MERIBEL, France — The French Alpine resort of Meribel has threatened to withdraw as a host venue for the 2030 Winter Olympics if changes are made to the original event plan.
The resort, part of the Les Allues commune, was set to host both the women’s alpine skiing and Paralympic skiing events. However, the Games’ organising committee president, Edgar Grospiron, reportedly presented new proposals during a visit on Thursday, including a controversial plan to move the women’s Olympic alpine skiing 75 kilometres away to Val d’Isere.
Thierry Monin, mayor of Allues, expressed strong opposition to the proposal.
“If Meribel doesn’t have both events, which doesn’t adhere to the Olympic charter, we will withdraw our candidacy,” Monin told AFP. He noted that since 1992, men’s and women’s alpine skiing events have always been held at the same venue.
Under the current plan, Courchevel is scheduled to host the men’s alpine skiing competitions, maintaining the long-standing pairing with Meribel for the women’s events.
The International Olympic Committee and French authorities unveiled their vision for the Games last year, but tensions are mounting as local officials push back against potential changes.
