Niko Kyynäräinen, the mayor of Lahti, has proposed that Finland should pursue hosting the Winter Olympics, highlighting that a bid could involve collaboration with the Norwegian city of Lillehammer. He believes that hosting the Olympics would serve as a long-term investment in Finland's competitiveness on the global stage. Despite the ambitious nature of the proposal, Kyynäräinen asserts that he is serious about the idea and aims to position Lahti as a central hub for winter sports.

Kyynäräinen has set his sights on the 2038 Winter Olympics, indicating that Lahti has a strong track record in hosting significant winter sports events. The city is scheduled to host its eighth World Ski Championships in 2029, showcasing its capabilities in organizing major competitions. The mayor emphasizes Lahti's reputation as one of the world's leading centers for traditional winter sports, which could enhance Finland's prospects of successfully staging the Olympics.

While the idea may initially seem far-fetched, Kyynäräinen's commitment signals a strategic vision for developing winter sports in Finland. By potentially hosting the Olympics, the city of Lahti aims to not only elevate its international profile but also create lasting benefits for the Finnish winter sports community and economy. The proposal could reignite discussions on the viability of Finland as an Olympics host, particularly in collaboration with neighboring countries known for their winter sports traditions.