Denver's withdrawal
The Games had been awarded to the city of Denver but the city withdrew on 15 November 1972 following a referendum which rejected the building of Olympic facilities for ecological reasons. Innsbruck offered to step in. It was accepted by the IOC as host city of these Games on 4 February 1973.
Two cauldrons
This was the second time the Games had taken place in this city, the first being in 1964. For this reason, two Olympic cauldrons were lit.
New on the programme
Olympic debut for ice dancing.
The first back flip
For the first time in the history of figure skating, a competitor (Terry Kubicka, USA) attempted, and succeeded, a dangerous back flip.
Ceremonies
4 February 1976: There were two Olympic cauldrons, to celebrate not only the present Games but also the previous time they had been held in Innsbruck, 1964.
Official opening of the Games by: President Dr Rudolf Kirschschläger
Lighting of the Olympic Flame by: Two cauldrons were lit as a symbol of Winter Games being held twice in Innsbruck. The cauldron of 1964 was lit by Christl Haas (Alpine skiing) and the 1976 cauldron was ignited by Josef Feistmantl (luge) .
Olympic Oath by: Werner Delle-Karth (bobsleigh)
Officials' Oath by: Willy Köstinger (Nordic combined)