Though the U.S. has officially been selected to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, that’s 9 years and 1,900 miles away. And while NYC itself has never hosted the Olympics–and here’s why–there is a small chance that the 2026 Winter Olympics, or at least part of them, may be held in New York State.
When is the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The 2026 Winter Games are scheduled to begin on Friday, February 6th, 2026 and conclude on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026.
Where will the 2026 Winter Olympics be held?
The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to be held across several regions, with the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as main hosts.
And though the world’s most elite athletes competing, as well as all the spectators planning to watch, have their eyes on Europe, New York may make an appearance of its own.
Will part of the 2026 Winter Olympics be held in New York?
The official Facebook account of the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation recently shared a post titled “Huge news for Team USA.”
In this post it was announced that Lake Placid will serve as a secondary option for a portion of the events–more specifically, the bobsled track at Mt. Van Hoevenberg in North Elba, New York, has been named the backup track for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Have the Winter Olympics ever been held in New York?
New York–specifically, upstate New York–is no stranger to the Olympics. The third-ever Olympics with winter competitions was held in Lake Placid in 1932 and again in 1980’s Games of the XIII Olympiad.
Are the Olympics always held in the host country?
No, not aways. The recent Summer Olympics in Paris, France, held their surfing competition in Tahiti, for example. So if the bobsled portion of the 2026 Winter Olympics is held in New York it wouldn’t be completely out of the ordinary.
Now are the chances high that the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in New York? Unfortunately, no. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be one of the many New Yorkers crossing their fingers that it does happen!
And, fun fact: the longest mountain coaster in the country has followed the former Olympic bobsled track on Mt. Van Hoevenberg for years. So even if the Olympics aren’t held there, it’s still worth taking a trip! Plus, Lake Placid is, after all, one of the most beautiful small towns in the world.