Abstract

Switzerland has twice organised the Winter Olympic Games, in 1928 and 1948. But several applications to host the Games were never even considered by the IOC, essentially because negative decisions had been taken beforehand following referendums among the local population. The article examines the arguments which have been put forward over the years by those opposed to the Olympic Games: huge economic costs in return for benefits which, in the medium term, are somewhat doubtful, substantial environmental degradation, cultural upheaval of mountain communities, and so on. What is really at stake, therfore, are the very values of society: arguments in favour of a business economy and advertising are followed by discussions on the regional economy, the environment, the landscape and cultural aspects. These are the negative arguments put forward by towns and regions having hosted the Olympic Games. Verf.-Referat