The Olympics are a chance to showcase your locale as world class and, as Park City has proven, the host can receive dividends for years after the event.
When Colorado most recently put together a bid committee for the 2030 Winter Games, they encountered local opposition. Meanwhile, residents of the beehive state overwhelming supported inviting the rest of the world to come to Utah. A poll taken before Utah won the USOC endorsement for 2030, showed 89% of Utahns backed hosting the 2030 Winter Games.
Even if Colorado had as much local support as Utah, they would still be up against unfavorable geography. The best ski destination in Colorado are well over three hours away. By contrast, getting to Utah’s ski resorts is a quick 45 minute drive from the Salt Lake City airport.
Finally, Utah already has the facilities, proven experience and an abundance of international local host experience to pull of a successful Olympic Games. Again, Colorado does not. In fact, the one time Denver was set to host the Winter Games in 1976, they actually resigned the winning bid!