A busy week for the French Alps 2030! After the validation of the Olympic program, which includes freeride and synchro9, but not Nordic combined, the International Paralympic Committee has approved the map of Paralympic venues. This is the culmination of months of consultation between the organizing committee, the IPC, the CPSF, the international federations, and local authorities. The plan was designed with one idea in mind: to offer athletes the best conditions for performance and accommodation, while ensuring Games that are clear, efficient and adapted to the expectations of all stakeholders. »
"Sharing Olympic and Paralympic venues is the greatest recognition."
Three hubs appear on the map: Haute-Savoie, Savoie, and the Lyon metropolitan area. Para biathlon and para cross-country skiing will take place in La Clusaz, rather than Le Grand-Bornand as proposed by the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee (COJOP), to maximize the chances of good snow conditions. The IPC emphasizes this point: The center is located at an altitude 500 meters higher than the originally proposed site. This allows Alpes 2030 to take advantage of an Olympic venue and offer a compact format for the para biathlon and para cross-country skiing events. »
Para alpine skiing and para snowboarding will take place in Courchevel. Hosting these two disciplines in the same resort will improve operational efficiency while offering world-class conditions in one of France's largest ski resorts. "The IPC is delighted. Lyon, for its part, inherits para ice hockey and wheelchair curling. The Exhibition Center was chosen, notably for its excellent accessibility and transport links ».
« The compact size of the venues is essential for the experience of the athletes and the delegation, but also for all stakeholders and spectators., comments Marie-Amélie Le Fur, president of the French Paralympic and Sports Committee. The pooling of Olympic and Paralympic venues is the greatest recognition of the performance level of Paralympic athletes, who will be able to compete in this exceptional and technical environment. “IPC Executive Director Colleen Wrenn is also pleased with the result, which This will significantly streamline the Games' footprint, reduce logistical challenges, and improve the overall Games experience, particularly for athletes. She also points out that the COJOP has incorporated the main lessons learned from Milan-Cortina 2026 ».
« We simplify operations, optimize travel, and create the best possible conditions for athletic performance., agrees Edgar Grospiron. Our ambition is to offer Games that are demanding in terms of sporting achievement, exemplary in their organization, and that leave a lasting legacy for the regions. By combining the expertise of the French mountains with the strong appeal of a major metropolis like Lyon, we are creating the conditions for a unique experience for athletes, spectators, and the entire Paralympic family. "The competition schedule is yet to be determined. A question mark hangs over, in particular..." the presence of adapted sport.
