As the world bids farewell to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics this week, attention turns to France's ambitious preparations for the 2030 Winter Games. Edgar Grospiron, president of the 2030 Organizing Committee and former Olympic moguls champion, revealed plans to combine Alpine grandeur with sustainable practices in an exclusive interview with CGTN Sports Scene.
The French Alps edition will showcase a 500km stretch from Nice's Mediterranean coast to the Mont Blanc Massif, featuring both iconic cities and diverse mountain resorts. "We aim to display the full spectrum of our Alpine heritage," said Grospiron, emphasizing the region's geographical advantages.
Building on Paris 2024's sustainability legacy, organizers plan to reuse venues from the 1992 Albertville Games while maintaining a €1.5 billion budget. The strategy aligns with growing demands for eco-conscious mega-events, with 60% of competition sites requiring minimal new construction.
Following a successful December 2025 inspection by the International Olympic Committee coordination commission, France prepares for its symbolic flag reception during Milano Cortina's closing ceremony on February 22. A secondary celebration in Albertville will commemorate the Olympic flag's return to French soil.
"Our vision combines Olympic tradition with innovative environmental stewardship," Grospiron noted, highlighting plans to transform temporary structures into permanent community assets post-Games. With four years until the opening ceremony, the French Alps project emerges as a test case for sustainable global sporting events.
