The Austrian city of Salzburg has submitted a bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics.

It entered the running just ahead of the 10 January deadline after the Austrian government stepped in with a last-minute offer of financial guarantees.

After the federal backing was assured, the city council voted on Thursday to submit the bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Everything is going according to plan," said Leo Wallner, president of Austria's Olympic committee. "Salzburg will score points as a culture festival."

He claimed rival Vancouver had problems with transport links and could be undermined by fellow Canadian city Toronto bidding for the 2012 Summer Games.

Vancouver officially submitted its bid in style.

World Cup skier Rob Boyd skied the proposed 2010 men's downhill run at Whistler holding a bid book before a ceremony in Vancouver.

The bid books have now been transported to IOC headquarters.

Spectacular setting

Tensions in North Korea could hamper South Korean bidder Pyeong Chang.

Salzburg is used to accommodating the hordes of tourists drawn by its spectacular Alpine setting, its fame as the home of Mozart and as the backdrop for the "The Sound of Music".

The city and surrounding area already have 12 existing or soon to be completed facilities that cater mostly to skiing.

In addition, it plans to build eight new venues in Salzburg, Amade and Kitzbuhel to accommodate sports such as ice hockey and curling.

Austria hosted the Winter Games in 1964 and 1976, both times in Innsbruck.

The 2002 Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the 2006 Games will be hosted by the Italian city of Turin.