Lake Placid Offers to Host Sliding Events for Winter Olympics 2026

Lake Placid, New York, a previous host of the Olympics in 1932 and 1980, has proposed an alternative venue for the sliding events of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. This comes as a result of a budget error that has left organizers considering options outside of Italy.

Originally budgeted at approximately $60 million, the construction estimates for a sliding venue in Milan-Cortina have now skyrocketed to over $160 million. In light of this, Lake Placid has stepped forward as a potential host for events such as bobsled, skeleton, and luge.

The United States, along with Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, has been contacted by Milan-Cortina officials as possible hosts for the sliding events. If Lake Placid were chosen, it would create an unprecedented situation in which a portion of the Winter Games is held thousands of miles away from the host country.

Although Lake Placid's bid is fully supported by the U.S. Olympics and Paralympic Committee, there are logistical challenges to consider, particularly in transporting athletes across the Atlantic Ocean. European alternatives may present a more feasible solution.

The decision to relocate the sliding events will ultimately depend on the resolution of the budget issue in Milan-Cortina. However, Lake Placid's proposal offers an exciting counterproposal and the opportunity to honor medal winners on an even grander stage, potentially in New York City.