Bids For The 2012 Winter Youth Olympics - Non-selected Short List Cities

Non-selected Short List Cities

• Harbin, China

Harbin last bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics, but failed to make the shortlist. Harbin proposed the dates From 2 to 12 February. It is known as China's "Ice City" for its long winters and associated festivals. The annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival has been held since 1985. Harbin hosted the third 1996 Winter Asian Games and the 2009 Winter Universiade. The Alpine skiing events took place in the Yabuli Ski Resort; Harbin plans to spend US$ 1.5 billion in construction and renovation of its sport infrastructure for possible Olympic bids.

The initial evaluation found the bid technically robust, using existing venues, good hosting experience and a large number of guaranteed hotel rooms within Harbin as principal strengths. However, a three village concept made for a rather dispersed project and the culture and education program was weak. With a budget of US$43 million, events at Mao'ershan National Nature Reserve were cancelled to reduce the Olympic Villages to two, but still the distance between Harbin and Yabuli is 150 km. A planned bobsleigh/sled site raised concerns, as did a reluctance to embrace a digital platform for the culture aspect. However, the Olympic Villages were strong with a 2:1 bath/bed ratio.

Ultimately, the IOC did not select Harbin as "a number of risks" were associated with the proposal due to lack of information provided by the bid committee.

• Lillehammer, Norway

Norway hosted the Olympics twice before: in Lillehammer in 1994. and in Oslo in 1952. Norway's staging of the Games in 1994 is considered a modern highpoint, described as "fairy tale games...Reality cannot be this good." Lillehammer has hosted over 100 competitions since those Games and propose the games between 24 February to March 4.

Because it has a strong sports infrastructure, only the curling venue would have needed to be constructed. The budget is set at US$49 million, with the Norwegian federal government contributing $19 million and the balance from the IOC and sponsors. The budget was later reduced to US$43 million. Lillehammer's plans include a digital information platform for the educational component, a compact setting, and producing little environmental impact. The Games would be set between February 24 and March 4, 2012.

Between initial and later plans, Lillehammer made strides in defining the cultural and educational program, designing alternate Olympic Village plans (though still a concern), and some progress in funding and political support. However, despite Lillehammer's great experience, robust technical plans, and good balance of sport and culture, the financial risks and lack of national government guarantees were too serious and the bid did not make the final list. (Norway cancelled its bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Tromsø over budgetary concerns.)

Lillehammer bid for the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics and was the only city to enter a bid. They were awarded the games on December 7, 2011.