What is the Winter Olympics?
The Winter Olympics are an international multi-sport event for sports on snow and ice, held every four years. The first Winter Games took place in Chamonix, France, in 1924.
Until 1992, the Winter and Summer Olympics were held in the same year. Since 1994, they have alternated every two years. The Winter Games include sports such as alpine skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, bobsleigh and biathlon. Norway has won the most Winter Olympic medals of any country.
The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in February in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, the first Games officially hosted by two cities. The French Alps will host the 2030 Winter Games, and Salt Lake City, USA, will host in 2034.
Famous Winter Olympians
Norwegian cross-country skier Marit Bjørgen has won 15 Winter Olympic medals, the most by a woman. Her countryman Ole Einar Bjørndalen won 13 in biathlon. American speed skater Eric Heiden won five gold medals at the 1980 Games.
Did You Know?
Snow is not always natural at the Winter Games. Recent Games, especially Beijing 2022, have relied heavily on artificial snow.