Will Turkey Bid to Host the 2026 Winter Olympics?

2 mins read

The deadline for applications to be the host city of the 2026 Winter Olympics is March the 31st 2018, and all eyes are on Turkey to see if they will commit to earlier suggestions that they were preparing a bid.

Turkey has applied many times to host the Summer Olympics and lost on every occasion, but this has been the first time, they have suggested being a host city for the Winter Olympics, which happens every four years.

In April 2017, the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan told members of the press that the Eastern city of Erzurum is the ideal location to host the Winter Olympics. He said preparations were being made to send a bid, but nothing has been heard since.

With the deadline drawing closer, many industry insiders are waiting with bated breath to see if Turkey will still throw their hat in the ring.

If they do, they will be competing against other destinations like Sion in Switzerland, and Sapporo in Japan and the final chosen city will be revealed on September 2019 after members vote.

Applicants must fulfil specific requirements include a large variety of marked ski slopes, as well as extensive spaces for spectators and designated areas for V.I.P guests and members of the governing body.

As the number one skiing destination in Turkey, Erzurum can provide this and much more.

Could Turkey Be the Host of the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Erzurum has already proven its worth by hosting the 2011 Winter Universiade, a famous competition between university athletes, and the 2017 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival.

They built a new ice hockey rink especially for the occasions, but as the highest altitude point in Turkey, this already sets it up as the top skiing destination in the country.

The Palandoken Ski Centre in Erzurum with 22 different marked runs, including Olympic sized, makes a roaring trade from November to May because of the copious amount of snowfall. It also uniquely offers night-time skiing with illuminated runs.

It connects with the Konakli ski slopes, and together they make up Edjer 3200 ski centre that includes 65 kilometres of trails and ultramodern ski facilities. The Kandilli ski centre could also be utilised.

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However, despite offering the best skiing conditions in the country, should Turkey submit a bid, they will be competing with some worthy contenders including Stockholm in Sweden and Calgary in Canada.

Countries that have backed out of the process include Norway, Austria and Italy. The USA have delayed their applications until the 2030 winter Olympics.

So, for now, there is no word from the Turkish Olympic Committee, but enthusiasts are keen to know whether Turkey will submit a bid. If it does, can Erzurum provide the large venues and facilities needed?

Knowing Turkey’s love for all things mega, this won’t be a problem.

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(Image Credit https://www.ejder3200.com/en/index.html)

About Natalie

Natalie is a dedicated real estate professional currently working at Spot Blue International Property. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she has acquired a wealth of knowledge and expertise regarding global properties.