It followed a failure to reach agreement with all of the large number of land owners at the original choice of Oberammergau.

The new venue, in contrast, is owned wholly by the State of Bavaria and the announcement follows successful negotiations with the Bavarian Ministry of Agriculture. 

Willy Bogner, the chief executive of Munich 2018, said: "Our core concern is creating the best possible conditions for athletes.

"They must be able to experience the unique atmosphere of an Olympic Village, and at the same time have quick, easy access to the venues.

"The Schwaiganger Ranch complies with all the technical requirements from the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and the International Federations; it meets all the stringent environmental standards that we have imposed on ourselves, as well as offering a spectacularly beautiful natural setting with a wide range of slopes."

The Schwaiganger Ranch is located in the town of Ohlstadt, just 23 kilometres - a 20-minute journey - from the Snow Village, which will house all the athletes competing in alpine and Nordic competitions.

Schwaiganger Ranch is considerably closer to Munich than Oberammergau, and is serviced by the Murnau train station transport hub.

The Nordic Centre will still be a temporary venue, as in the original bid concept, and will be dismantled after the Winter Games, ensuring the impact on the environment and local citizens will be minimised, officials claimed.

Bogner said: "With great skiing conditions and excellent transport infrastructure, it is the perfect place for winter sports fans to enjoy top class competition.

"In the Schwaiganger Ranch, we have found the ideal venue for our Nordic Centre."

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