In this edition of TPO Explains, we break down the Winter Olympics, explaining how the global event began, how host cities are chosen, and why countries invest in staging the Games.
February 21, 2026
What are the Winter Olympics
Every four years, athletes from around the world compete in the ultimate snow- and ice-based sports competition, featuring all things fast and cold (think skiing, skating, hockey, and bobsledding).
The first Winter Games—originally called International Winter Sports Week—were held in 1924 in Chamonix, France.
How are the Winter Olympic locations chosen?
It starts with a friendly chat. A city (and its Olympic committee) tells the International Olympic Committee (IOC) they’re interested. If the chat goes well, dialogue continues, and the city builds a Game(s) Plan. If their plan passes the test, the next step is more serious, business-y conversations.
The IOC evaluates factors like existing infrastructure, transportation, lodging, environmental impact, and public support, and nominates cities for a secret vote.
How long does it take for a host to prepare?
Let’s just say, it’s a pretty long to-do list…
Host cities often begin planning around a decade beforehand to build or upgrade venues, expand transit systems, train volunteers, and prepare security. Some locations rely on existing ski resorts and arenas to shorten timelines and reduce costs.
How much does it cost to host?
Numbers vary widely but usually reach the billions (with a B)… The most expensive on record were the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, the final tab topping $50B.
It’s funded by a mix of private pockets and public checkbooks, with the host cities and their national governments footing the majority of the bill. Just about every Olympics is famously over budget and rarely profitable (visualize it here).
So, why do cities host the Games?
It offers huge international exposure, forces infrastructure upgrades, creates jobs, and boosts tourism for years to come.
They also get some cool perks, like adding new one-time sports (with IOC approval). Paris 2024 included breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing; Milan-Cortina 2026 added ski mountaineering; and Los Angeles 2028 will feature baseball/softball, cricket, flag football, lacrosse, and squash.
Want to hear more fun facts about the Winter Olympics? Watch Kathleen and Joe talk more about the Winter Olympics in this week’s episode of TPO Explains.
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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Sports can teach us a lot about everyday life—the value of teamwork, perseverance, and even loyalty as a fan. Athletes’ commitment to their sport encourages us to press towards the “imperishable crown” Christians will receive one day, and fans’ joy for their team can give us a foretaste of the greatest celebration in history.
“Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.”
1 Corinthians 9:25 (CSB) (read full passage)
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