Winter Olympics Explained: When It Started, Host Nations, Key Events & 2026 Updates
The Winter Olympic Games are one of the world’s most spectacular international sporting events, celebrating snowy and icy sports, unity among nations, and incredible athletic achievement. Below is an overview of everything you should know — from the very first Games to the ongoing 2026 edition.
1. When the Winter Olympics First Started
The first Winter Olympic Games were held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, from January 25 to February 5, 1924. This inaugural event was originally called the International Winter Sports Week but was later officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the first Winter Olympic Games.
Key Facts About the 1924 Games
Host: Chamonix, France
Athletes: Around 300 competitors
Nations: 16 countries
Events: 16 events across 5 winter sports
These early Games featured classics like figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating, and bobsled.
2. What Makes the Winter Olympics Special? Main Attractions
The Winter Olympics focus on cold weather sports and are known for their diversity. Some of the biggest draws include:
Core Sports
Alpine Skiing - Super fast downhill runs and thrilling technical events.
Figure Skating - Artistic performances on ice with jumps and spins.
Ice Hockey - One of the most intense team competitions at the Games.
Speed Skating - Athletes race on ice flat tracks at blistering speeds.
Snowboarding & Freestyle - Younger generation favorites with aerial tricks.
Bobsleigh / Skeleton / Luge - High speed sled events with incredible precision.
Cross-Country & Nordic Combined - Endurance skiing and combined ski jump + cross country.
Spectator Highlights
Dramatic podium moments and Olympic records.
Historic rivalries like USA vs Canada Ice Hockey.
Emergence of new sports and gender equality milestones.
3. How Many Times It’s Been Hosted & By Which Countries
From 1924 through 2026, the Winter Olympics have been held 25 times (excluding the canceled 1940 and 1944 editions due to World War II). The Games take place every four years, on a cycle that alternates with the Summer Olympics.
Below is a list of host countries multiple times through 2026:
Host Countries & Frequency:
Country | Times Hosted |
|---|---|
🇺🇸 United States | 4 times (1932, 1960, 1980, 2002) |
🇫🇷 France | 3 times (1924, 1968, 1992) |
🇮🇹 Italy | 3 times (1956, 2006, 2026) |
🇨🇭 Switzerland | 2 times (1928, 1948) |
🇦🇹 Austria | 2 times (1964, 1976) |
🇳🇴 Norway | 2 times (1952, 1994) |
🇯🇵 Japan | 2 times (1972, 1998) |
🇨🇦 Canada | 2 times (1988, 2010) |
🇩🇪 Germany | 1 (1936) |
🇷🇺 Russia | 1 (2014) |
🇰🇷 South Korea | 1 (2018) |
🇨🇳 China | 1 (2022) |
In total, the Winter Olympics have been hosted in about 21 different cities across 13 countries.
4. The 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano Cortina 2026)
The current Winter Olympics taking place in 2026 are officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games and are being held from 6 to 22 February 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Unique Features of 2026
First Winter Olympics to be officially co-hosted by two cities (Milan and Cortina).
Around 2,871 athletes from 92 countries are competing.
116 events across 8 sports and 16 disciplines.
Ski mountaineering (Skimo) makes its Olympic debut in 2026.
Current Highlights (2026)
At Milano Cortina 2026 so far:
Alysa Liu wins gold in women’s figure skating, USA’s first in 24 years.
USA beats Canada 2-1 in women’s ice hockey final in overtime.
Italy sets its best Winter Olympics medal haul ever with 22 medals.
Historic achievements include new records and breakthroughs across sports.
Opening & Closing (2026)
Opening Ceremony: San Siro Stadium, Milan.
Closing Ceremony: Verona Arena.
5. Interesting Facts You Should Know
Historical Highlights
Figure skating debuted at the Olympics long before winter Games existed, first appearing in 1908 in the Summer Olympics.
Curling from 1924 was later officially recognized by the IOC after many years of uncertainty.
The Winter and Summer Games used to occur in the same year until 1992, they now alternate every two years.
Global Expansion
From just 16 countries in 1924 to nearly 90+ nations competing in modern editions, the Winter Olympics represent a vast global community of athletes.
Growth of the Games
Over time, the number of sports, disciplines, and events has steadily expanded, reflecting innovations and the rising popularity of winter sport worldwide.
Summary
From its humble beginnings in 1924 in Chamonix to the globally watched 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, the Winter Games have evolved into a massive celebration of athleticism, cultural exchange, and winter sport spectacle.
Whether you’re a fan of high speed skiing, ice hockey rivalries, or figure skating drama, the Winter Olympics continue to deliver unforgettable moments that capture the spirit of competition and international unity.