Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday the creation of an exploratory committee to examine whether New York should pursue a joint bid between Lake Placid and New York City to host a future Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The announcement comes one day before the 132nd anniversary of the modern Olympic Games and follows the successful 2026 Winter Olympics hosted across multiple locations in Italy, including Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
While Lake Placid and New York City are nearly 300 miles apart, state officials pointed to the success of the recent Italian Games as evidence that a multi-city Olympic model can work. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are roughly 250 miles apart and hosted events across multiple venues and athlete hubs.
State leaders also cited momentum from upcoming U.S.-hosted Olympic events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, as well as New York’s extensive sports infrastructure and international profile.
Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy
Lake Placid has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1980.
The 1980 Games are best remembered for the U.S. men’s hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice.” American speed skater Eric Heiden also won five gold medals, setting a Winter Olympics record for an individual athlete.
The 1932 Winter Olympics marked the first time the Games were held outside Europe. Figure skating star Sonja Henie also competed at those Games, helping shape the future of the sport.
What the committee will do
According to Hochul’s office, the committee will spend the next year evaluating whether a joint Olympic bid would be feasible and beneficial for New York.
The review will focus on sustainability, fiscal responsibility, community engagement and potential economic, tourism and infrastructure benefits. Officials will assess how Lake Placid’s existing winter sports venues could be paired with New York City’s global visibility and resources.
“New Yorkers have always embraced ambitious challenges and bold ideas, and this is no different,” Hochul said in a statement. “This exploratory effort is an opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate whether a future Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concept could build on Lake Placid’s Olympic legacy, New York City’s global platform, and the strengths that make our state unique.”
Who is involved?
The committee will include representatives from:
No formal bid yet
State officials emphasized that New York has not formally submitted a bid for the 2042 Games.
At the conclusion of the yearlong review, the committee will present its findings and recommend whether the state should move forward with an official proposal to the International Olympic Committee.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New York explores joint Lake Placid–NYC Winter Olympics bid
Reporting by Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alexandra Rivera, New York Connect Team | USA TODAY Network
