In which city were the 1994 Winter Olympics held?

The 1994 Winter Olympics were held in Lillehammer, Norway. Officially called the XVII Olympic Winter Games, they took place from 12 to 27 February 1994 and are often known as Lillehammer ’94.

Lillehammer won the hosting vote in 1988 after previously losing its bid for the 1992 Games to Albertville, France. The Olympics were notable because they were the first Winter Games held in a different year from the Summer Olympics, following the decision to separate the two events into alternating four-year cycles.

Although Lillehammer was the main host city, events also took place in nearby municipalities. Speed skating was held in Hamar, some ice hockey games in Gjøvik, and alpine skiing at Hafjell and Kvitfjell. This is why references may describe the Games as being held “in and around Lillehammer.”

A common mix-up is Albertville, which hosted the previous Winter Olympics in 1992. Salt Lake City hosted the 2002 Games, while Nagano hosted the 1998 Games.