2022 Winter Olympics Games Bids

[Rusty48]

I have been looking for a thread for a 2022 Winter Olympics Games 2018 Winter Olympics Games is going to PyeongChang South Korea so lets get the 2022 Winter Olympics Games Talk going on now there has been a lot of news lately about 2022.

2022 Bids from Wikipedia
Potential bids

[edit]Asia
Kazakhstan[2][3]
Kazakhstan hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games, which can be seen as preparation for hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 2022. The Asian Winter Games were divided between Astana, the capital, and Almaty, the former capital, largest city, and financial centre.

[edit]Europe
Spain
Two cities have expressed their intention of bidding for the 2022 Games. If both keep to this, the Spanish Olympic Committee will have to decide which one will represent Spain.[4]
Barcelona
The mayor of Barcelona, Jordi Hereu, announced on January 13, 2010 that the city aspires to organize the 2022 Winter Olympics. The opening, closing and medal ceremonies and indoor sports would be held in Barcelona, while outdoor sports would be held in ski resorts in the Pyrenees.[5] Barcelona plans to share the games with La Molina (155 km from Barcelona).[6] Barcelona hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics, and if it wins the 2022 Winter bid, it will be the first city to have hosted both a Summer and Winter Olympiad. An information sheet released by the Barcelona City council recommended a two cluster system for a potential Barcelona 2022 Olympic Winter Games bid.[7][8]

Zaragoza
The mayor of Zaragoza, Juan Alberto Belloch, together with representatives of the cities of Huesca and Jaca and the regional government of Aragon, announced their intention to bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics.[9] Initially, Zaragoza was expected to bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics, but it was reasoned that, due to the unofficial continental rotation policy, it would be unlikely for Europe to be awarded back-to-back games.[10]

Germany
Munich
The German Olympic Sports Federation decided at its board meeting on 13 July 2011 to investigate without time pressure the cicumstances under which a future Olympic bid is useful. A future bid will only be submitted if it has solid sportive, economical, political and social foundations.[11] However Munich's Olympic Park director Ralph Huber requested a few days later another bid to host the Winter Games in Munich.[12] In September 2011, Thomas Bach who chairs the German Olympic Sports Federation said that Munich will bid again for the Winter Olympics. He did not confirm a specific 2022 bid however. [13]

Austria/ Italy
Euroregion Tyrol – South Tyrol – Trentino
The former parts of the County of Tyrol Tyrol in Austria, South Tyrol and Trentino in Italy are considering a joint bid as the Euroregion Tyrol – South Tyrol – Trentino for the 2022 Olympics. The capital of Tyrol, Innsbruck, has already hosted Olympic Winter Games twice, in 1964 and 1976[14] and will be the host of 2012 Winter Youth Olympics.

Finland
Tahko, Kuopio and Helsinki
Jouko Purontakanen, the Secretary General of the Finland Olympic Committee, said Finland could host the games alone in Tahko, Kuopio, and Helsinki if the project for artificial heightening of the Tahko hill progresses.[15] Stefan Wallin, Finland's Minister for Culture and Sports, has also suggested that Finland should bid for the 2022 games with other Nordic countries.[15]

France
Nice
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, is having exploratory discussions about a bid.[16] This would come after the failure by Nice to secure the French nomination for the 2018 Olympics.
Toulouse
Even before the bid of Annecy for the 2018 Winter Olympics failed, the mayor of Montauban, Brigitte Barèges, was advocating the candidacy of Toulouse.[17] This would be a joint bid with Andorra and Spain. Toulouse had previously lobbied the French NOC with a bid for the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics.

Norway
Gerhard Heiberg, IOC member from Norway, has announced that the IOC would welcome a bid from Norway to host the Winter Olympic Games.[18] Lillehammer,[19] host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, is considered as host city as well as the area Stavanger-Bergen-Voss.[20]
However as Lillehammer is bidding without opponent to host the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics Inge Andersen, General Secretary of Norway's National Olympic Committee considers a Norwegian bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympics more realistic than such a one for the 2022 Games.[21]
Oslo
During and after the successfully organized FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 the organizers at Oslo as well as the Norwegian Olympic Committee took in consideration a bid to host any Olympic Winter Games in Oslo in the future.[22][23] The alpine events are planned to be in Lillehammer, 180 km away. Oslo hosted the 1952 Winter Olympics (alpine events in Norefjell, 130 km away).

Poland
Zakopane
During a sportground opening ceremony, Polish President Lech Kaczyński announced on March 6, 2010 that he would like his country to be a candidate for 2022 Winter Olympic Games. A month later, on April 10, 2010, he died in a tragic plane crash, which killed 96 people including him, his wife, and the President of the Polish Olympic Committee. In their honor and memory, many Poles and members of the Polish Olympic Committee have advocated the proposed bid. In accordance with the late president's words, the country could organize Olympic Games together with Slovakia or both the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Olympics would be most likely held in the winter sport resort Zakopane, that has already hosted many international winter sport events in the recent past such as winter Universiades, Biathlon World Championship, Nordic World Ski Championships, several Ski Jumping World Cups and Nordic combined and Nordic and Alpine European and World Cups. However its 2006 Winter Olympics bid as well as its 2013 and 2015 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships bids were unsuccessful.[24]
Kraków

Romania
Brașov and Prahova Valley
Romanian former Prime Minister Călin Popescu Tăriceanu announced on June 14, 2007 that the country is considering a bid for the Games to be held in that area.[25][26] The bid city would be Brașov.

Sweden
Östersund is interested in organising the games, but needs political and economical support. The government has not supported it since 2002, after 20 years of bidding without winning any applications in the second round and finishing as runner up, but in November 2010, the Minister for Sports, Lena Adelsohn Liljeroth expressed that the government could support an application. This would be the eight attempt of bidding since 1956.[27]

Switzerland
St.Moritz/Davos
The executive committee of the Swiss Olympic Association decided on 11 August 2011 to put forward a bid of the St.Moritz/Davos-area to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. The bid has to be approved by the Swiss Winter Sports Federations on 27 April 2012. Earlier it was announced that they intend working towards a "Swiss bid" profile that has support from all parts of the country.[28]

St. Moritz/Davos presented a project that will host all events in the surrounding area of Davos and St. Moritz; generally speaking, "ice events" in Davos and "snow events" in St. Moritz. However, Davos has a hosting tradition in cross-country skiing and snowboard, and so one would expect Davos venues for those competitions. After the decision on 11 August 2011 a feasibility study for the games was announced including the possibility to extend ice events to Zurich.
The intention to bid was approved in November 2010. On 24 January 2011 the Swiss Olympic Association, announced that five areas across Switzerland had shown interest in bidding to host the 2022 Winter Olympics[29]: Geneva, Valais, Graubünden, Lucerne/Central Switzerland and Berne.
Swiss Olympic received four bids until the March 31, 2011 deadline when Berne rejected to bid[30]:

Geneva
The city of Geneva officially supported the candidacy of neighbouring French city Annecy for the 2018 Winter Olympics,[31] despite those Games eventually being lost to Pyeongchang, and moved its own bid to the 2022 games.[32] Geneva's concept is said to be based around the city to host the ice sports events and some ski resorts in Valais like Crans-Montana and Col des Mosses to host the snow sports events.

Valais
Claude Koch, member of the Conseil d'Etat announced on December 12, 2010 that the canton Valais is interested in participating at talks to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Switzerland.[33]
Berne (not among the potential candidates announced by Swiss Sports Minister Ueli Maurer but later announced as a potential candidate by Swiss Olympic)[29][34])

Berne bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics that were finally hosted in Vancouver. During the 2010 Winter Olympics when warm temperatures harmed the games in Vancouver the plan to rebid appeared in Berne. Projectants questioned if Berne where plenty of snow was in mid-February 2010 would have been a better host to the 2010 Winter Olympics than Vancouver has been.[35] However Berne was announced as one of five potential candidates by Swiss Olympic on January 24, 2011 even though it was earlier not considered as a potential candidate by the Swiss Federal Department of Sports.[34]

Lucerne/Central Switzerland (The bid announced its withdrawal on December 13, 2010)[36]
Central Switzerland's bid was reported to have been the latest project of Egypt investor and billionaire Samih Sawiris.[37] Therefore Andermatt was projected host for the alpine events, cross-country skiing and ski jumping to be hosted in Einsiedeln with the ice hockey tournament in Zug and Ambri. Also integrating Lucerne was part of the concept.[38] Media reported on December 13, 2010 that a feasibility study has indicated that plans to host Olympic Games in Central Switzerland are illusory because they are oversized for this region and also there is a lack of political support.[36]

Ukraine
Lviv/Carpathian Mountains
On May 27, 2010, President Viktor Yanukovych stated during a visit to Lviv that Ukraine "will start working on the official nomination of our country as the holder of the Winter Olympic Games in Carpathians".[39] Ukraine's only previous experience in hosting Olympic events was during the 1980 Summer Olympics hosted by Moscow, when, as part of the Soviet Union, several association football matches were held in Kiev.[39]
On May 6, 2011 Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych confirmed Ukraine has submitted a bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.[40][41] The statement is premature however, as the bid process does not begin for another two years.

Croatia
Split/Mosor Mountain Range
On September 16, 2011 during the City of Split's manifestation Day of sports, architectural studio Produkcija 004 presented their vision of Split's future that includes project of hosting 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Ambitious project compares Split with Vancouver and Sochi as coastal cities with mountainous background.[42]

[edit]North America
United States
Several of these potential host cities had previously shown interest to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, but the USOC declined to bid, focusing on the unsuccessful Chicago 2016 Olympic bid instead.[43][44] In August 2011, the USOC announced that the US would not bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics[45] because they were unable to reach a new revenue sharing deal. As of September 2011, progress had been made in the talks, making a 2022 bid seem more possible. [46]

Denver
Denver was preparing a 2018 bid, but the USOC decided instead to focus its efforts on Chicago's 2016 Summer Olympics bid. "In the short term, it's discouraging. But our mission has been long term," said Robert Cohen, chairman of the Metro Denver Sports Commission board of directors. "This is like running a marathon. Every mile doesn't go the way you planned it. But I think we're doing all we need to do. I'm excited by what we've done. I'm more encouraged than discouraged." Denver won, but declined to host the 1976 Winter Olympics.[47] It was revealed in August 2011 that Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock will discuss launching an exploration committee for a potential 2022 bid.[48] The proposal also has support from Senator Michael Bennet, who is a co-chair the Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus.[49] Towards the end of September 2011, Denver contacted the USOC about putting forth a bid. [50]

Reno & Lake Tahoe
Officials from Reno & Tahoe have met to discuss the possibility of a joint bid between those two areas to have the 2022 Winter Games. "Our coalition's goal is to continue its concerted efforts to establish and enhance these tourism and recreational offerings, positioning our area to be even more competitive for the next possible Olympic opportunity – hosting the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.", said Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, chairman of the Reno Tahoe Winter Games Coalition Board of Directors.[51] The region hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics at the Squaw Valley Ski Resort. As of September 2011, the Reno-Tahoe games coalition took part in a workshop at USOC headquarters. It was mentioned that the games would not cost taxpayers and that some modifications to some venues would be needed. Other new venues would need to be built. [52]

Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City may consider bidding on the 2022 Winter Games.[53][54] The city hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. With most of the facilities needed already built (minus the new events that have been added) and improved transportation since 2002, Salt Lake City has significant advantages, but hosted a relatively short 20 years earlier which makes it less likely to succeed. However, cities have hosted twice within a 20-year period before. For example: Innsbruck (1964 and 1976)

Bozeman, Montana
The area is climatically well prepared to handle such an event. Venues would be a moderate problem; mainly regarding events that would require an indoor stadium. The city has multiple world-class winter recreation destinations within its influence. These include Bridger Bowl, which along with Bohart Ranch will be hosting the 2012 NCAA skiing championships[55], as well as Big Sky Resort.

[edit]Cancelled bids

Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City initially expressed interest in bidding. In September 2011 Quebec City mayor Regis Labeaume ruled out bidding for 2022. However the city may bid for another Winter Game in the future. [56]

[swifty78]

Hi Matthew

[Knitemplar]

Keep those euro candidates coming!!

[Archbishop]

Denver would be an amazing WOG but the 1976 ordeal will probably hold them back.

[Scba]

It would be awesome if Anchorage/Alaska got an olympic bid, but their infrastructure is still 10-15 years out.

[KiwiRob]

I think it's time for a Southern Hemisphere nation to have a go at the Winter Olympics, I believe New Zealand could host a winter games centered around either Queenstown or Christchurch. Now all we need is a NZ govt with the balls to make a bid.

[isaidso]

Finland please!

[dande]

Where are they going to hold downhill and super G races if Finland gets it? Seriously where. Finish hills are not as near as high as they need to be for that.

[Thanial]

Originally Posted by KiwiRob

I think it's time for a Southern Hemisphere nation to have a go at the Winter Olympics, I believe New Zealand could host a winter games centered around either Queenstown or Christchurch. Now all we need is a NZ govt with the balls to make a bid.

last thing i heard is that is that the NZ government will not even consider bidding anytime soon, as they don't have the necessary infrastructure or money etc... I myself would love a NZ bid, but I can't see it happening anytime soon

[Lord David]

Originally Posted by Archbishop

Denver would be an amazing WOG but the 1976 ordeal will probably hold them back.

I wouldn't say they're (Denver's) giving up of the 1976 Winter Olympics will be a hindrance for them. It might work slightly against them, but there will be proper laws and agreements put in place that ensures that a Denver hosting the games will go forward should they win their bid.

As for the technical side of the games itself, it can market itself using the nearby ski resorts of Aspen and Vail, the city itself, and nearby down south Colorado Springs, home of the USOC, a potential sub site, given it's already existing World Arena (could serve Ice Hockey II) and the potential to make the site the location of the Ski Jump, Sliding Center and possibly Biathlon Course, offering a legacy as the USOC training site post Olympics, given already existing facilities in the region located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

[Lord David]

Originally Posted by dande

Where are they going to hold downhill and super G races if Finland gets it? Seriously where. Finish hills are not as near as high as they need to be for that.

They might be able to artificially heighten a mountain, as a Quebec bid should do (though their 2002 temporary ramp idea might just cut it), but is that enough? They can always try their 2006 approach again, using Lillehammer's resorts and Sliding Track.

[Solopop]

Queenstown NZ.

[KiwiRob]

Originally Posted by Thanial

last thing i heard is that is that the NZ government will not even consider bidding anytime soon, as they don't have the necessary infrastructure or money etc... I myself would love a NZ bid, but I can't see it happening anytime soon

I honestly don't believe money is a problem, as for infrastructure we are talking about a winter games, not a summer games, there are significantly less people involved, besides is a little village in Norway (Lillehammer) can host a winter games then a much bigger town like Queenstown could easily do it and a city like Christchurch would be in an even better position.

[Lord David]

Lillehammer's population is at around 26,000 (around 40,000+ for the whole region), with Queenstown's population at 22,000 (with of course significantly more for the region).

The games have grown significantly since 1994.

And the main problem of Queenstown is two things, transport and physical flat land. Unless one were willing to excavate a huge chunk of a mountain side to make room for more prime land, there is currently limited options. Anchoring with nearby Wanaka will be a must since that place has the 800 meter downhill slope, but ideally you want something compact, not to mention where to put all the indoor venues and what legacy will you give them.

I'd opt for Christchurch, but Wanaka is too far away. If it were possible to increase the height of one of the slopes near Mt Hutt, then that would be brilliant. The damaged QEII Stadium could be reconstructed to serve as the Speed Skating Oval. The existing arena can serve Ice Hockey II. A new major arena could be built for Ice Hockey I. 2 temporary arenas, could serve Short Track/Figure Skating and Curling respectively. The outdoor snow venues could be built around the ski slopes.

[Lost Cosmonaut]

Santiago.

[KiwiRob]

The problem with the recent winter games is that they have gotten away from the spirit of the games, Lilliehammer was the best ever, Queenstown could easily top it. I've been in both towns, Lilliehammer isn't even close to what Queenstown has on offer, plus Queenstown is already miles ahead in accommodation, it has an airport.

If you'd been to Lilliehammer you know that it's also built on the sides of a fiord, the speed skating venue was built in Hammer, which is further from Lilliehammer than Wanaka is to Queenstown.

I think a legacy of winter sports venues would be good for NZ, we are a sporting nation and have an active interest in winter sports, with the propper facilities I could see us competing at a much higher level than we currently do.

BTW there are full downhill and super G courses at Mt Hutt, they used every winter by teams from the Northern Hemisphere for training over their summer.

[nomarandlee]

Am hoping for Munich. It feels like its Germany turn given they are the last of the major W.European nations not to hold a games.

Plus Munich as a base could probably knock off any potential winter city contender it terms of venues and amenities.

[Lord David]

Originally Posted by KiwiRob

...BTW there are full downhill and super G courses at Mt Hutt, they used every winter by teams from the Northern Hemisphere for training over their summer.

800 meter men's? Because Women's events is held at a lower around 600-700 meter vertical drop. And this is drop we're talking about, not course length.

Mt Hutt's vertical is 683 meters, suitable for women's. If it were possible to extend the vertical, then yes, Christchurch would be preferable against Queenstown.

[Lord David]

Originally Posted by nomarandlee

Am hoping for Munich. It feels like its Germany turn given they are the last of the major W.European nations not to hold a games.

Plus Munich as a base could probably knock off any potential winter city contender it terms of venues and amenities.

What are you talking about? Not to hold a games lately? Because of course Munich hosted the 1972 Summer Olympics, with Berlin hosting the 1936 Summer Olympics and Garmish-Partenkirchen (part of Munich's bid) hosting the 1936 Winter Olympics.

[flierfy]

Originally Posted by KiwiRob

I think it's time for a Southern Hemisphere nation to have a go at the Winter Olympics, I believe New Zealand could host a winter games centered around either Queenstown or Christchurch. Now all we need is a NZ govt with the balls to make a bid.

Brilliant idea to hold winter Olympics in July, in the midst of off-season.