Summary
Switzerland is planning its candidacy for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2038. The Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport has initiated a consultation opening to prepare fundamental and planning decisions. The opening takes place on January 14, 2026 and concerns the support, preparation and implementation of the Winter Games in Switzerland.
Persons
- Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport
Topics
- Olympic Winter Games 2038
- Candidacy and application process
- National planning and preparation
- Paralympic Games
Detailed Summary
The consultation opening marks the formal beginning of Switzerland's application process for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2038. The responsible department thereby initiates a structured procedure that calls on stakeholders to submit their comments.
The process comprises several phases: support for the candidacy, preparation of the Games, and their implementation. In parallel, fundamental and planning decisions are being developed that will define the strategic and operational orientation of the project.
The publication is made via the official portal of the Swiss government (Federal News Service) and is documented in the Federal Gazette (Fedlex).
Key Messages
- Consultation opening initiated on January 14, 2026
- Focus on candidacy, preparation and implementation of the 2038 Winter Games
- Fundamental and planning decisions are central decision-making instruments
- Leadership by the Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport
- Transparent stakeholder participation through consultation procedures
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Swiss Federal Government | Leadership and decision-maker |
| Cantons and municipalities | Affected by infrastructure and resources |
| Sports associations | Support and coordination |
| Public | Participation in consultation procedures |
| International organizations | IOC/IPC requirements |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| International visibility and prestige | High financial burden |
| Infrastructure development and modernization | Environmental impacts |
| Sports promotion and talent development | Delays in planning process |
| Economic stimulus and tourism | Acceptance problems in the population |
| Cooperation between federal and cantonal governments | Geopolitical uncertainties until 2038 |
Action Relevance
Decision-makers should:
- Actively use the consultation period and submit comments
- Examine financial and infrastructure feasibility
- Ensure stakeholder coordination with cantons and municipalities
- Integrate sustainability aspects into planning decisions
- Build public acceptance through transparent communication
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements verified
- [x] Official source (Federal News Service) validated
- [x] Publication date confirmed (January 14, 2026): 14.01.2026
- [x] Fedlex reference correctly documented
- [ ] ⚠️ Detailed contents of consultation documents not available
Supplementary Research
- Federal Gazette (Fedlex): Official consultation documents – https://fedlex.data.admin.ch/eli/dl/proj/2025/121/cons_1
- Federal News Service: Official communications of the Swiss government – https://www.news.admin.ch/de
- International Olympic Committee (IOC): Application guidelines for Winter Games
Sources
Primary Source:
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (2026). Consultation opening: Support for the candidacy, preparation and implementation of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2038 in Switzerland – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/A2db7fMj_dlNtLuSfyTOo
Supplementary Sources:
- Federal Gazette (Fedlex) – Consultation documents (Project 2025/121)
- Federal News Service – Official communications of the Swiss government
- International Olympic Committee – Application guidelines
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 14, 2026
This text was created with the support of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: January 14, 2026