The fact that the Feasibility Study for a potential Olympic bid by Innsbruck/Tyrol for the 2026 Winter Games is almost 200 pages long makes it clear that sustainable, ecological and financially feasible Games would be possible, and that they would also bring direct benefits for the population.

On 15 October, the Tyrolean population will be called to vote on: “Should the state of Tyrol make a self-assured offer for sustainable, regionally adapted, as well as economically and ecologically sound Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Innsbruck/Tyrol 2026?“

For Austrian NOC Secretary-General Peter Mennel the answer is obvious, “Agenda 2020 is a fact, as is the certainty that the Winter Games have to come back to traditional, tried and tested winter sports sites. Innsbruck/Tyrol is predestined to organize modern, sustainable Games — according to the motto: Small but Beautiful.“

A central point of a potential application is the fact that it is intended to use only existing venues and, at most, set up temporary sports facilities such as slopestyle and big air.

Tyrol lists among the positive Olympic aspects: impulse for affordable housing, new jobs, investments in the regional economic area, modernization of sports facilities & mobility,  promoting health & sports enthusiasm, strengthening quality tourism & expanding added value.

A support event was organised mid -August, at Bergisel, to present the Tyrol offer, with famous sports champions such as Benni Raich, Toni Innauer, Janine Flock, Daniela Iraschko-Stolz, Alex Pointner, Kathrin Unterwurzacher … Their common message: The 2026 Olympic Games are a great opportunity for Austria, Tyrol and Innsbruck.

NOC Austria President Karl Stoss spoke of a once in a century opportunity: “We are trying to convince as many Tyrolean as possible of the chances and benefits of an Olympic application. Innsbruck/Tyrol will become future-proof and crisis-safe in fast-forward. Our children and adolescents will be the beneficiaries of the Olympic Winter Games. Now it is time to take advantage of this opportunity.“

Stoss added: “Due to the structural changes of the IOC, the Games are again affordable for small nations. The IOC will not be able to avoid giving Winter Games to European tradition-laden locations. Innsbruck/Tyrol is certainly an absolute showcase candidate!”

No less than 600 supporters/ambassadors have put themselves in the service of the cause within a week after the presentation of the Tyrol offer.