French Alps 2030 delegation visits Utah to strengthen Olympic ties

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A delegation of government officials from France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, a key area for the French Alps 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, will visit Utah from Jan. 9-11.

The French delegation, led by Fabrice Pannekoucke, president of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, will meet with Utah leaders and officials from the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the 2034 Winter Games. The eight-member group will include government representatives and journalists, highlighting a focus on collaboration and shared expertise in hosting major winter sports events.

“On behalf of Park City, I’m delighted to welcome the French Alps 2030 delegation. Our decades-long sister city relationship with Courchevel, located within this region, has fostered a strong bond between our communities. We look forward to meaningful discussions, especially on environmental sustainability—a priority we passionately share,” Park City Mayor Nann Worel shared ahead of the vistit.

The visit underscores a growing connection between Utah and international Olympic organizers as Salt Lake City prepares to host the 2034 Winter Games. The French Alps 2030 Games will be held just four years before, offering both regions an opportunity to exchange insights on sustainable development, infrastructure planning, and community engagement in the context of winter sports.

Utah boasts a well-established reputation for its Olympic legacy. The state successfully hosted the 2002 Winter Games and Utah’s ongoing commitment to maintaining world-class winter sports venues, such as the Utah Olympic Park, and fostering a vibrant sports culture has positioned it as a premier destination for international winter sports competitions.

The French Alps, renowned for their iconic ski resorts, share a similar stature in the global winter sports community. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is home to Chamonix, the host city of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, and continues to be a hub for international skiing and mountaineering events.

Beyond Olympic planning, the delegation’s visit is expected to explore opportunities for cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and tourism development. Officials hope to build lasting partnerships that extend beyond the Olympic cycle, strengthening ties between two regions that share a deep passion for winter sports and mountain culture.