Salt Lake City Prepares for 2034 Winter Olympics

Utah officials aim to build on infrastructure from 2002 games to host global event

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Utah is in the early stages of planning for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, which officials expect will draw participants from 100 countries. The local organizing committee has already raised $250 million in early funding and is focused on upgrading transportation infrastructure, including 'double-tracking' the FrontRunner train system to allow trains to run every 15 minutes. Competition venues across the Wasatch mountain range will utilize existing facilities from the 2002 Winter Games, requiring only minor refinements to be ready for the 2034 event.

Why it matters

Hosting the Winter Olympics is an enormous undertaking, requiring the coordination of 48 functional areas. By leveraging existing infrastructure from the 2002 games, Utah aims to reduce costs and streamline the planning process. The transportation upgrades are crucial to accommodate the influx of visitors expected for the 2034 event.

The details

The local Olympic organizing committee, led by executive chair Fraser Bullock, has already raised approximately $250 million in early funding. While the Olympics are 'the most complicated undertaking in the world,' Bullock noted that the organizing committee will not need to fund the Olympic Village or competition venues, as those facilities are already secured or completed from the 2002 Winter Games. The committee's main focus is on transportation infrastructure, including 'double-tracking' the FrontRunner train system to allow trains to run every 15 minutes. Competition venues will be located across the Wasatch mountain range, with Snow Basin Resort hosting several marquee events like Alpine, Super G, and downhill competitions.

  • The countdown to the 2034 Winter Olympic Games currently stands at over 2,900 days.
  • Infrastructure projects, including the train system expansions, are scheduled to be finished before the cauldron is ignited for the opening ceremonies.

The players

Fraser Bullock

The executive chair of the local Olympic organizing committee.

John Gleason

A spokesperson for the Utah Department of Transportation.

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What they’re saying

“The Olympics are the most complicated undertaking in the world. When you think about most businesses, they'll have seven or eight functional areas, marketing, manufacturing. The Olympics have 48.”

— Fraser Bullock, Executive Chair, Olympic Organizing Committee (Nexstar)

“Double-tracking the FrontRunner train system — adding a second track to double the frequency of the trains — is the 'biggest priority.' The transit improvements are designed to allow trains to run every 15 minutes.”

— John Gleason, Spokesperson, Utah Department of Transportation (Nexstar)

What’s next

Infrastructure projects, including the train system expansions, are scheduled to be finished before the cauldron is ignited for the opening ceremonies.

The takeaway

By leveraging existing infrastructure from the 2002 Winter Games and focusing on key transportation upgrades, Utah aims to streamline the planning process and host a successful 2034 Winter Olympics that can accommodate the expected influx of global visitors.