Norway nominates Tromsoe for 2018 winter games bid

OSLO, March 30 (Reuters) Norway has nominated Tromsoe, one of the world's northernmost cities, as its candidate to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, the country's sports body said Today.

Located on the fjords of the Arctic sea, Tromsoe is on the same latitude as northern Alaska or Siberia. About 2,400 km from the North Pole, it promises ice and heavy snow in winter despite global warming.

The sun stays below the horizon for about two months in mid-winter.

Tromsoe, which has 61,000 inhabitants, beat rivals Oslo and Trondheim for the nomination. If chosen, it would be the first Olympic host city within the Arctic circle.

Norway, one of the most successful winter sport nations, has hosted the Winter Olympics twice -- the 1994 Games in Lillehammer and the 1952 Winter Olympiad in Oslo.

REUTERS PDS RK1937