For nearly a century, the Winter Olympics are found in the Alpes Their most beautiful setting. Here, between sparkling glaciers, wooded valleys and mythical peaks, sport has always been intertwined with the culture, history and lives of the mountain people. It is on these slopes, between Savoy, Tyrol, Engadine and the Dolomites, that some of the greatest chapters of Winter Olympics have been written.
Alpine cities And the Alpine resorts were not mere backdrops: they became laboratories of architecture, technology, and hospitality, reinventing the mountains through generations of athletes. From the first Chamonix Games to the splendor of Turin, the European Alps have shaped the very identity of Winter games, by inscribing within it the spirit of transcendence and the beauty of landscapes frozen by the cold.
Beyond the medals, these events transformed villages into sporting cities, isolated valleys into snow capitals. They also preserved a memory: that of a living mountain heritage, a way of life between snow and stone, landscapes that still inspire the Olympic dream.

AlpAddict in the land of Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc from Brévent

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the first Winter Olympics

Nestled in the Arve Valley, in the majestic shadow of Mont Blanc, the small town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc It stretches like a ribbon of history and snow between France, Switzerland, and Italy. This unique geography—an alpine setting with soaring vertical faces, crisp cold, and a sky where the voices of torrents and seracs can be heard—already explained, in 1924, why it was chosen to host the first first Winter Olympic GamesDuring the International Olympic Committee session held in Lausanne in 1921, the valley was designated to host, from 25 January at 5 February 1924, the “International Winter Sports Week”, which was retrospectively recognized as the first edition of the Winter Olympic GamesHere, at the foot of the glaciers and under the unwavering gaze of the peaks, the elements of the spectacle were already present: ice, wood, craftsmanship, guides, ascents—the prelude to an event that would establish the codes of Winter Olympics. The natural setting—altitude, terrain, reliable snow, the presence of ski jumping, bobsleigh, and skating—made it possible to combine sporting ambition with mountain heritage.

The opening ceremony resonated in the immense Chamonix Olympic Stadium, built in 1923, which notably hosted speed skating, ice hockey, ski jumping and the "military patrol". Six sports, sixteen events, sixteen nations, some 258 athletes rose to the challenge and the mountain. This birth of the Winter Olympics In this setting of rocky lacework, snow-covered ridges, and hamlets with slate roofs, a vivid memory remains: one can still imagine the sleds slicing through the air, the frozen hands of clocks, the friction of toboggans in the frozen snow in the shade of the Mont Blanc.

Strolling through the narrow streets of Chamonix, you'll stumble upon as many landmarks as stories: the old Montenvers train station that lifts travelers to the Mer de Glace glacier, the Égratz viaduct suspended over the Arve river, and also the iconic Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 m which opens up a breathtaking panorama. The mountain heritage is revealed in the architecture of the chalets, in the creation, in 1821, of the Chamonix Guide Company, symbolizing the transition from a pastoral village to a mountaineering mecca. You can still walk in the footsteps of the past: the old ski jump, the tracks of the little red train to Montenvers, the ice galleries of the Mer de Glace bear witness to the encounter between man, mountain, ice and extreme sport.

And after the exertion or the contemplation — where the wind blows from the open sea near the glaciers — comes the gourmet break. ChamonixHere, you can warm up with a tartiflette washed down with Savoy wine, or a generous crozet gratin with cheese, in a setting of light wood paneling and alpine candles. The mountain restaurants located in the gondolas or at the summit of Brévent offer simple yet beautiful Savoyard cuisine, where Reblochon cheese melts over potatoes and mountain charcuterie unfolds its smoky flavors. When the snow crunches outside and the Arve River flows just below, you understand that this small alpine kingdom, nestled between ancient rocks and modern ambitions, has remained true to its roots—and that walking its streets, carrying your skis, or gazing up at its peaks is nothing less than celebrating an Olympic heritage rooted in rock and frost.

Staying in St. Moritz
The luxurious resort of St Moritz

St. Moritz, twice, the Olympic Games in style

In the upper valley of theEngadine, at an altitude of over 1 m, St. Moritz unfolds in a setting of granite and snow, between the frozen lake where the reflections of the mountains shimmer and the immaculate slopes that overlook the town. This geography, made up of sunny plateaus, altitude, and favorable terrain, fully explained why this alpine resort was chosen twice to host the Winter Olympic Games, in 1928 and then in 1948The choice of St. Moritz met several requirements: a territory already familiar with winter sports, an existing infrastructure (notably the bobsleigh track, the ski jump, the frozen lake) and Swiss neutrality which allowed a more serene return of Olympism after the war.
The 1928 Games were pioneering: organized from February 11 to 19, they marked the second edition of the independent Winter Games.  There’s nothing quite like a foehn storm The opening ceremony was disrupted by a blizzard that swept through the open-air stadium. Twenty years later, in 1948, St. Moritz hosted the "return of the Games" after the Second World War, from January 30 to February 8, bringing together 28 nations and 669 athletes in a spirit of renewal. The chosen venues—the legendary natural bobsled run of St. Moritz-Celerina, the Olympic Stadium, and the ski jump on the Olympiaschanze—testify to the enduring fascination with ice, snow, and speed in this valley where every breath of wind carries the echo of sleds and skis (the latter only in 1948).

To arrive at St. Moritz, it is first and foremost about feeling the light of the Alps Play on the rooftops, then stroll along Via Serlas, lined with Belle Époque hotels and elegant boutiques. Among the must-see monuments: the leaning tower of the former Saint-Maurice church, which overlooks the city center. inclined at a little over 5 degrees, a vestige of a religious and Alpine past. The Segantini Museum, dedicated to the painter Giovanni SegantiniIt rises like a mountain pavilion and houses an immense triptych entitled "Life, Nature, Death," while the natural ice sculpture evokes the enduring link between art and altitude. For sports history enthusiasts, there remains the skeleton track, the Cresta Run, which has been stringing together its natural turns since the 19th century, the founding discipline of this extreme sport.
And then there are the traces of the Olympic legacy: the Olympic Stadium — now privately owned but still recognizable — remains a place to evoke the Games, as does the bob-run, the only natural bobsleigh track still used in the world circuit, carved directly into the ice each winter.
After exertion or contemplation, the table invites a gourmet moment. In the Engadine valley, one can taste local specialties: capuns (strange little rolls of chard leaves stuffed with meat and cream), pizokel (pasta in the Engadine version), or alpine cheeses with notes of hay, served with a crisp Swiss white wine. The atmosphere is hushed, with light wood and a gentle fireplace – the contrast between the icy exterior and the warm interior is almost tangible. You close your eyes for a moment, taste the melting cream, then feel the winter wind gliding across the frozen lake above the mountains.
St. Moritz is an extraordinary place, a resort that has managed to combine alpine elegance, Olympic memory and the simple joy of skiing.

AlpAddict in Garmisch Partenkirchen
The village of Garmisch Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the first time skiing was included in the Winter Olympic Games

Nestled in the heart of the Bavaria, at the confluence of the Partnach and Loisach rivers, Garmisch-Partenkirchen unfolds between fir forests, steep cliffs, and alpine slopes that rise to the summit of the Zugspitze. This unique geography, oscillating between a wooded valley at 700 m altitude and peaks reaching nearly 3 m, offered ideal terrain for snow sports: vast expanses, vertical drops, and a climate conducive to winter. In fact, it was here that the 000th Winter Olympics were organized. 1936 Winter Olympics, from February 6 to 16. The choice of Garmisch-Partenkirchen responded not only to the natural quality of the site, but also to a political will on the part of Germany to present a modern showcase of the Bavarian Alps.

The 1936 Games were significant in several respects: they were the first time that the alpine skiing events were making their debut in the Olympic program. The Grande Olympiaschanze site, on the Gudiberg, hosted the ski jumping, the finish of the Nordic combined, and the opening ceremony in a snow amphitheater. The lake Riessersee It hosted speed skating and some ice hockey matches: the Bavarian winter pulsed to the rhythm of the sports. The symbolism was powerful, the atmosphere sometimes glacial: the opening of the Games took place under an intense snowstorm, accentuating the dramatic and grandiose character of the place.

While walking the streets of Garmisch-Partenkirchen Today, we admire the brilliance of Partenkirchen's painted facades, feel the crisp air rushing through the narrow streets, and experience the imposing shadow of the surrounding peaks. The local heritage blends Bavarian chalets with traces of a sporting past. The village of Partenkirchen retains its medieval alleyways, while Garmisch displays its slightly more modern profile after the merger of the two municipalities in 1935 at the behest of the Nazi regime. Furthermore, several monuments recall the history of sport: the Große Olympiaschanze, still in use for the Four Springboards Tournament every January 1st. The "Olympia-Kunsteisstadion", built in just 106 days for the 1936 Games, is today the "Olympic Eissport Zentrum" and stands as one of the major remnants of the event.

On the culinary front, Bavarian cuisine at altitude invites conviviality. After a day on the slopes or at the top of a chairlift, the allure of a cold beer and a steaming "Käsespätzle" or smoked ham accompanied by " potato salad " is irresistible. You can also sample schnitzel there, but the true alpine break begins with a dessert like Kaiserschmarrn topped with plum compote or forest raspberries. When the wind descends from the mountain, when snowflakes brush against the roofs, and when the scent of wood and warm cheese fills the chalet, you understand that Garmisch-Partenkirchen was not just a sporting backdrop, but a place where winter is fully embodied — in the snow, in the breath of skis, and in the memory of those Winter Games where the Bavarian mountains offered themselves to the world.

Cortina d'Ampezzo, AlpAddict's luxury stay
Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo, soon to be twice Olympic

At the heart of the vertiginous ridges of dolomitesThe village of Cortina d'Ampezzo nestles in a valley between sky and rock, at an altitude of 1,224 m, surrounded by peaks that reach over 3,000 m. The Boite stream flows by, pine trees brush against immaculate slopes, and limestone rises like a curtain left by the ancient sea—this spectacular landscape provided the perfect setting, in January 1956, to host the 7th edition of the 1956 Winter OlympicsFrom January 26 to February 5, the location not only met the requirements of altitude, snow, and access, but also offered an alpine setting already renowned for its glaciers, demanding winters, and peaks "draped in light." Local urban development successfully integrated the Olympic facilities with a vertical topography that, at that time, became a "performance platform" and a "showcase for world skiing."

Cortina d'AmpezzoOn that day, it became the scene of a major event: the opening ceremony was held in the brand-new Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, built between 1952 and 1954, which also hosted the figure skating and some ice hockey matches. The alpine skiing events, meanwhile, took place on the slopes of the Tofans and Monte faloriaThe fact that 32 nations participated—a record at the time—and that the Games were broadcast live in several countries reinforced the European significance of the event. The choice of Cortina was not insignificant: the Ampezzo valley offered a unique concentration of venues, limiting travel and giving the Games a rare geographical coherence for an Alpine setting.

Strolling through the old town, one notices the brightly colored facades and Belle Époque hotels that bear witness to elite tourism since the late 19th century. The parish church of Saints Philip and James, built between 1769 and 1775, dominates the central square. Nearby is the Ethnographic Museum of the " Regole d'Ampezzo "It recalls the ancient customs of the valleys, transmitting the Alpine memory before the modernity of sport. The surrounding mountains never rest; the Tofane, the Cristallo, the Faloria and other peaks the Dolomites of Veneto They dominate the scene, their shapes sculpted by erosion, their insolent presence in the winter sky. One of the major Olympic venues, the Trampolino Olimpico Italia ski jump, rebuilt in 1955 for the occasion, was the pride of the organizers and a launching pad for the athletes.

But the heritage aspect doesn't stop at architecture or infrastructure: the Olympic legacy, still palpable in the resort, permeates its streets, gondolas, and lifts. The International Olympic Committee report emphasizes that the 1956 Games were a turning point for Cortina, allowing it to establish itself permanently as a major winter sports destination.

And then comes the moment for a gourmet break, made necessary by the invigorating alpine air. In Cortina d'Ampezzo, the ladine tradition It blends with Italian tradition: you can savor a dish of casunziei—those half-moons of dough stuffed with beetroot, topped with butter and sage—or chenedi, small regional dumplings. Smoked apple strudel, mountain cheeses, and roast meats in a setting of old wood and stone are all good reasons to recharge your batteries after a day of skiing. When you glide through the snow-covered streets of Cortina, when you look up at the peaks of Cadore, when you tread the pristine snow of the Olympic slopes, you breathe in deeply this combination of nature, sport, history, and taste that makes this town an Alpine jewel at the heart of the Winter Games.

AlpAddict visits the city of Innsbruck
The city of Innsbruck / photo credit: Angelika Lederwasch

Innsbruck, capital of the Alps and twice host of the Olympics

In the heart of Tyrol, nestled in the Inn Valley—the name "Innsbruck" literally meaning "bridge over the Inn"—the city of Innsbruck stretches at an altitude of approximately 570 meters, framed by the steep massifs of the Nordkette to the north and the Patscherkofel to the south. This alpine location, halfway between the plains and the high mountains, made Innsbruck an almost natural choice to host the two European Championships. Winter Olympics, in 1964 and then in 1976During the 1964 edition, from January 29 to February 9, the organizers had to contend with an exceptionally mild winter: the Austrian army had to transport tens of thousands of cubic meters of snow and ice blocks to prepare the slopes. The Alpine terrain and natural infrastructure – glaciers, nearby ski slopes, steep descents – had everything needed for a spectacular winter event. One can already picture the gondolas gliding above the Inn River, the gray cliffs rising beneath storm clouds, and the crowds gathered in the snowy amphitheater of the jump.

The city's adaptability was confirmed when, twelve years later, it was once again entrusted with hosting the Games, from February 4 to 15, 1976, after the withdrawal of the American city of Denver. The chosen venues reflected both sporting ambition and a concern for sustainability: the impressive ski jumping platform of the Bergisel Ski JumpStill standing today, it testifies to this desire to integrate the facility into the landscape. Also found here are the Igls bobsleigh-luge track and the alpine ski slopes. d'Axamer Lizum for the descents, and those of Seefeld Nordic skiing thrilled the valley amidst dark woods and sparkling snow. The Innsbruck Games successfully brought together mountains, snow, city, and alpine culture in a single event.

The heritage footprint ofInnsbruck blends tradition and audacity. While strolling through its old townHere, one discovers the famous Little Golden Roof on a Gothic facade, the cobbled streets and medieval houses, reminders that the city was a center of power under Emperor Maximilian I. And yet the city has not renounced its mountain identity: the funicular railway of the north chainThe surrounding forests, the ski lifts that start almost from the city center… you can feel that urban and alpine life exist in perfect harmony here. Among the surviving sporting monuments, the collection of infrastructure known as “OlympiaWorld Innsbruck”, a sports complex inaugurated in 1963 and still in use, constitutes a tangible marker of Olympic memory.

As for Tyrolean cuisine, it offers a warm respite from the mountain cold: one settles down around a plate of "Kaiserschmarrn," this thick, burst pancake topped with blueberry jam, or one enjoys a " bacon dumplings "(dumpling of smoked bread) plunged into a fragrant broth, all washed down with a glass of Grüner Veltliner or a local beer. The wood crackles in the hearth, the windows frost, and beyond them, the silhouette of the Patscherkofel stands out against a cobalt sky. Here, the taste of the mountains blends with the flavor of history: walking the streets of Innsbruck, skiing on its slopes, or simply gazing up at the granite peaks, is to take the time to breathe in a mountain of memory, sculpted by the Games and magnified by time."

AlpAddict in Grenoble
Grenoble and the summits of Belledonne

Grenoble, the return of the Winter Olympic Games to the French Alps

Deep in the Isère valley, where the foothills of the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne massifs rise like silent guardians of the city, Grenoble stands out as capital of the French AlpsA city on the plains? Yes — but surrounded by the Alps, between mountains and urban life, it became the ideal host for the 10th century. 1968 Winter Olympics, from February 6 to 18, 1968. The organizers capitalized on this unique geography: an Alpine metropolis ready to host ice sports in the very heart of the city, and nearby resorts located on the Alpine slopes for the snow events — like Chamrousse for alpine skiing, and the Vercors for Nordic sports, for example.
When Grenoble and its ski resorts in Isère When it was chosen, it was undergoing a major transformation: urban modernization, road networks, but it still had a distinct Alpine identity. At the time of the Games, the spotlights met the snow-covered peaks and the city entered a frenzy of sport, technology and mountain heritage.

The memory of the Games in Grenoble is not limited to a sporting event set against the backdrop of the mountains: it is etched in stone, in concrete, in the wood of the stations, and in the urban fabric. The city center, with its historic streets and the tramway that crisscrosses the entire metropolitan area, is rooted in a modernity born of the Olympics. The building of Pierre Mendès-France Sports Palace The former "Ice Stadium," located in Paul-Mistral Park, remains one of the symbols of that era—built between 1966 and 1967, it hosted figure skating and ice hockey during the Games. Nearby, the Speed ​​Skating Oval—this outdoor rink in the heart of the park—testifies to the technical audacity of the time: a 125 km long, cooled concrete track for speed skating events. For heritage enthusiasts, strolling between the old town, the Bastille (accessible by cable car), the colorful facades, and the modern post-Games districts offers a chance to breathe in the history of a city built on a mountain.

After the hike, the exertion, the cheers of the spectators, and the snow crunching under the skis, how can you soothe your taste buds? In Grenoble, as in the surrounding Alpine foothills, mountain cuisine is gentle and hearty: mountain crusts, gratin dauphinoisroast potatoes accompanied by a melting tomme cheese, dried cow's milk cheese and walnut cake, all in the crisp mountain air.

Panorama of Albertville in summer
Albertville


Albertville, the Winter Olympics that transformed a territory

Nestled between the Combe de Savoie and Tarentaise valleys, in the heart of the Savoy Alps, the town of Albertville stretches out at an altitude of just 352 meters. The imposing presence of the mountains, the murmur of the Isère River flowing between old quarters and a multitude of slate roofs, acts as a visual prelude to the allure of the high plateaus. This alpine setting makes perfect sense for welcoming the 1992 Winter OlympicsIt was obvious – a perfect location where snow, varied terrain, mountain traditions, and burgeoning infrastructure could converge. The choice of Albertville also stemmed from its geographically strategic position: accessible from the major cities of Savoy while also providing access to the surrounding ski areas, it was the ideal anchor point for a world-class event. Numerous infrastructures were built for the occasion, including the motorway and the TGV line, which efficiently connected this inland Savoyard valley to the rest of the country.

When the opening ceremony of the XVI Olympic Winter Games took place from February 8 to 23, 1992, Albertville hosted the event under the banner of "Savoie en Fête" (Savoie in Celebration). Of course, not all the venues were located in the city center: the events were spread across nine neighboring resorts (Courchevel, La Plagne, Val d'Isère, Les Saisiesetc.). Nevertheless, Albertville was the beating heart of the operation, developing an Olympic district around the current Olympic Hall, and transforming its train station, road access, and urban landscape to become the launching pad for a sporting and human spectacle. The chosen sites combined sporting requirements—slope, terrain, altitude, snow—with a heritage ambition: to extend the impact beyond the event itself.

In terms of heritage, the city still retains strong traces of these Games. Olympic Hall remains a central place from Albertville. Henry Dujol Park, which served as the venue for the ceremonies, still displays the Olympic flame column and visual markers from the key moment. For a taste of traditional Alpine architecture, strolling through Albertville's old town, with its glazed alleyways, historic facades, and artisanal atmosphere, is to experience the spirit of Savoy, before or after the Olympic excitement. To keep the memory alive, the "Tremplin 92, Montagne & Olympisme" museum allows visitors to relive the experience, hear the stories of the champions, and feel the snow through immersive displays.

And because no Alpine journey is complete without a gourmet stop, Albertville allows you to discover the Savoyard cuisine Fondues, raclettes, hearty tartiflettes, mountain charcuterie, and cheeses (Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie) are served in the region's restaurants. The old town market resonates with the voices of producers, the aroma of freshly baked rye bread, high-altitude berries, and Savoy wine that tantalizes the taste buds. A gourmet break, rooted in the mountain terroir, naturally resonates with this town which, for fifteen days, was the stage for a great Olympic dream in the heart of the French Alps.

Turin, the ideal city for AlpAddicts
View of the Alps from Turin

Turin, the guardian of the Alps, host of the Winter Olympic Games

Nestled between the Po Valley and the first Alpine foothills of Piedmont, Turin unfolds its majestic avenues and baroque squares under the discreet gaze of the mountains. It is this unique geography—an industrial metropolis on the horizon of which the nearby Alps stand out—that allowed Turin to welcome the 2006 Winter Olympicsfrom February 10 to 26. The choice of the city was thus based on this marriage of urban and mountain: a metropolitan base capable of hosting skating, ice hockey and major ceremonies, while the neighboring alpine resorts — such as Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, Bardonecchia — took over for the snow events.
The Games unfolded against a backdrop that blended the vibrancy of a modern Olympic site with the memory of an ancient city. The city center was transformed, its streets becoming the stage for a global spectacle, and its infrastructure was redesigned—notably with the expansion of transport networks and the construction of new sports facilities. Ice skating competitions were held in Turin's sports arenas, while snow events were spread across the high-altitude valleys, creating a dispersed yet cohesive Olympic territory.
While strolling through today TurinOne perceives this dual identity: on the one hand, the historic heart—the Royal Palace, Piazza Castello, the Mole Antonelliana, the elegant arcades—and on the other, the spirit of the 2006 Games, with sites like the Palavela (which hosted figure skating and short track), renovated for the occasion. The building boasts bold architecture, a symbol of urban renewal. The Oval Lingotto, built for speed skating, also stands as a tangible reminder of this Olympic interlude. These monuments are not merely relics, but rather interfaces between the city and its mountains, between the proud simplicity of the Alps and urban sophistication.
And then, how can one talk about Turin without mentioning the rich Piedmontese gastronomy Piedmont is a traditional land of wines (Barolo, Barbera, etc.), white truffles, chocolates, and Piedmont hazelnuts. After a day in the Olympic bustle or a stroll through the alleys of San Salvario, one can enjoy the sweetness of a bicerin (a hot mixture of coffee, chocolate, and cream), or settle down to savor an "agnolotto" stuffed with broth, followed by a dish of "tajarin" with truffles and a good glass of austere red wine.
In Turin, the Olympics have left a sporting and urban, heritage and sensory imprint. The Alps remind visitors of their presence at every street corner.

The Olympic legacy in the heart of the Alps

Winter Olympics Not only ski slopes and stadiums remain: in each Alpine valley, a profound imprint remains, imbued with pride and memory. Chamonix like a Cortinaor a Grenoble like a St. MoritzThe infrastructure built for a few weeks of glory has blended into the landscape, becoming museums, sports centers, or living spaces. Even more significantly, these Games have shaped the very identity of the regions: they have opened the mountains to the world, built roads, modernized resorts, and affirmed the international vocation of the Alpes like the beating heart of winter sports.
More the Olympic legacy It goes far beyond tourism or performance. It can be seen in the way these towns tell their story today: through village architecture, local culture, gastronomy, and the memory of champions. Each generation, walking through these places, rediscovers the unique alliance between nature and humanity, between effort and beauty. In the AlpesThe Games have ceased to be an event: they have become a living heritage, a flame that snow cannot extinguish.

This is something to watch in 2026 with the return of the Winter Olympic Games to the Alps, in a very fragmented territory between Milan, Valtellina, Val di Fiemme and Cortina d'Ampezzowhich returns to the games 70 years after its first reception.

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