The French Alps has been named as the preferred host for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Salt Lake City has been put forward for the 2034 equivalent.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says it will now enter into “detailed discussions” with the two prospective hosts before making a final decision.
The IOC added that it aims “to award both editions at the 142nd IOC Session in July in Paris”.
“What really stood out about the French Alps and Salt Lake City-Utah projects was their vision for the athlete experience, their alignment with regional and national socio-economic development plans, and their very strong support from the public and from all levels of government,” Karl Stoss, head of the IOC’s future host commission, said.
A bid from Switzerland has entered what is called a period of “privileged dialogue” for the 2038 Winter Games.
Beijing in China held the 2022 Winter Games and was the first to use virtually 100% artificial snow.
The IOC has previously said that only 10 countries will be able to host snow sports by 2040 because of the impact of climate change and took the issue into consideration in opting to prefer the French Alps and Salt Lake City bids.
The IOC said one of the main reasons for choosing the French Alps was “the vision to renew the north and south Alps as winter sports destinations by transitioning to a more sustainable tourism strategy for winter sports in the context of climate change”.
On Salt Lake City it added: “Given the studies commissioned by the IOC on the potential impact of climate change on winter sports, Salt Lake City-Utah provides an opportunity to secure a traditional winter sports and climate-reliable destination well in advance of the Games.”
