Full Breakdown
New York Forms Exploratory Committee to Study Joint Lake Placid–NYC Winter Olympics Bid
6/24/2026, 11:17:35 PM
Exploratory Committee Launched to Study Joint Lake Placid–NYC Winter Olympics
On June 22, 2024 Kathy Hochul announced the Lake Placid–New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee. It will spend a year assessing a bid modeled on the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. No formal bid filed.
Historical Legacy and Recent Investments
Lake Placid hosted the Winter Games in 1932 and 1980, the latter famed for the “Miracle on Ice.” State investment of $750 million upgraded Olympic Center, Mt. Van Hoevenberg and Jumping Complex, which served as a backup for 2026 sliding events.
Leadership and Committee Composition
Kathy Hochul leads effort. Michael S. Cashman and Robert Carroll support it. Ashley Walden of Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) chairs committee, which has sub-teams on finance, transport, housing and outreach.
Study Timeline and Targeted Bid Year
The committee will conduct outreach and reviews from July 2024 to June 2025, reporting by 2025. Sources cite 2042 as earliest bid window; 2030 French Alps, 2034 Salt Lake City and 2038 Switzerland Games are set.
Financial, Logistical and Climate Data
Lake Placid and New York City are 285 miles apart, like 250-mile Milan-Cortina gap. Venues—Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, Yankee Stadium, Citi Field and Central Park—minimize construction. A climate study finds Lake Placid can retain winter conditions through 2050.
Strategic Benefits and Challenges
Proponents argue model could boost tourism, create jobs and raise New York’s profile while using venues to limit costs. Critics cite 285-mile distance and lack of cost estimate as logistical and fiscal challenges.
What's Next
The committee will issue its report by 2025. If findings are favorable, state leaders may pursue a 2042 bid, which would require U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee endorsement and International Olympic Committee approval.
Official Statements
Hochul said “return the Olympic flame back to New York,” a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity. Cashman called effort a “forward-looking approach.” Carroll noted Winter Games need less infrastructure than Summer Games. Officials said work is exploratory; bid needs U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and International Olympic Committee approval.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While several outlets cite 2042 as earliest bid window, at least one source gives no specific year, only noting committee’s exploratory nature. No cost estimate has been disclosed, leaving fiscal feasibility uncertain pending the study.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Lake Placid has a strong Olympic legacy, and the potential to host the games again. From the 1932 games to the 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice,’ this community has shown the world what excellence looks like on the global stage. Today, with modern world-class facilities and sustained state investment, we have an opportunity to build on that legacy and demonstrate how New York innovation can continue to shape the future of international sport.” — Michael S. Cashman, New York State Assemblymember
- “Hochul stated: The time is now to return the Olympic flame back to New York.” — Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
- “According to New York State Assemblymember Robert Carroll, who is serving on the committee, a Winter Games requires significantly less infrastructure footprint than the Summer Games.” — Robert Carroll, New York State Assemblymember
- “Milano Cortina showcased the immense possibility that comes with a dual city Olympic Games.” — Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
