The Winter Olympic Games: reigniting the flame of sport
Held every four years, the Winter Olympic Games show the world that winter can be a dynamic and energetic sporting season. Together with the Summer Olympics, they stand apart thanks to disciplines in which snow, ice and natural landscapes make every event uniquely demanding. Beyond elite achievements, the Games also encourage people to discover sports for the first time or to rediscover the pleasure of being active.
Just for the record
Are you familiar with the history of the Winter Olympic Games? Let us refresh your memory just in time for the launch of the XXVth edition, which will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo starting on February 6, 2026.
The Winter Olympics began in 1924 in Chamonix, France, at the foot of Mont Blanc. Originally envisioned as an “International Week of Winter Sports” and inspired by the Nordic Games popular in Scandinavia at the time, they brought together more than 250 athletes from 16 countries and drew an audience of over 10,000 spectators.
While Finnish and Norwegian athletes claimed the majority of the medals in that era, the other competing nations were far from outmatched. In fact, American Charles Jewtraw made history as the first Winter Olympic champion by winning the opening 500-meter speed skating event.
Ice hockey was dominated by the Canadian team, which shone through its outstanding achievements. The Canadians scored 85 goals and did not concede a single one in their first three games. They went on to win the tournament with 122 goals in total, giving up just 3 over the course of eleven days of competition.
The inaugural Winter Olympics were filled with unforgettable stories. Among the most moving is that of Anders Haugen, an American ski jumper, who was officially placed fourth in his event… until a scoring error uncovered 50 years later, showed that he should have been awarded the bronze medal.
At almost 86 years old, he finally received it from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at a special ceremony held in Oslo, becoming the oldest Winter Olympic medallist to actually receive his medal in person.
And today?
Over the decades, the Winter Olympic Games have developed their own distinct identity. Where the Summer Olympics celebrate speed and power in controlled environments, the Winter Games highlight disciplines in which the elements and climate conditions become full-fledged opponents, and where constant adaptation is essential.
Today, a wide range of winter sports are showcased at this major multisport event. The most popular include alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, biathlon, curling and snowboarding.
This list is far from complete, but if there is one standout newcomer at the Milan–Cortina 2026 Games, it’s ski mountaineering, often called “skimo.” Blending ski ascents with demanding downhill sections, this mountain sport is a true ode to effort and endurance!
Some winter sports activities inspired by the Olympics
Beyond the thrill of seeing an athlete or team perform brilliantly, the Olympics can inspire and encourage us to get moving again. They help us make the most of the cold season, reminding us that staying active is an easy way to look after our health while truly enjoying winter.
Indoors or outdoors, here are some diverse activity ideas inspired by the Olympic Games:
- Ice skating or hockey: a great exercise for balance and coordination, perfect for advancing at your own pace (watch out for falls, though!);
• Cross-country skiing: a well-rounded activity that’s fun on snowy trails;
• Curling: a strategic team sport that relies more on skill than on strength;
• Sledding: a fun and accessible activity, ideal for sharing terrific moments with family or friends while staying active;
• Bonus options – winter walking or snowshoeing: while not Olympic sports, they’re perfect for getting fresh air, enjoying the scenery and activating the body.
Ultimately, the Winter Olympic Games remind us that sport isn’t just about podiums or what we watch on screen. They can spark the urge to try something new or bring movement back into our daily lives. By encouraging us to look at winter differently, they invite us to see the cold season as a chance for new experiences – or even new habits. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of initiative to turn winter into an opportunity to be active in a whole new way!