Archive · 11 Dec 2025
IOC to Decide on New Winter Olympic Sports in 2026
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will decide in June 2026 whether to add new sports to the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.
The IOC president, Kirsty Coventry, said they are still evaluating existing and potential new sports.
Some people want to add sports like trail running and cyclocross, which are usually in the Summer Olympics.
But winter sports groups don't like this idea because they think it will change the special feel of the Winter Olympics.
Other sports like ice climbing and freeride skiing are also hoping to be included.
The final decision will be made next year.
The IOC will decide on new sports for the 2030 Winter Olympics in June 2026.
Potential new sports include trail running, cyclocross, ice climbing, freeride skiing, and ski mountaineering.
International winter sports federations oppose adding new sports, fearing it will dilute the Winter Olympics' identity.
The decision was postponed from December 2025 to June 2026 due to a broad reflection process led by IOC president Kirsty Coventry.
Ski mountaineering, already included in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, is seeking to be renewed for 2030.
- Who
- International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, International winter sports federations
- What
- Decision on new sports for the 2030 Winter Olympics
- When
- June 2026
- Where
- French Alps
- Why
- To assess and potentially include new sports in the Winter Olympics program
- Organization
- International Olympic Committee (IOC)
- Decision Timeline
- June 2026
- Event
- 2030 Winter Olympics
- Location
- French Alps
- IOC President
- Kirsty Coventry
- Potential New Sports
- Trail running, cyclocross, ice climbing, freeride skiing, ski mountaineering
- Opposition
- International winter sports federations
- Reason for Opposition
- Dilution of Winter Olympics' brand, heritage, and identity