The Winter Olympics showcase a variety of sports played on snow and ice. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will feature 16 sports. Ski mountaineering is a new addition.
Table of contents
Popular Winter Olympic Sports
- Ice Hockey
- Figure Skating
- Snowboarding
- Alpine Skiing
- Freestyle Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Speed Skating
The Winter Olympics showcase a variety of sports played on snow and ice. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will feature 16 sports. Ski mountaineering is a new addition.
- Ice Hockey
- Figure Skating
- Snowboarding
- Alpine Skiing
- Freestyle Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Speed Skating
A Deeper Dive into Winter Olympic Sports
Beyond the popular sports, the Winter Olympics offer a wide range of disciplines. Here’s a look at some of the other exciting events:
Sliding Sports
- Bobsleigh: Teams race down an ice track in a gravity-powered sled.
- Luge: Individual athletes or pairs race down an ice track on a small sled, feet first.
- Skeleton: Athletes race headfirst down an ice track on a small sled.
Skiing and Snowboarding Disciplines
- Biathlon: Combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.
- Ski Jumping: Athletes soar through the air after launching from a ramp.
- Nordic Combined: Combines ski jumping and cross-country skiing.
- Snowboard Cross: Riders race head-to-head down a course with jumps and turns.
- Snowboard Halfpipe: Riders perform tricks in a halfpipe.
- Snowboard Slopestyle: Riders perform tricks on a course with rails, jumps, and other features.
- Alpine Combined: Combines a downhill run and a slalom run.
- Giant Slalom: Skiers race down a course with widely spaced gates.
- Slalom: Skiers race down a course with closely spaced gates.
Other Ice Sports
- Curling: Teams slide stones across the ice towards a target area.
- Short Track Speed Skating: Skaters race around a small oval track.
New for 2026: Ski Mountaineering
Ski mountaineering, also known as skimo, involves climbing mountains on skis and then skiing down. It’s a challenging and exciting addition to the Winter Olympic program.
The Winter Olympics offer something for everyone, from the thrill of speed to the artistry of figure skating. These athletes dedicate their lives to perfecting their skills and representing their countries on the world stage.
