OGDEN — As the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics concluded on Sunday, a contingent of Utah leaders and tourism officials were already turning their attention to 2034. These officials weren’t there to enjoy the games as spectators, but to meticulously study the operational complexities of hosting a global event like the Olympics, preparing for Utah’s turn to host the Winter Games in eight years.
The visit, involving approximately 90 representatives from across Utah, including officials from Weber, Wasatch, Salt Lake, and Summit counties, as well as Park City, was an intensive learning experience. Utah was selected to host the 2034 Winter Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in July 2024, according to Olympics.com. The goal was to gain firsthand insight into the logistics, security, and coordination required to successfully execute the Games.
Learning from the Milan Cortina Model
Sara Toliver, president of Visit Ogden, described the experience as a “deep-dive, intensive program” into the intricacies of Olympic operations. “The days were incredibly long, the information was incredibly detailed,” she said Monday, following her return from Italy. “It really was this kind of intensive experience into learning all we could in the time that we were there to bring back and assist us execute in eight years.”
Among those participating from the Weber County area were Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski, Weber County Commissioner Jim Harvey, and Davy Ratchford, general manager at Snowbasin, which will serve as the official Alpine skiing venue for the 2034 Games. Representatives from future host cities – including Los Angeles, France, and Australia – also participated in the observer program hosted by the Milano Cortina Organizing Committee.
Brad Wilson, CEO of the Utah 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, emphasized the importance of these preparatory visits. “It helps communities understand exactly what will be required for success,” Wilson said in a statement. “We need them going into this process eyes wide open, comfortable with their commitments and prepared to execute at a high level.”
Focus on Logistics and Visitor Experience
The Utah delegation’s focus wasn’t on attending competitions, but rather on understanding the “machinery behind the Games,” as Commissioner Harvey put it. This included touring Olympic venues, observing command centers, and examining security integration and municipal coordination. Harvey, who visited Cortina, specifically focused on the organization of the curling events, given Ogden’s history as the host city for curling during the 2002 Winter Games.
Toliver’s focus was on the “visitor experience” – ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for those traveling to Utah for the 2034 Games. “How uncomplicated is it for them? What does transportation look like? What does activation look like?” she asked, outlining key areas of consideration for Visit Ogden. She envisions Ogden playing a significant role in 2034, potentially through public broadcasts of events and community activities, even if it doesn’t directly host a sport.
Ogden is home to a facility on the Weber State University campus that Harvey believes would be “perfect for curling,” expressing hope that the city will be selected to host the sport once again. Regardless, he anticipates increased traffic through Ogden as visitors travel to venues like Snowbasin.
Financial Considerations and Community Investment
The costs associated with these preparatory visits were covered by the respective organizations and governmental units, according to officials. The city of Ogden covered the airfare and lodging for Mayor Nadolski and his chief of staff, Cindy Weloth, whereas Weber County covered Commissioner Harvey’s expenses. While a precise cost estimate for the Italy trip wasn’t immediately available, officials maintain the investment is worthwhile.
“I would say it was worth it a thousand times over,” Toliver stated. “I would say it would be highly irresponsible of our communities to feel like we could do this without any education or experience in looking at how it’s done.”
Utah officials are actively preparing for the 2034 Winter Olympics, building on the legacy of the successful 2002 Games in Salt Lake City. As noted by KSL.com, the state is aiming to extend the transformative benefits of the 2002 Games to a new generation.
Looking ahead, the focus will remain on refining plans, engaging communities, and ensuring a successful and memorable Olympic experience for athletes and visitors alike. The next major milestone will be continued venue preparations and logistical planning as Utah moves closer to hosting the 2034 Winter Games.
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