Wanted by the IOC: A City to Host the 2026 Winter Olympics

Astronomical cost of hosting the Games scaring off many bidders

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach (C) and his wife Claudia pose with UN General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak during a photo opportunity as guests arrive for dinner at the Kensington Flora Hotel prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, on Feb. 8, 2018. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea—Getting bidders for the Olympics used to be easy. But no longer, and particularly for the Winter Games.

Six European cities pulled out of official bids or possible bids when the International Olympic Committee sought candidates a few years ago for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Cities balked over soaring costs, political unrest or a lack of public support as expressed in referendums.