Crans-Montana to Host Alpine Ski Events at 2038 Olympics After Tragic Bar Fire
The Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, still reeling from a fatal bar fire that killed 40 people and injured 116 others on New Year's Day, will host the Alpine ski events at the 2038 Winter Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded privileged status to Switzerland, ensuring it will stage the Games without another country bidding for the opportunity.
Organisers have confirmed that Crans-Montana will be the venue for the alpine skiing competitions, which will take place as part of a broader plan to host events across the country. The decision was made in an effort to avoid taxpayer funding for construction, with venues being selected based on their existing infrastructure.
While not entirely unexpected, given Crans-Montana's upcoming hosting of the world championships and World Cup races next year, the news has been welcomed by fans. However, the tragedy at Le Constellation bar serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with such events, with owners facing multiple charges related to the fire that started in the basement due to an electrical malfunction.
In a show of solidarity, Swiss skier Camille Rast dedicated her World Cup giant slalom victory to the victims of the fire, wearing a black mourning band on her arm. The incident has sparked outpourings of support from the local community, with many expressing their grief and condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Beyond the ski events, the 2038 Olympics will also feature other competitions in Engelberg, Lenzerheide, St Moritz, Zurich, Zug, and Lugano. Lausanne will host the opening ceremony, while Bern is slated for the closing event. Geneva's Palexpo complex has been selected to stage speed skating and curling events, with the city serving as a base for international broadcasters.
The combination of these venues promises an exciting and varied Winter Olympics experience, despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the fatal bar fire in Crans-Montana.
The Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, still reeling from a fatal bar fire that killed 40 people and injured 116 others on New Year's Day, will host the Alpine ski events at the 2038 Winter Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has awarded privileged status to Switzerland, ensuring it will stage the Games without another country bidding for the opportunity.
Organisers have confirmed that Crans-Montana will be the venue for the alpine skiing competitions, which will take place as part of a broader plan to host events across the country. The decision was made in an effort to avoid taxpayer funding for construction, with venues being selected based on their existing infrastructure.
While not entirely unexpected, given Crans-Montana's upcoming hosting of the world championships and World Cup races next year, the news has been welcomed by fans. However, the tragedy at Le Constellation bar serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with such events, with owners facing multiple charges related to the fire that started in the basement due to an electrical malfunction.
In a show of solidarity, Swiss skier Camille Rast dedicated her World Cup giant slalom victory to the victims of the fire, wearing a black mourning band on her arm. The incident has sparked outpourings of support from the local community, with many expressing their grief and condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
Beyond the ski events, the 2038 Olympics will also feature other competitions in Engelberg, Lenzerheide, St Moritz, Zurich, Zug, and Lugano. Lausanne will host the opening ceremony, while Bern is slated for the closing event. Geneva's Palexpo complex has been selected to stage speed skating and curling events, with the city serving as a base for international broadcasters.
The combination of these venues promises an exciting and varied Winter Olympics experience, despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the fatal bar fire in Crans-Montana.