The Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a bar fire on New Year's Day killed 40 people and injured 116, is set to host Alpine ski races at the 2038 Winter Olympics. The announcement comes less than two weeks after the blaze at Le Constellation, which is alleged to have started when sparklers ignited soundproofing foam in the basement.
Switzerland has been granted privileged status by the International Olympic Committee, meaning no other country can bid while it finalizes its proposal. Barring unexpected developments, Switzerland will host the 2038 Games, marking the first Winter Olympics in the country since 1948.
Organizers confirmed on Monday that Crans-Montana will stage events as part of a plan to host competitions across the country, aiming to avoid taxpayer spending on new construction. The resort is already set to host the 2027 World Championships in Alpine skiing and World Cup races in three weeks.
The bar's owner and his wife face potential charges including manslaughter by negligence. Swiss skier Camille Rast dedicated her recent World Cup giant slalom victory to the fire victims, tapping a black mourning band on her arm after the win.
Other venues for the 2038 Games include St Moritz for bobsleigh, Engelberg for ski jumping, and Lenzerheide for biathlon. Ice hockey will be played in Zurich, Zug, and Lugano. Lausanne will host the opening ceremony, figure skating, and short-track skating, while Bern is slated for the closing ceremony. Geneva will stage speed skating and curling at the Palexpo complex.
