The Winter Olympics will get under way in Beijing, China, this month—less than six months after the postponed 2021 Summer Olympics wrapped up in Tokyo, Japan. Much of the competition that takes place in Beijing will occur in venues originally constructed for the Summer Games.
Alpine skiing will take place in Yanqing in the northwestern suburbs of the capital city, while the majority of the ski and snowboard events are scheduled for Zhangjiakou, a ski destination about 120 miles northwest of Beijing.
When are the Winter Olympics in Beijing set to start?
The Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics will be on Friday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. local time (6:30 a.m. Eastern) at the National Stadium. The venue, which hosted the track and field competition at the 2008 Summer Olympics, is also known as “The Bird’s Nest” for its unique architecture. Competition in several sports will begin before the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 2. The Games last for nearly three weeks, concluding on Sunday, Feb. 20.
What’s the time difference in Beijing?
Beijing is 13 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Time. Events that take place in the evening in China will air live in the U.S. in the morning, while morning competition in Beijing airs during prime time stateside. For instance, the men’s figure skating final takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10, and will be televised in the U.S. at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, Feb. 9.
How will they deal with Covid-19?
The Chinese Olympic Committee has implemented the host country’s zero-Covid policy for pandemic mitigation and is attempting to limit outbreaks by keeping Games participants separate from the general population inside a “closed loop.” These measures are stricter than the health protocols adopted at the Tokyo Olympics last summer. Athletes, coaches and support staff will be tested daily and placed in quarantine if they test positive or are identified as close contacts of an infected person. Most competitions will happen in front of sparse crowds, as fans will be determined on an invitation-only basis. Athletes are also encouraged to leave the country within 48 hours after they finish competing.
A path outside National Stadium in Beijing, site of the Opening Ceremony.
PHOTO: THOMAS PETER/REUTERS
Does it snow in Beijing?
Although temperatures in Beijing tend to hover around freezing in February, the winter months are the driest part of the year. Average snowfall in February is less than one inch, according to data from the World Meteorological Organization. Conditions are snowier in Zhangjiakou, but a large portion of the snow there is artificial.
Who are some notable Olympic stars to pay attention to?
On the slopes, Mikaela Shiffrin of the U.S. will attempt to become the first Alpine skier to medal in all five downhill disciplines. Jessie Diggins, who became the first American woman to win a gold medal in Nordic skiing in Pyeongchang, South Korea, will look to defend her Olympic title in Beijing. On the snowboard halfpipe, Shaun White is competing in his fifth and final Olympics while Chloe Kim is aiming to defend the gold medal she won in 2018 as a 17-year-old. In figure skating, Nathan Chen is looking to win a gold medal in the men’s singles while a trio of Russian teenagers could sweep the women’s competition.
Are there any new events at the 2022 Olympics?
There will be seven new events in Beijing, many of which are aimed at improving gender equity at the Games. Freestyle skiing added a big air competition for men and women in 2022. Women will compete in the monobob, a bobsled manned by one athlete. Games organizers also added mixed gender team events in short-track speedskating, freestyle skiing aerials, ski jumping and snowboard cross.
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