New York State is exploring a joint bid to host the Winter Olympics, with Lake Placid and New York City envisioned as co-hosts.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office announced the formation of an exploratory committee on Monday to assess the feasibility of such an endeavor.
The proposed dual-hosting format would echo the model used by Milan and Cortina for this year’s Games.
While no specific year has been identified, the earliest realistic opportunity for New York to host would be 2042, as Salt Lake City is slated for 2034 and Switzerland is the preferred bidder for 2038.
Governor Hochul voiced her support, stating: “The time is now to return the Olympic flame back to New York.”
Lake Placid, a two-time host in 1932 and 1980 – the year of the iconic “Miracle on Ice” – also served as an emergency backup for sliding sports at the recent Games.
A climate change study highlights Lake Placid as one of few former hosts expected to retain reliable weather for the Games by 2050.
The exploratory committee, led by Ashley Walden, President and CEO of the Olympic Regional Development Authority, will take about a year to complete its work. This formation does not, however, signify an official bid. The 2030 Olympics are scheduled for the French Alps.
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