitement is already simmering about the next stops on the Olympic calendar—including a historic return to the French Alps in 2030, a star-studded Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028, and a much-anticipated revisit to Salt Lake City for the 2034 Winter Olympics. Let’s take a closer look at the confirmed host cities, the venues, and the traditions that continue to shape the Olympic spirit for athletes and fans alike.

The next Winter Olympics and Paralympics are set to take place in the breathtaking French Alps region in 2030. Mark your calendars: the Olympic Games are scheduled from February 1 to February 17, while the Paralympics will follow a month later, running from March 1 to March 17. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave its official stamp of approval to the French Alps bid in July 2024, cementing France’s reputation as a powerhouse in Olympic hosting.

This won’t be France’s first dance with the Winter Games. In fact, the country has a storied history with the event, having previously hosted the Winter Olympics three times: the inaugural edition in Chamonix in 1924, then Grenoble in 1968, and Albertville in 1992. Each of those Games left a lasting mark, and the 2030 edition promises to build on that rich legacy. The French Alps’ selection is also a testament to France’s recent Olympic success—Paris hosted a dazzling 2024 Summer Olympics, where the home nation racked up a record-breaking 64 medals.

What’s new for 2030? For starters, the venues will be spread across the Alps, with competitions taking place in Nice, Briançon, Haute-Savoie, and Savoie. This regional approach not only showcases the natural beauty and sporting infrastructure of the Alps, but also nods to the collaborative spirit of the Games. Many of these venues have Olympic pedigree: La Plagne’s sliding track, the Courchevel ski jump, and Méribel’s Roc de Fer alpine skiing course all played starring roles in the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics. The Courchevel ski jump, in particular, is set to host its second Winter Games, bringing a sense of nostalgia and continuity to the proceedings.

But perhaps the biggest talking point is the closing ceremony. For the first time in Winter Olympics history, the closing event will be held outside a stadium, taking place on Nice’s iconic Promenade des Anglais beachfront. Imagine the spectacle—athletes, officials, and fans gathering on the Mediterranean shore to celebrate the end of the Games in style. The opening ceremony venue is still under wraps, adding a dash of intrigue to the buildup. Will organizers opt for a mountain backdrop, a historic town square, or something entirely unexpected? Only time will tell.

Looking beyond 2030, the Olympic torch will make its way back to the United States for the 2034 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City is no stranger to Olympic glory, having previously hosted the Winter Games in 2002. That edition was memorable for many reasons, not least because it was the first Olympics held after the September 11, 2001 attacks, resulting in unprecedented security measures and a powerful sense of unity. Originally, Salt Lake City had its sights set on the 2030 Games, but with Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics, organizers decided the dates were too close for comfort and shifted their focus to 2034. The Beehive State will once again roll out the white carpet for the world’s top winter athletes from February 10 to February 26, 2034.

Of course, the Olympic cycle keeps spinning. Before the French Alps take center stage, all eyes will be on Italy for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The Games officially open on February 6, 2026, but the action starts a couple of days earlier with curling on February 4. The closing ceremony is set for February 22, with the Paralympics following from March 6 to March 15. Team USA is expected to send a formidable squad of over 200 athletes, including stars like Mikaela Shiffrin, Ilia Malinin, Hilary Knight, Chloe Kim, Jordan Stolz, Red Gerard, and Cincinnati’s own Quinn Dehlinger and Nick Goepper. Italy’s fourth time hosting the Olympics (after Turin 2006, Rome 1960, and Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956) is a source of national pride, and the country is pulling out all the stops for a memorable fortnight of competition.

Sandwiched between these Winter spectacles is the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will see the Games return to Los Angeles for a record-tying third time. The city previously hosted in 1932 and 1984, and it’s gearing up for another blockbuster edition from July 14 to July 30, 2028. Los Angeles is pulling out all the stops, with more than 40 sports, about 800 events, and a staggering 15,000 athletes expected to descend on Southern California. Iconic venues like SoFi Stadium, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the Rose Bowl will be at the heart of the action, alongside select events held outside California. The opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium promises to be a showstopper—it’ll even be transformed into the largest swimming venue in Olympic history.

The 2028 Games also mark a new era for Olympic sports, with five new disciplines set to make their debut: baseball/softball, lacrosse, cricket, flag football, and squash. This fresh lineup is designed to appeal to a broader, younger global audience and reflects the evolving landscape of international sport. Los Angeles 2028 will be a true celebration of diversity, innovation, and athletic excellence.

And the Olympic journey doesn’t end there. Brisbane, Australia, is slated to host the 2032 Summer Olympics from July 23 to August 6, marking the nation’s third time in the Olympic spotlight after Sydney 2000 and Melbourne 1956. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast will also share hosting duties, bringing a distinctly Aussie flavor to the proceedings. Looking even further ahead, cities like Doha, Nusantara, Ahmedabad, Istanbul, and Santiago are vying for the chance to host the 2036 Summer Olympics, though the IOC has yet to make its decision.

As anticipation builds for each of these global sporting extravaganzas, one thing is clear: the Olympic movement remains as vibrant and dynamic as ever. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sun-soaked stadiums of Los Angeles and beyond, the Games continue to unite nations, inspire athletes, and captivate fans with unforgettable moments. With new venues, historic firsts, and a nod to tradition, the upcoming Olympic cycle promises to deliver thrills, surprises, and memories that will last a lifetime. Stay tuned as the countdown to the next chapter in Olympic history begins!