IOC Approves Revised Venue Map for 2030 French Alps Olympics

The International Olympic Committee has given its approval to a revised venue plan for the 2030 French Alps Winter Games. This decision validates the relocation of ice sports to Lyon and the inclusion of Val d'Isère for alpine skiing events. The finalized "series of venue master plan updates" was approved by the IOC's executive commission in Lausanne.

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The proposed modifications aim to preserve or improve the athlete experience, ensure high-quality venues, strengthen operational and financial feasibility, and improve the compactness of the event, which is still organized around four hubs.

These modifications represent a significant departure from the original bid awarded in July 2024, which had planned for all ice sports and the closing ceremony in Nice, and grouped alpine skiing in the resorts of Courchevel and Méribel. The IOC stated that the proposed changes are intended to preserve or enhance the athlete experience, ensure high-quality venues, strengthen operational and financial feasibility, and improve the event's compactness.

The IOC raised no objections to moving the ice sports hub to Lyon, a decision prompted by the new mayor of Nice's refusal to install a temporary ice rink in the city's football stadium. The committee highlighted that this shift will reduce the Games' overall footprint and lead to significant cost savings while maintaining a high level of competition and athlete experience.

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This evolution allows for a reduction in the Games' overall footprint and significant cost savings, while ensuring high-level competition and a quality experience for the athletes.

Val d'Isère, though more distant from Courchevel, will host a portion of the alpine skiing events. The IOC noted that it offers an "internationally renowned site with an exceptional atmosphere for spectators, with events organized close to athlete accommodation." Additionally, the IOC executive approved the proposal to use Thialf in the Netherlands for speed skating, a move anticipated by organizers who opted against building a 400-meter oval in France.

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an internationally renowned site with an exceptional atmosphere for spectators, with events organized close to athlete accommodation.