The Alpes 2030 organizing committee has established a new draft budget for the 2030 Winter Olympics, which now includes the relocation of ice events from Nice to Lyon. The budget awaits final approval by the board of directors on October 12, while the position of head of the committee remains vacant following the September 10 resignation of Edgar Grospiron.
Budget Adjustments and the Move to Lyon
An executive office meeting on Monday, involving the French state, organizing regions, and the Olympic and Paralympic committees, focused on validating the second multi-year budget project for Alpes 2030. This revised financial plan follows an initial multi-year budget of 2.132 billion euros adopted in October 2025. Per the organization’s statutes, this budget requires annual revisions to account for shifts in revenue and expenditures.
A primary driver for the current adjustment is the transfer of ice events from Nice to Lyon. This move follows a decision by Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti, leader of the UDR, who refused to allow the installation of a temporary skating rink within the Baie des Anges football stadium.
Expanded Sporting Program and IOC Validation
The updated budget accounts for additional sports and disciplines validated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The organizing committee stated that the new financial draft includes the associated costs and revenues for these additions, which must be finalized before the summer of 2026.
The IOC has already confirmed the inclusion of ski mountaineering for the 2030 Games, alongside the introduction of freeride and synchronized artistic skating to the official program.
Leadership Vacuum Following Grospiron Resignation
Despite the progress on financial planning, the committee has not named a successor to Edgar Grospiron. Grospiron resigned on September 10 amid what has been described as a severe governance crisis. No official information regarding the status of replacement discussions was provided during Monday’s meeting.
A source close to the matter reported that organizers are allowing themselves a few weeks to identify a candidate who can achieve “unanimity” among the various stakeholders.
Timeline for Final Approval
The current budget project remains a proposal until it is formally presented, debated, and adopted during the board of directors meeting scheduled for October 12.
