Swiss government throws weight behind 2038 Winter Olympics bid

Switzerland's government on Monday formally backed a bid to host the Olympic and ​Paralympic Winter Games in 2038, clearing another ‌hurdle for the games to return to the Alpine country for the first time since 1948.

A winter ​sports powerhouse, Switzerland is the frontrunner to ​host the 2038 games and has been ⁠in what is known as privileged dialogue with ​the International Olympic Committee.

It has until the end ​of 2027 to ready its bid to the IOC without competition from other countries.

The Swiss federal council said ​consultations on the 2038 plan were broadly ​positive and has approved submitting the plan, which includes federal ‌funding ⁠of up to 200 million Swiss francs ($247 million), to parliament, where it needs final approval.

Previously, the IOC said if the Swiss political consultation ​process is successfully ​completed ⁠by the end of this year, a host election could happen in April ​2027.

Alpine populations are concerned that the ​Winter Games, ⁠with the construction and human activity, plus tens of thousands of visitors for the 16-day competition, ⁠would ​be an environmental burden ​for the fragile ecosystem of these mountains.

($1 = 0.8082 Swiss francs)

-Reuters