47 Winter Sports List (sorted by Popularity) (2024)

Greetings, winter sports fanatics!

Ready to embrace the chill and snowy thrills?

Discover the exhilarating realm of frosty activities with our list of winter sports, sorted by popularity.

From seasoned snowboarders to ice-skating beginners, there’s a frosty adventure here for everyone!

Winter Sports List

1. Ice Hockey
2. Figure Skating
3. Alpine Skiing
4. Snowboarding
5. Cross-Country Skiing
6. Freestyle Skiing
7. Curling
8. Speed Skating
9. Biathlon
10. Ski Jumping

#1 Ice Hockey

Ice hockey originated in Canada in the late 19th century, with the first recorded game taking place in 1875 in Montreal. The sport is immensely popular in countries with cold climates, such as Canada, the United States, Russia, and the Nordic countries.

The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional ice hockey league, featuring teams from both the United States and Canada. Ice hockey has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1924, and the annual IIHF World Championship is another popular tournament within the sport.

#2 Figure Skating

Figure skating can be traced back to ancient Europe but specifically developed in the 19th century in the United Kingdom. It is a popular sport worldwide, with a strong presence in the United States, Canada, Russia, Japan, and European countries.

Figure skating involves individuals, pairs, or groups performing routines on ice, set to music. The sport is governed internationally by the International Skating Union (ISU).

Figure skating has been a part of the Winter Olympics since their inception in 1924, and the World Figure Skating Championships is another prominent annual event.

#3 Alpine Skiing

Alpine skiing, also known as downhill skiing, originated in the European Alps in the 19th century. The sport is immensely popular in countries with mountainous regions and cold climates, such as Switzerland, Austria,

France, Italy, and Norway. Alpine skiing involves participants competing in descending snow-covered slopes on skis, with fixed-heel bindings.

It has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1936, and the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) governs the sport, organizing World Cup events and the World Ski Championships.

#4 Snowboarding

Snowboarding emerged in the United States during the 1960s as a fusion of surfing and skiing techniques. It rapidly gained popularity worldwide and is now cherished in countries like Canada, Japan, South Korea, and throughout Europe.

Snowboarding involves descending a snow-covered slope on a snowboard – a flat board with bindings for attaching boots. The International Ski Federation (FIS) governs snowboarding, and it became an Olympic sport in 1998.

The FIS Snowboard World Cup and the Winter X Games are also popular events in the snowboarding world.

#5 Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing, with origins in Scandinavia over 6,000 years ago, is one of the world’s oldest forms of skiing. It remains popular in Nordic countries and other areas with cold climates and ample snowfall, such as Canada and Russia.

Cross-country skiing involves participants skiing over long distances on an undulating terrain using their own locomotion. The sport has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1924.

The Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) governs the sport and organizes the FIS Cross-Country World Cup and the World Ski Championships.

#6 Freestyle Skiing

Freestyle skiing, a relatively modern discipline, emerged in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The sport is popular worldwide, with strong followings in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Freestyle skiing entails performing aerial tricks, mogul skiing, halfpipe, and slopestyle on snow-covered courses.

Freestyle skiing became an Olympic sport in 1992, and the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) governs and oversees the FIS Freestyle World Cup and World Ski Championships.

#7 Curling

Curling, a sport with roots in medieval Scotland, involves players sliding large granite stones across an ice surface towards a target known as the “house.”

The sport is popular in countries with cold climates, such as Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Nordic countries.

Curling has been an Olympic sport since the 1998 Winter Games, and the World Curling Federation oversees the annual World Curling Championships.

#8 Speed Skating

Speed skating originated in the Netherlands in the 13th century and remains highly popular in several European countries, the United States, Canada, and South Korea.

Speed skaters compete in long track and short track formats, where they race against each other on an oval ice track. The sport has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1924.

The International Skating Union (ISU) governs the sport and organizes the annual ISU World Cup and World Championships.

#9 Biathlon

Biathlon, a unique combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, originates from Scandinavian countries where it was used for military training purposes.

The sport is popular in Nordic countries, Central Europe, and Russia. Biathlon has been a part of the Winter Olympics since 1960.

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) governs the sport and organizes the annual Biathlon World Cup and World Championships.

#10 Ski Jumping

Ski Jumping, an exciting winter sport, has its origins in Norway during the 19th century. It remains popular in Nordic, Central European, and Asian countries.

Ski jumping involves participants skiing down a ramp and taking off to achieve the longest possible flight while maintaining balance and style. Ski jumping has been an Olympic event since the first Winter Games in 1924.

The Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) governs the sport and organizes the World Cup events and the World Ski Championships.

More Sports with Winter

1. Bobsleigh: Bobsleigh, originating in Switzerland in the late 19th century, involves racing down narrow, twisting ice tracks in gravity-powered sleds. The sport is popular in Europe, North America, and other countries with suitable ice tracks. Bobsleigh has been part of the Winter Olympics since the 1924 Games. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) governs the sport and organizes the Bobsleigh World Cup and World Championships.
2. Skeleton: Skeleton is a winter sliding sport that originated in Switzerland in the late 19th century. It involves individuals racing down an ice track on small sleds, headfirst and face down. The sport is popular in Europe, North America, and other countries with appropriate ice tracks. Skeleton became an Olympic sport in 2002. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) governs the sport and organizes the Skeleton World Cup and World Championships.
3. Luge: Luge, a sliding sport similar to skeleton, originated in Switzerland in the early 20th century. Participants race down an ice track on small sleds, feet first and supine. Luge is popular in countries like Germany, Austria, and Canada with suitable ice tracks. The sport has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1964. The International Luge Federation (FIL) governs the sport and organizes the Luge World Cup and World Championships.
4. Nordic Combined: Nordic Combined, a sport that combines cross-country skiing and ski jumping, has its roots in Norway in the 19th century. It is popular in Nordic countries, Central Europe, and Japan. Nordic Combined has been an Olympic sport since the 1924 Winter Games. The International Ski Federation (FIS) governs the sport and organizes the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup and World Ski Championships.
5. Short Track Speed Skating: Short Track Speed Skating, a variation of speed skating, features skaters racing around a smaller, indoor ice rink with tight turns. The sport emerged in North America in the early 20th century and is popular in countries including the United States, Canada, South Korea, and China. It became an Olympic sport in 1992. The International Skating Union (ISU) governs the sport and organizes the Short Track Speed Skating World Cup and World Championships.
6. Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing, an ancient mode of winter transportation, evolved into a recreational and competitive sport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is popular in countries with significant snowfall, such as Canada, the United States, and Nordic countries. Snowshoeing is not an Olympic sport; however, the World Snowshoe Championships are held annually.
7. Ice Climbing: Ice Climbing, which originated in Europe in the early 20th century, is a niche winter sport where participants ascend frozen waterfalls, ice formations, or overhanging ice-covered rock edges. It is popular in cold regions with suitable ice formations, such as Europe, North America, and Asia. While not an Olympic sport, the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) organizes the Ice Climbing World Cup and World Championships.
8. Sledge Hockey: Sledge Hockey, a Paralympic adaptation of ice hockey, was invented in Sweden in the 1960s to allow players with physical impairments to participate. It has gained popularity in countries with strong ice hockey traditions. Sledge Hockey has been part of the Paralympic Winter Games since 1994, and the World Para Ice Hockey Championships are held biennially.
9. Ice Cross Downhill: Ice Cross Downhill, a relatively new extreme sport, emerged in the early 2000s. Participants race through an ice track featuring jumps, drops, and obstacles. It is gaining popularity in countries like Canada, the United States, and Europe. Not an Olympic sport, the Ice Cross Downhill World Championship series is organized annually by Red Bull Crashed Ice.
10. Snow Rugby: Snow Rugby, a variation of rugby played on snow-covered fields, originated in cold climates such as Canada and the United Kingdom. Snow rugby is gaining popularity in countries where rugby is already well-established. While not an Olympic sport, various snow rugby tournaments take place, such as the Alpine Snow Rugby Tournament in Italy.
11. Snowkiting: Snowkiting is a winter sport that combines aspects of kitesurfing and snowboarding or skiing. It originated in the late 20th century and is popular in countries with wide snow-covered landscapes such as Norway, Canada, and Russia. The International Kiteboarding Association governs the sport, and top tournaments include the World Snowkite Championships. Snowkiting is not an Olympic sport.
12. Skijoring: Skijoring is a winter sport where a person on skis is pulled by a horse, dog(s), or a motor vehicle. This sport originated in Scandinavia and is now popular in countries like Canada, USA, and Norway. Major events include the World Skijoring Championships. Skijoring is not an Olympic sport.
13. Snowball Fighting (Yukigassen): Yukigassen originated in Japan and is a professional snowball fighting competition. The sport has been gaining popularity in countries like Australia, Finland, and Canada. The International Yukigassen Federation governs the sport, with the Showa Shinzan International Yukigassen being the major tournament. Yukigassen is not an Olympic sport.
14. Telemark Skiing: Named after the Telemark region in Norway where it originated, this style of skiing combines elements of alpine and Nordic skiing. It’s popular in countries like Norway, Switzerland, and the United States. Telemark Skiing is not an Olympic sport but is governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS), which organizes the FIS Telemark World Cup.
15. Snowmobile Racing: Snowmobile racing is a winter sport popular in countries with heavy snowfall such as Canada, USA, and Russia. There are different types of snowmobile races, including drag racing, cross-country, and snocross. Major tournaments include the World Championship Snowmobile Derby and the X Games. The sport is not part of the Olympic Games.
16. Bandy: Bandy is a winter sport played on ice, using sticks to direct a ball into the opposing team’s goal, and it originated in England. The sport is popular in Russia, Sweden, and Finland. The Federation of International Bandy governs the sport, with the Bandy World Championship being a major competition. Bandy is not an Olympic sport.
17. Winter Triathlon: Winter triathlon combines running, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The sport is governed by the International Triathlon Union (ITU), which holds the ITU Winter Triathlon World Championships. Although not an Olympic sport, winter triathlons are popular in countries with significant winter seasons, like Canada, Norway, and Austria.
18. Ice Sailing: Ice sailing, or ice yachting, is a winter sport where participants navigate iceboats across frozen bodies of water. It originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century and is popular in countries like Sweden, Poland, and the USA. The International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association governs the sport, and the DN Ice Yacht World Championship is a major tournament. Ice sailing is not an Olympic sport.
19. Snow Polo: Snow polo is a winter variant of traditional polo, played on compacted snowfields. The sport originated in Switzerland in the 1980s and has since grown in popularity, with key tournaments like the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz. It is not an Olympic sport.
20. Winter Swimming: Winter swimming involves swimming in outdoor water bodies during winter, often in freezing temperatures. It is popular in northern European countries like Finland, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The International Ice Swimming Association governs the sport, and the Ice Swimming Aqua Sphere World Championships is a major competition. Winter swimming is not an Olympic sport.
21. Ski Mountaineering: Ski mountaineering combines skiing and mountaineering, and originated in the European Alps. It is popular in mountainous regions like France, Switzerland, and Canada. The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) governs the sport, and key tournaments include the ISMF World Championships. Ski mountaineering made its Olympic debut in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
22. Ice Canoeing: Ice canoeing is a winter sport where competitors navigate a canoe through ice-filled waters, typically popular in Canada, particularly during the Quebec Winter Carnival. This sport combines elements of canoeing and running, as competitors often have to haul their canoes over ice floes. Ice canoeing is not currently recognized as an Olympic sport.
23. Rinkball: Originating from Finland, rinkball is a winter team sport similar to bandy and ice hockey but played with a blue ball instead of a puck. It’s popular in northern European countries and is governed by the International Rinkball Association. The sport is not part of the Olympic Games.
24. Broomball: Broomball is a winter team sport played on ice, similar to hockey, but with brooms and a small ball. Originating in Canada in the early 20th century, it’s popular in the United States, Australia, and Japan. The International Federation of Broomball Associations governs the sport, with the Broomball World Championships being a major tournament. Broomball is not an Olympic sport.
25. Snow Tubing: Snow tubing is a recreational winter activity where participants slide down snow-covered slopes in inflatable tubes. While it is popular globally wherever there is sufficient snowfall, it is not currently considered a competitive sport and is not part of the Olympic Games.
26. Snow Golf: Snow golf is a variant of regular golf played on snow or ice, often with colored balls for visibility. Originating in Switzerland, the sport is popular in colder countries with heavy snowfall like Canada and Russia. It has no governing body and is not an Olympic sport but features competitions such as the Chamonix Snow Golf Cup.
27. Snow Volleyball: Snow volleyball is a variation of beach volleyball, played on snow. Originating in Austria, it’s popular in Europe and has been recognized by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). Major competitions include the European Tour and the Snow Volleyball World Tour. As of 2021, it is not an Olympic sport.
28. Snowboard Cross: Snowboard cross, also known as boardercross, is a competitive snowboarding discipline where four to six athletes race down a course. Originating in the USA, it’s popular worldwide. The International Ski Federation (FIS) governs the sport. Snowboard cross became an Olympic sport in 2006.
29. Synchronized Skating: Synchronized skating, or synchro, is a large team figure skating discipline where 8-20 skaters perform routines together. It originated in the USA and is popular worldwide. The International Skating Union (ISU) governs the sport, with the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships being a major competition. As of 2021, it is not an Olympic sport.
30. Ice Biking: Ice biking, using specially equipped bicycles that can navigate icy surfaces, is popular as a recreational activity in cold-weather regions like Canada, Russia, and the northern United States. It’s also featured in competitive events like the Ice Bike Race in Winnipeg, Canada. However, it’s not recognized as an official sport by any international governing body or the Olympic Games.
31. Cold Water Surfing: Cold water surfing involves surfing in icy water temperatures, popular in places like Norway, Canada, and Alaska. The sport requires special gear to protect against hypothermia. Major competitions include the Cold Hawaii Surf & Film Festival in Denmark. Cold water surfing is not an Olympic sport.
32. Arctic Windsurfing: Arctic windsurfing is a variation of windsurfing practiced in icy sea conditions, typically in the Arctic region. The sport requires a high level of skill and endurance, with competitors needing specialized equipment to protect against the extreme cold. It is not governed by an official body and is not an Olympic sport.
33. Snow Cricket: Snow cricket is a variant of cricket played on snow-covered grounds, originating in the Swiss Alps. It’s played with a red ball for visibility. Although it doesn’t have a governing body and is not an Olympic sport, tournaments like the ‘Cricket on Ice’ event in St. Moritz, Switzerland, are held annually.
34. Ice Stock Sport: Also known as Bavarian Curling, ice stock sport is a winter sport that involves sliding ice stocks over an ice surface, aiming for a target area. Originating in Germany, it’s popular in central European countries. The International Federation Icestocksport (IFI) governs the sport, with the European Ice Stock Sport Championship being a major tournament. It is not an Olympic sport.
35. Snow Kayaking: Snow kayaking, or snow boating, is a winter sport where competitors descend snow slopes in kayaks. It originated in the United States and is popular in countries with ski resorts like France and Canada. There are competitions, like the Snow Kayaking World Championships, but the sport is not recognized in the Olympic Games.
36. Ice Yachting: Ice yachting involves racing specially designed yachts on frozen bodies of water. This sport is popular in countries with large ice-covered expanses like the Netherlands, Poland, and Canada. The International DN Ice Yacht Racing Association governs the sport. Ice yachting is not recognized as an Olympic sport.
37. Snow Scooting: Snow scooting involves riding specially designed scooters down snow-covered slopes. Originating in France, it’s popular as a recreational activity in ski resorts around the world. While there are informal races, there is no governing body for snow scooting, and it is not recognized as an Olympic sport.

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