Finances, buildings, referenda: the hot questions about the Swiss Olympic dream in 2030

That is the most important question. The feasibility study mentions a budget of approximately 1.5 billion francs, largely privately financed. If you look at the history of the games, you have to assume that settlements can only be settled afterwards. Even though the IOC emphasizes that it does not want to be dependent on gigantism in the future. So far, all games have actually turned out to be much more expensive than expected. For example, around 1.5 billion euros was once budgeted for Milan-Cortina 2026. Estimates now predict costs of around 3 billion.

It is a clear announcement: the competitions will be held in existing sports facilities. This will remain so. But beware: in 2030, even the brand new ZSC Lions Arena will have existed for eight years again. Not to mention facilities such as the ski jump in Engelberg OW. The question therefore remains open whether renovations, expansions and modernizations are still necessary in many places. Or even better snow cannons, TV-compatible floodlights or ski lifts with a larger capacity. Larger investments may still end up in the municipal ballot box. The municipalities and cantons of the selected sports venues have all promised an effort similar to that for European Championship and World Cup events. But it is clear that for example in Kandersteg BE, where only the 2018 Nordic Junior World Championships have been held so far, the Olympic Games are on a completely different level.

At least in theory this is possible. Depending on what infrastructure construction would be needed or in the event of a possible financial referendum, stumbling blocks could arise. Swiss Olympic and its winter sports colleagues assume that if one of the cantons votes “no”, they can move to another canton with the associated competitions.

Not very euphoric. Of course no one wants to oppose the Olympic Games in Switzerland. But the athletics association, for example, has been thinking for months about bringing the 2030 European Championships to Switzerland. The fear: two major events in one year would be difficult to manage. At the same time, athletics athletes also know that there are still a number of obstacles in this matter: the next European Championships in 2026 threaten to take place without the European Athletics Association. In August, for example, during a reception in the Swiss Embassy during the World Cup in Budapest, Federal President Christoph Seiler directly addressed the invited representative of European athletics during his speech about his participation in the Multi-European Championships in 2030.

It grows again after the withdrawal from Sapporo (Japan). In addition to the Swedish project in Stockholm and Åre, including the ice canal in Sigulda (Lett), the application in France became more concrete a few days ago thanks to the green light from politicians. How seriously should the two competitors be taken? At least in France people seem willing to get serious. The French may organize the Summer Games in 2024. Would you like to give them the Winter Games again six years later? Theoretically, 2034 would also be an option for everyone, but Salt Lake City (USA) is already in pole position.