🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 62 (from laksa108)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa062.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Winter-Olympic-Games","crawl_time":1776040467,"first_indexed_time":1707992213,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,britannica!www,\/sports\/Winter-Olympic-Games s443","src_root_hash":"5455945239613777662","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Winter Olympic Games | Milano Cortina 2026, Dates, List, Sports, Locations, Events, History, & Athletes | Britannica","meta_descriptions":["Once a quieter counterpart to the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Explore the table for descriptions of historical Winter Olympic Games, links to content and athlete biographies, and surprising facts and firsts."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"The first Winter Olympic Games\nSpectators surrounding the track at the start of the 10,000-meter speed skating event at the first Winter Olympic Games, held in Chamonix, France, 1924.\nNews\n•\nOnce a quieter counterpart to the\nSummer Olympics\n, the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Statistics from the event’s first century reflect this rapid expansion: Athlete participation has increased more than tenfold—from more than 250 competitors in 1924 to about 2,900 in 2026. Only 13 of those original athletes were women, who competed in only one of the Games’ nine sports:\nfigure skating\n. By contrast, the\n2026 Milano Cortina Games\napproached gender parity, with women participating in 12 of the 16\ndisciplines\nand\ncomprising\n47 percent of all athletes. While the 16 teams in 1924 represented only a small slice of the world, the 90 participating national teams in 2026 illustrate the Olympics’ global reach. With each new Winter Games, new sports have been added to the roster, requiring exceptional strength, speed, agility, grace, and, in many cases, courage beyond spectators’ comprehension. The table below lists the Winter Games with links to more content, surprising facts, notable moments, and profiles of athletes whose stories have captured our attention.\nWinter Games\nFirsts and Notable Facts\nNotable Athletes\nChamonix 1924\nThe Chamonix Games were originally staged as the\nInternational Olympic Committee\n(IOC)-sponsored International Winter Sports Week but not sanctioned as an official Olympic Games. Well-organized and equipped with new facilities, the event was a success and led the IOC to amend its charter in 1925, establishing the Winter Games. Chamonix was thereafter recognized as the first Winter Olympics. Thirteen women participated in the\nfigure skating\ncompetitions, the only sport open to female athletes at that time.\nAndrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet\n,\nGillis Grafström\n,\nThorleif Haug\n,\nSonja Henie\n, and\nClas Thunberg\nSt. Moritz 1928\nThe St. Moritz Olympics were marred by bad weather. The culprit was the\nfoehn\n, a strong wind that carried with it warm air, causing temperatures to soar above 75 °F (24 °C) some afternoons. Numerous events were rescheduled, and one contest—the 10,000-meter speed skating event—was canceled, though some books list American\nIrving Jaffee\n, who held the lead after the first run, as the winner. St. Moritz also marked the return of\nGerman\nathletes, who had been banned from Olympic competition following\nWorld War I\n.\nIvar Ballangrud\n,\nAndrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet\n,\nGillis Grafström\n,\nSonja Henie\n,\nIrving Jaffee\n,\nKarl Schäfer\n, and\nClas Thunberg\nLake Placid 1932\nWorldwide\neconomic depression\ncast a shadow over the Lake Placid Games. Only 17 countries attended, and more than half of the roughly 250 participating athletes were from\nCanada\nand the\nUnited States\n. The Games generated little revenue, and the organizers, who had built a new stadium and bobsled run, suffered huge financial losses. The first formal victory ceremonies with the awarding of\nmedals\nwere held at Lake Placid.\nIvar Ballangrud\n,\nAndrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet\n,\nEddie Eagan\n,\nGillis Grafström\n,\nSonja Henie\n,\nIrving Jaffee\n,\nBirger Ruud\n,\nKarl Schäfer\n, and\nJack Shea\nGarmisch-Partenkirchen 1936\nGerman Chancellor\nAdolf Hitler\nopened the 1936 Winter Olympics. Although not as politically charged as the\n1936 Berlin Games\n, the event was manipulated by the\nNazi\nregime, which suppressed unfavorable press coverage and staged lavish celebrations to mark the openings of new facilities. Female athletes were now allowed to compete in two sports:\nfigure skating\nand\nAlpine\n(skiing) combined. The Winter Olympics’ symbolic fire was first lit at the 1936 Games, and\nradio\ncoverage also debuted.\nIvar Ballangrud\n,\nSonja Henie\n,\nBirger Ruud\n, and\nKarl Schäfer\nThe 1940 Games, scheduled for\nGarmisch-Partenkirchen\n, Germany, were canceled because of\nWorld War II\n.\nThe 1944 Games, scheduled for\nCortina d’Ampezzo\n, Italy, were canceled because of\nWorld War II\n.\nSt. Moritz 1948\nAfter an absence of 12 years as a result of\nWorld War II\n, Olympic competition returned in 1948. The Games, however, felt the effects of the war, as countries were unable to properly equip their teams, forcing athletes to improvise. Twenty-eight countries, represented by 669 athletes, attended:\nJapan\nand\nGermany\nwere not invited to compete. In singles figure skating,\nDick Button\nbecame the first American to earn a gold medal.\nDick Button\n,\nAndrea Mead Lawrence,\nHenri Oreiller\n,\nBirger Ruud\n, and\nBarbara Ann Scott\nOslo 1952\nThe 1952 Games were the first to be held in a\nScandinavian\ncountry. Oslo saw the Winter Games debut of the\nOlympic torch\n, a tradition started in the\nSummer Games\n. Athletes from Japan and Germany (West Germans only) were once again allowed to compete. Female athletes participated in\ncross-country skiing\n, which became the third sport in which women could compete. The tabulation of\nfigure skating\nscores was assisted by\ncomputers\nfor the first time, enabling the immediate delivery of a skater’s score.\nTenley Albright\n,\nHjalmar Andersen,\nDick Button\n,\nCarlo Fassi\n,\nVeikko Hakulinen\n, and\nAndrea Mead Lawrence\nCortina d’Ampezzo 1956\nOriginally awarded the 1944 Winter Games, which were canceled because of World War II, Cortina d’Ampezzo got another chance to host in 1956. An Italian\ntelevision\nnetwork carried live coverage of the Games—a first in the history of the Winter Olympics. The\nSoviet Union\nparticipated in its first Winter Olympics, dominating in many sports, including\nice hockey\n, in which the Soviet team upset the\nCanadians\n, the reigning champions. Figure skating competitions were held outdoors for the last time in Cortina.\nTenley Albright\n,\nYevgeny Grishin,\nVeikko Hakulinen\n,\nCarol Heiss\n,\nDavid Jenkins\n,\nHayes Alan Jenkins\n,\nSixten Jernberg\n,\nKnut Johannesen\n,\nEugenio Monti\n, and\nAnton Sailer\nSquaw Valley 1960\nThe\nUnited States\nhosted the Winter Olympic Games for the first time in 1960, and American television stations carried the Games live.\nWalt Disney\nmanaged the opening ceremonies. There, the Olympic Anthem, composed by Greek composer Spýros Samáras with words of Greek poet\nKostís Palamás\n, was played for the first time in the 20th century (it was last played at the\n1896 Athens Games\n). New sports were added—the\nbiathlon\nfor men and\nspeed skating\nfor women. The\nbobsledding\ncompetition was not held, as organizers declined to build a run after only nine national teams signaled that they would compete.\nYevgeny Grishin\n,\nVeikko Hakulinen\n,\nCarol Heiss\n,\nDavid Jenkins\n,\nHayes Alan Jenkins\n,\nSixten Jernberg\n,\nKnut Johannesen\n,\nEero Mäntyranta\n, and\nLidiya Skoblikova\nInnsbruck 1964\nInnsbruck became the first Olympic city to hold events throughout the surrounding area, enabling more than one million spectators to watch the contests. For the first time in the Winter Games, the Olympic torch was lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, and then relayed to Innsbruck. The Games’ only major problem was the lack of snow, forcing the Austrian army to carry in more than 25,000 tons of snow for the Alpine skiing events. Artificial ice was first introduced on the bobsled track, making it safer for the athletes. New, potentially dangerous sports debuted: a large-hill\nski jump\nwas introduced, and\nluge\njoined the program for both men and women. First-time attendees included\nMongolia\n,\nIndia\n, and\nNorth Korea\n.\nPeggy Fleming\n,\nChristine Goitschel\n,\nMarielle Goitschel\n,\nYevgeny Grishin\n,\nToini Gustafsson\n,\nSixten Jernberg,\nKnut Johannesen\n,\nAga Khan IV\n,\nThomas Köhler\n,\nEero Mäntyranta\n,\nTerry McDermott\n,\nEugenio Monti\n,\nOleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova\n,\nLidiya Skoblikova\n, and\nAnatoly Tarasov\nGrenoble 1968\nThe 1968 Winter Games, opened by French Pres.\nCharles de Gaulle\n, were a triumph for France but were not without problems. Though a great deal of money was spent to ready the industrial city of\nGrenoble\n, its lack of facilities resulted in many contests being held in outlying areas. Spectators had to travel great distances to view events, and seven separate Olympic Villages were constructed, which critics claimed detracted from the camaraderie of the Games. The Grenoble Games saw several firsts: They were the first Games broadcast in color;\ndoping\ncontrols were introduced; and women were subjected to gender verification tests.\nPeggy Fleming\n,\nMarielle Goitschel\n,\nYevgeny Grishin\n,\nToini Gustafsson\n,\nDianne Holum\n,\nJean-Claude Killy\n,\nThomas Köhler\n,\nGalina Kulakova\n,\nEero Mäntyranta\n,\nTerry McDermott\n,\nRosi Mittermaier,\nEugenio Monti\n,\nOleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova\n,\nNancy Greene Raine\n,\nArd Schenk\n, and\nAnatoly Tarasov\nSapporo 1972\nAfter two unsuccessful attempts to secure the Olympics, Sapporo was finally awarded the 1972 Winter Games, making these the first Winter Games to be held in\nAsia\n. The Games were the most extravagant to date. To defray the high expenses, the organizers sold the television rights for over $8 million. Canada’s hockey team withdrew from the games after the IOC rejected its request to allow professional hockey players to play on the team, something that they claimed European countries were already doing.\nDianne Holum\n,\nGalina Kulakova\n,\nEero Mäntyranta\n,\nRosi Mittermaier\n,\nMarie-Thérèse Nadig\n,\nIrina Rodnina\n,\nArd Schenk\n,\nAnatoly Tarasov\n, and\nVladislav Tretiak\nInnsbruck 1976\nThe 1976 Games were originally awarded to \nDenver\n, but, fearing environmental damage and an increase in costs, the citizens of Colorado voted against staging the event. Denver withdrew as host, and Innsbruck was awarded its second Winter Olympics. Using facilities from the 1964 Winter Games, Innsbruck needed to make only minor renovations to buildings. Two Olympic cauldrons were lit, representing the two times the Games were hosted in Innsbruck. The number of events climbed to 37 with the debut of ice dancing as a medal event.\nRobin Cousins\n,\nJohn Curry\n,\nDorothy Hamill\n,\nEric Heiden\n,\nFranz Klammer\n,\nGalina Kulakova\n,\nRosi Mittermaier\n,\nMarie-Thérèse Nadig\n,\nIrina Rodnina\n,\nRaisa Smetanina\n,\nIngemar Stenmark\n, and\nVladislav Tretiak\nLake Placid 1980\nThe 1980 Games marked the second time the small upstate New York town of Lake Placid had hosted the Winter Olympics. But, in the age of television and increasing numbers of spectators, Lake Placid was ill-equipped to handle the demands of a modern Games. Transportation was inadequate to move the crowds, and sports facilities were spread throughout the area, making it difficult for spectators to view the events. Organizers were forced to use\nartificial snow\n—an Olympic first. American speed skater Eric Heiden claimed another Winter Olympic first when he became the first person to win five individual gold medals in the same year.\nRobin Cousins\n,\nJim Craig\n,\nKarin Enke\n,\nSlava Fetisov\n,\nEric Heiden\n,\nGalina Kulakova\n,\nPhil Mahre\n,\nAnnemarie Moser-Pröll\n,\nMarie-Thérèse Nadig\n,\nIrina Rodnina\n,\nRaisa Smetanina\n,\nIngemar Stenmark\n,\nVladislav Tretiak\n,\nHanni Wenzel\n, and\nNikolay Zimyatov\nSarajevo 1984\nThe awarding of the 14th Winter Olympics to\nSarajevo\n(now in\nBosnia and Herzegovina\n) caught many by surprise, including the host country,\nYugoslavia\n. The choice of Sarajevo proved appropriate, however, as the 1984 Games were highlighted by the appearance of smaller countries. To encourage participation, the IOC agreed to pay the expenses of one male and one female participant from each country.\nEgypt\n, the\nBritish Virgin Islands\n,\nMonaco\n,\nPuerto Rico\n, and\nSenegal\nmade their Winter Olympics debuts.\nKarin Enke\n,\nSlava Fetisov\n,\nMarja-Liisa Hämäläinen\n,\nScott Hamilton\n,\nDan Jansen\n,\nChrista Luding-Rothenburger\n,\nPhil Mahre\n,\nMatti Nykänen\n,\nRaisa Smetanina\n,\nJayne Torvill and Christopher Dean\n,\nVladislav Tretiak\n,\nKatarina Witt\n, and\nNikolay Zimyatov\nCalgary 1988\nThe 15th Winter Games marked Canada’s first time as host, and the Games’ duration grew to 16 days, covering 3 weekends. The\nAmerican Broadcasting Company\n(ABC) paid $309 million for the television rights, and advertisers were able to influence the starting times of events to maximize their products’ exposure, leading many to charge that the Games resembled well-rehearsed shows instead of sporting contests. The supergiant\nslalom\n (super G) was added, and the Alpine combined (downhill and slalom) returned after being absent from the Olympics for 40 years.\nCurling\nentered the Games as a demonstration sport (it would become full sport in 1998). And smoking was prohibited at the Games for the first time.\nBonnie Blair\n,\nBrian Boitano\n,\nKarin Enke\n,\nSlava Fetisov\n,\nYekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov\n,\nGeorg Hackl\n,\nMarja-Liisa Hämäläinen\n,\nDan Jansen\n,\nChrista Luding-Rothenburger\n,\nMatti Nykänen\n,\nVreni Schneider\n,\nRaisa Smetanina\n,\nAlberto Tomba\n,\nVegard Ulvang\n,\nYvonne van Gennip\n, and\nKatarina Witt\nAlbertville 1992\nBig changes defined the 1992 Games. It was the last time that the Summer and Winter Games would be held in the same year; the next Winter Games were scheduled for 1994, while the Summer Games were slated for 1996. The 1992 Games also reflected the changing political climate in central and eastern\nEurope\n. Competing as the Unified Team, athletes from the former\nSoviet\nrepublics teamed up for the last time.\nGermany\ncompeted as a reunited country following the fall of the\nBerlin Wall\n(1989), and\nLithuania\n,\nLatvia\n, and\nEstonia\ncompeted as independent countries for the first time in more than 50 years. Also for the first time, the Winter\nParalympic Games\nwere held in the same region immediately following the Winter Games.\nMyriam Bédard\n,\nBonnie Blair\n,\nBjørn Daehlie\n,\nMarc Girardelli\n,\nGeorg Hackl\n,\nMarja-Liisa Hämäläinen\n,\nDan Jansen\n,\nJohann Olav Koss\n,\nChrista Luding-Rothenburger\n,\nGunda Niemann-Stirnemann\n,\nClaudia Pechstein\n,\nRaisa Smetanina\n,\nAlberto Tomba\n,\nCathy Turner\n,\nVegard Ulvang\n,\nYelena Vyalbe\n, and\nLyubov Yegorova\nLillehammer 1994\nThe 1994 Games were noteworthy for their environmental\nconservation\nand commitment to sustainability targets and goals. The republics of the former \nSoviet Union\n competed as separate teams, and, after ending its policy of\napartheid\n,\nSouth Africa\nparticipated for the first time in 34 years. The number of events also increased as more short-track speed skating and freestyle skiing contests were added. With the change in the IOC’s rules regarding amateur status and participation, professional athletes were allowed to compete at\nLillehammer\n, a change that most affected\nfigure skating\n, leading to the return of past Olympic champions.\nOksana Baiul\n,\nMyriam Bédard\n,\nBonnie Blair\n,\nBjørn Daehlie\n,\nManuela Di Centa\n,\nYekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov\n,\nGeorg Hackl\n,\nMarja-Liisa Hämäläinen\n,\nTonya Harding\n,\nDan Jansen\n,\nLasse Kjus\n,\nJohann Olav Koss\n,\nGunda Niemann-Stirnemann\n,\nClaudia Pechstein\n,\nVreni Schneider\n,\nElvis Stojko\n,\nPicabo Street\n,\nAlberto Tomba\n,\nJayne Torvill and Christopher Dean\n,\nCathy Turner\n,\nVegard Ulvang\n,\nYelena Vyalbe\n,\nLyubov Yegorova\n, and\nArmin Zöggeler\nNagano 1998\nThe most memorable aspect of the Nagano Games was arguably the\nweather\n, which brought heavy snow and periods of freezing rain. There was even an\nearthquake\n. The Alpine skiing competition was most affected by the heavy snows that caused several events to be rescheduled. The earthquake, which occurred on February 20, was of moderate magnitude but was felt throughout the city and in the smaller towns that served as sports venues. Snowboarding and curling, for both men and women, became Olympic sports, and women’s\nice hockey\nwas added to the program.\nOle Einar Bjørndalen\n,\nBjørn Daehlie\n,\nManuela Di Centa\n,\nGeorg Hackl\n,\nDominik Hašek\n,\nJaromir Jagr\n,\nLasse Kjus\n,\nMichelle Kwan\n,\nTara Lipinski\n,\nHermann Maier\n,\nGunda Niemann-Stirnemann\n,\nClaudia Pechstein\n,\nManon Rhéaume\n,\nBente Skari\n,\nElvis Stojko\n,\nPicabo Street\n,\nHayley Wickenheiser\n,\nYang Yang\n, and\nArmin Zöggeler\nSalt Lake City 2002\nScandal and security concerns shaped the 2002 Games well before they began. A bribery investigation revealed that the\nSalt Lake\norganizing committee had provided cash, gifts, scholarships, and other benefits to IOC members, leading to the resignation of four IOC officials and the Salt Lake committee’s two top executives. The\nSeptember 11 terrorist attacks\nand the ensuing war on terrorism heightened fears that heavy security and U.S.\nnationalism\nmight undermine Olympic ideals of international unity. The number of events expanded to 78:\nSkeleton sledding\n—which had only been held twice before, in 1928 and 1948—returned to the program, and women’s\nbobsledding\ndebuted.\nSimon Ammann\n,\nMarit Bjørgen\n,\nOle Einar Bjørndalen\n,\nMartin Brodeur\n,\nClara Hughes\n,\nLasse Kjus\n,\nCindy Klassen\n,\nJanica Kostelić\n,\nMichelle Kwan\n,\nAndré Lange\n,\nMario Lemieux\n,\nBode Miller\n,\nApolo Anton Ohno\n,\nSylke Otto\n,\nAnja Pärson\n,\nClaudia Pechstein\n,\nDavid Pelletier\n,\nYevgeny Plushchenko\n,\nBenjamin Raich\n,\nJamie Salé\n,\nBente Skari\n,\nIrina Slutskaya\n,\nHayley Wickenheiser\n,\nYang Yang\n,\nSteve Yzerman\n, and\nArmin Zöggeler\nTurin 2006\nThe Winter Games returned to Italy in 2006 after a 50-year absence. The events were divided among seven villages—mostly in the mountainous Piedmont region to the west—and Turin. Nightly medal ceremonies held in the Piazza Castello, Turin’s main piazza, contributed to a celebratory atmosphere, which impressed the IOC’s president, Jacques Rogge, who suggested that the concept be carried over to subsequent Olympiads. The program also introduced new events, including speed skating team pursuit, mass-start biathlon races, and snowboard cross, a head-to-head downhill race marked by a series of jumps and sharp turns. The number of countries participating expanded with new teams from\nAlbania\n,\nEthiopia\n, and\nMadagascar\n.\nViktor Ahn\n,\nMarit Bjørgen\n,\nOle Einar Bjørndalen\n,\nShani Davis\n,\nTatjana Hüfner\n,\nClara Hughes\n,\nJaromir Jagr\n,\nCindy Klassen\n,\nJanica Kostelić\n,\nSven Kramer\n,\nAndré Lange\n,\nNicklas Lidstrom\n,\nTed Ligety\n,\nAndreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger\n,\nHermann Maier\n,\nApolo Anton Ohno\n,\nSylke Otto\n,\nAnja Pärson\n,\nClaudia Pechstein\n,\nYevgeny Plushchenko\n,\nBenjamin Raich\n,\nIrina Slutskaya\n,\nShaun White\n,\nHayley Wickenheiser\n,\nIreen Wüst\n,\nYang Yang\n, and\nArmin Zöggeler\nVancouver 2010\nVancouver was the third Canadian city to host an Olympic Games, and the 2010 Games stretched well beyond the city limits, covering a 75-mile (120-km) territory that cut south to the nearby town of Richmond and north to the Coast Mountains resort town of Whistler. Indoor sports such as curling, ice hockey, and all the various skating competitions were held in Vancouver and Richmond, while Whistler hosted most of the Games’ mountain sports, including many skiing and sliding events. The Vancouver opening ceremony was the first Olympic opening ceremony to be held indoors, and three billion worldwide viewers tuned in to watch the 2010 Games’ 17 days of competition.\nSimon Ammann\n,\nMarit Bjørgen\n,\nOle Einar Bjørndalen\n,\nMartin Brodeur\n,\nSidney Crosby\n,\nShani Davis\n,\nMartins Dukurs\n,\nSteven Holcomb\n,\nTatjana Hüfner\n,\nClara Hughes\n,\nKaillie Humphries\n,\nCarlo Janka\n,\nKim Yuna\n,\nSven Kramer\n,\nAndré Lange\n,\nAndreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger\n,\nEvan Lysacek\n,\nTina Maze\n,\nBode Miller\n,\nApolo Anton Ohno\n,\nAnja Pärson\n,\nYevgeny Plushchenko\n,\nAksel Lund Svindal\n,\nJonathan Toews\n,\nTessa Virtue and Scott Moir\n,\nLindsey Vonn\n,\nShaun White\n,\nHayley Wickenheiser\n,\nIreen Wüst\n, and\nArmin Zöggeler\nSochi 2014\nThe 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics marked the first time the Winter Games were held in\nRussia\n, which reportedly spent $51 billion on the Games—more than any previous host. Competition venues were organized in two clusters: a coastal cluster along the\nBlack Sea\nfor indoor ice events and a mountain cluster for skiing and sliding sports in the Krasnaya Polyana area of the\nCaucasus Mountains\n. A record 88 national Olympic committees participated—among them newcomers\nMalta\n,\nParaguay\n,\nEast Timor\n,\nTogo\n,\nTonga\n, and\nZimbabwe\n. Twelve new events debuted, including women’s\nski jumping\nand\nsnowboarding\nfor both men and women.\nViktor Ahn\n,\nMarit Bjørgen\n,\nOle Einar Bjørndalen\n,\nPatrick Chan\n,\nSidney Crosby\n,\nMartins Dukurs\n,\nMarcel Hirscher\n,\nSteven Holcomb\n,\nTatjana Hüfner\n,\nKaillie Humphries\n,\nKim Yuna\n,\nSven Kramer\n,\nTed Ligety\n,\nAndreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger\n,\nTina Maze\n,\nBode Miller\n,\nYevgeny Plushchenko\n,\nMikaela Shiffrin\n,\nJonathan Toews\n,\nTessa Virtue and Scott Moir\n,\nHayley Wickenheiser\n,\nIreen Wüst\n, and\nHanyu Yuzuru\nPyeongchang 2018\nThe 23rd occurrence of the Winter Olympic Games was the first Winter Games hosted by\nSouth Korea\n.\nNorth Korea\nand South Korea marched together at the opening ceremonies under a unified Korea banner. Four new events were added: men’s and women’s snowboard big air, mixed doubles curling, men’s and women’s speed skating mass start, and mixed team Alpine skiing.\nEcuador\n, \nEritrea\n, \nKosovo\n, \nMalaysia\n, \nNigeria\n, and \nSingapore\nmade their Winter Games debut.\nMarit Bjørgen\n,\nPatrick Chan\n,\nMarcel Hirscher\n,\nKaillie Humphries\n,\nChloe Kim\n,\nSven Kramer\n,\nSarah Nurse\n,\nMikaela Shiffrin\n,\nAksel Lund Svindal\n,\nTessa Virtue and Scott Moir\n,\nLindsey Vonn\n,\nShaun White\n,\nIreen Wüst\n, and\nHanyu Yuzuru\nBeijing 2022\nIn 2022 Beijing became the first city to host both the\nSummer\nand Winter Olympics. The Winter Games were held across three zones: Beijing, the Yanqing zone, about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Beijing, and the\nZhangjiakou\nzone, more than 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Beijing. Each zone had its own Olympic Village, and a high-speed railway connected Beijing and Zhangjiakou. Held during the\nCOVID-19\npandemic, the Games followed strict health protocols and overseas spectators were not allowed. Seven new events debuted, including freestyle skiing big air for men and women.\nEileen Gu\n,\nKaillie Humphries\n,\nLindsey Jacobellis\n,\nChloe Kim\n,\nSarah Nurse\n, and\nIreen Wüst\nMilano Cortina 2026\nThe Milano Cortina Winter Games featured 116 events across 16 winter sports and drew some 2,900 athletes from 90 countries as participants. The Games took place in eight locations spread across northern\nItaly\n, a region renowned as a winter sports destination because of its proximity to the\nAlps\n. Making its Olympic debut in 2026 was \nski mountaineering\n, or skimo, in which participants first wear boots and climbing skins to ascend mountainous terrain and then descend a slope using downhill skiing techniques.\nSidney Crosby\n,\nAmber Glenn\n,\nEileen Gu\n,\nKaillie Humphries\n,\nChloe Kim\n,\nIlia Malinin\n,\nConnor McDavid\n,\nSarah Nurse\n,\nMikaela Shiffrin\n, and\nLindsey Vonn\nExplore the Events","attrs_markdown":"[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel\/eb-logo\/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/)\n\n[![Encyclopedia 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Games](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/93\/282993-004-FC9640B2\/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/93\/282993-050-91B7B106\/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)  [![Viktor Ahn](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/53\/222853-004-26A38301\/Viktor-Ahn-short-track-500m-final-Sochi-Winter-Olympics-February-21-2014.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/53\/222853-050-DF0AE05E\/Viktor-Ahn-short-track-500m-final-Sochi-Winter-Olympics-February-21-2014.jpg)  [![Catching air](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/233221-004-0110CD58\/torah-bright-Australia-snowboarder-2014.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/233221-050-A0038475\/torah-bright-Australia-snowboarder-2014.jpg)  [![Christl Cranz](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/24\/282024-004-480B52DE\/1936-winter-olympic-games-Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Germany-womens-alpine-combined-skiing.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/24\/282024-050-1FDA1154\/1936-winter-olympic-games-Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Germany-womens-alpine-combined-skiing.jpg)  [![Helga Haase](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/27\/282027-004-6C69DC26\/1960-winter-olympic-games-Squaw-Valley-California-speed-skater.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/27\/282027-050-7DD77C06\/1960-winter-olympic-games-Squaw-Valley-California-speed-skater.jpg)  [![Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen at the Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympic Games](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/02\/249402-004-7FB5CF4F\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen-Kirvesniemi-Finland-Cross-Country-Skiing-1984-Winter-Olympics-Yugoslavia.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/02\/249402-050-51489E77\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen-Kirvesniemi-Finland-Cross-Country-Skiing-1984-Winter-Olympics-Yugoslavia.jpg)  [![Opening ceremony at St. Moritz, 1948](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/97\/282997-004-9A3DD856\/The-opening-ceremony-of-the-1948-Winter-Olympics-at-the-Ice-Stadium-in-St-Moritz-Switzerland.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/97\/282997-050-8457D084\/The-opening-ceremony-of-the-1948-Winter-Olympics-at-the-Ice-Stadium-in-St-Moritz-Switzerland.jpg)  [![Giant slalom medalists](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/00\/283000-004-3532540C\/athletes-waves-to-the-crowd-from-the-podium-of-the-mens-giant-slalom-of-the-1972-Winter-Olympics-in-Sapporo-Japan.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/00\/283000-050-BFBB2829\/athletes-waves-to-the-crowd-from-the-podium-of-the-mens-giant-slalom-of-the-1972-Winter-Olympics-in-Sapporo-Japan.jpg)  [![Andrea Mead Lawrence](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/86\/282086-004-43475A1E\/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence-alpine-skier-1952-Oslo-Olympics.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/86\/282086-050-C9056B03\/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence-alpine-skier-1952-Oslo-Olympics.jpg)  [![Snowboarder Ross Rebagliati](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/02\/18402-004-91647E9D\/Ross-Rebagliati-Canada-competitor-gold-medal-snowboarding-1998.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/02\/18402-050-807AF95C\/Ross-Rebagliati-Canada-competitor-gold-medal-snowboarding-1998.jpg)\n\nQuizzes\n\n[![Ice skate blade. Ice skating figure skating. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, history and society, sports and games athletics](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/129621-131-3A408F7D\/Ice-skate-blade-skating-figure-blog-entertainment-2009.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/cold-weather-games)\n\n[Cold Weather Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/cold-weather-games)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)\n\nContents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n[Sports & Recreation](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Sports-Recreation)    [Olympic Sports](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Olympic-Sports)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n# Winter Olympic Games\nHomework Help\n\nAlso known as: Winter Games, Winter Olympics\n\nWritten by\n\n[Mindy Johnston Mindy Spitzer Johnston is Managing Editor at Encyclopædia Britannica.](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/mindy-johnston\/12488102)\n\nMindy Johnston\n\nFact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\nLast updated\n\nApr. 12, 2026\n\n•[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Winter-Olympic-Games\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n[![The first Winter Olympic Games](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/93\/282993-050-91B7B106\/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg?w=1000)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/93\/282993-050-91B7B106\/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)\n\n[The first Winter Olympic Games](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/93\/282993-050-91B7B106\/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)Spectators surrounding the track at the start of the 10,000-meter speed skating event at the first Winter Olympic Games, held in Chamonix, France, 1924.\n\n(more)\n\nDid You Know?\n\nOlympic competition in two winter [sports](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/sports) predates the first Winter Olympic Games: [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating) (debuted at the [1908 London Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/London-1908-Olympic-Games)) and [ice hockey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ice-hockey) (first played at the [1920 Antwerp Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Antwerp-1920-Olympic-Games)).\n\n## News •\n[Russian Olympic Committee to pay athletes banned from Winter Olympics](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport\/articles\/c9wqvx17q12o)\n\n• Apr. 8, 2026, 3:27 AM ET (BBC)\n\n...(Show more)\n\n[Curling-Sport's new professional league bets big on Olympic buzz](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/sport\/curling-sports-new-professional-league-bets-big-on-olympic-buzz)  • Apr. 4, 2026, 8:09 AM ET (Straits Times)\n\n[Winter Olympics 2026: No positive doping tests during Milan-Cortina Games](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/sport\/articles\/ce8jzpj6nyko)  • Apr. 3, 2026, 6:18 AM ET (BBC)\n\n[Snowboarding star Su Yiming claims second Crystal Globe trophy of the season](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/sport\/other-sport\/article\/3348252\/chinese-snowboarding-star-su-yiming-claims-second-crystal-globe-trophy-season)  • Mar. 28, 2026, 11:00 AM ET (South China Morning Post)\n\n[Chinese Winter Olympic champs Ning Zhongyan, Wang Xindi to play league football](https:\/\/www.scmp.com\/sport\/other-sport\/article\/3348202\/chinese-winter-olympic-champions-ning-zhongyan-wang-xindi-play-football-league)  • Mar. 27, 2026, 10:00 PM ET (South China Morning Post)\n\nShow less\n\nOnce a quieter counterpart to the [Summer Olympics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Summer-Olympic-Games), the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Statistics from the event’s first century reflect this rapid expansion: Athlete participation has increased more than tenfold—from more than 250 competitors in 1924 to about 2,900 in 2026. Only 13 of those original athletes were women, who competed in only one of the Games’ nine sports: [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating). By contrast, the [2026 Milano Cortina Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Milano-Cortina-2026-Olympic-Winter-Games) approached gender parity, with women participating in 12 of the 16 [disciplines](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/disciplines) and [comprising](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/comprising) 47 percent of all athletes. While the 16 teams in 1924 represented only a small slice of the world, the 90 participating national teams in 2026 illustrate the Olympics’ global reach. With each new Winter Games, new sports have been added to the roster, requiring exceptional strength, speed, agility, grace, and, in many cases, courage beyond spectators’ comprehension. The table below lists the Winter Games with links to more content, surprising facts, notable moments, and profiles of athletes whose stories have captured our attention.\n\n| Winter Games | Firsts and Notable Facts | Notable Athletes |\n|---|---|---|\n| [Chamonix 1924](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Chamonix-1924-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The Chamonix Games were originally staged as the [International Olympic Committee](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/International-Olympic-Committee) (IOC)-sponsored International Winter Sports Week but not sanctioned as an official Olympic Games. Well-organized and equipped with new facilities, the event was a success and led the IOC to amend its charter in 1925, establishing the Winter Games. Chamonix was thereafter recognized as the first Winter Olympics. Thirteen women participated in the [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating) competitions, the only sport open to female athletes at that time. | [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Gillis Grafström](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Thorleif Haug](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Thorleif-Haug), [Sonja Henie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sonja-Henie), and [Clas Thunberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clas-Thunberg) |\n| [St. Moritz 1928](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/St-Moritz-1928-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The St. Moritz Olympics were marred by bad weather. The culprit was the [foehn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/foehn), a strong wind that carried with it warm air, causing temperatures to soar above 75 °F (24 °C) some afternoons. Numerous events were rescheduled, and one contest—the 10,000-meter speed skating event—was canceled, though some books list American [Irving Jaffee](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irving-Jaffee), who held the lead after the first run, as the winner. St. Moritz also marked the return of [German](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Germany) athletes, who had been banned from Olympic competition following [World War I](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-I). | [Ivar Ballangrud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Gillis Grafström](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Sonja Henie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sonja-Henie), [Irving Jaffee](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irving-Jaffee), [Karl Schäfer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karl-Schafer), and [Clas Thunberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clas-Thunberg) |\n| [Lake Placid 1932](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Lake-Placid-1932-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Worldwide [economic depression](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Great-Depression) cast a shadow over the Lake Placid Games. Only 17 countries attended, and more than half of the roughly 250 participating athletes were from [Canada](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Canada) and the [United States](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/United-States). The Games generated little revenue, and the organizers, who had built a new stadium and bobsled run, suffered huge financial losses. The first formal victory ceremonies with the awarding of [medals](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/list-of-athletes-with-the-most-Olympic-medals) were held at Lake Placid. | [Ivar Ballangrud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Eddie Eagan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eddie-Eagan), [Gillis Grafström](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Sonja Henie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sonja-Henie), [Irving Jaffee](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irving-Jaffee), [Birger Ruud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Birger-Ruud), [Karl Schäfer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karl-Schafer), and [Jack Shea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jack-Shea) |\n| [Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Garmisch-Partenkirchen-1936-Olympic-Winter-Games) | German Chancellor [Adolf Hitler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Adolf-Hitler) opened the 1936 Winter Olympics. Although not as politically charged as the [1936 Berlin Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Berlin-1936-Olympic-Games), the event was manipulated by the [Nazi](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Nazi-Party) regime, which suppressed unfavorable press coverage and staged lavish celebrations to mark the openings of new facilities. Female athletes were now allowed to compete in two sports: [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating) and [Alpine](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Alpine-skiing) (skiing) combined. The Winter Olympics’ symbolic fire was first lit at the 1936 Games, and [radio](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/radio) coverage also debuted. | [Ivar Ballangrud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Sonja Henie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sonja-Henie), [Birger Ruud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Birger-Ruud), and [Karl Schäfer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karl-Schafer) |\n|   | The 1940 Games, scheduled for [Garmisch-Partenkirchen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Garmisch-Partenkirchen), Germany, were canceled because of [World War II](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-II). |   |\n|   | The 1944 Games, scheduled for [Cortina d’Ampezzo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Cortina-dAmpezzo), Italy, were canceled because of [World War II](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-II). |   |\n| [St. Moritz 1948](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/St-Moritz-1948-Olympic-Winter-Games) | After an absence of 12 years as a result of [World War II](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-II), Olympic competition returned in 1948. The Games, however, felt the effects of the war, as countries were unable to properly equip their teams, forcing athletes to improvise. Twenty-eight countries, represented by 669 athletes, attended: [Japan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Japan) and [Germany](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Germany) were not invited to compete. In singles figure skating, [Dick Button](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dick-Button) became the first American to earn a gold medal. | [Dick Button](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dick-Button), [Andrea Mead Lawrence,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence) [Henri Oreiller](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Henri-Oreiller), [Birger Ruud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Birger-Ruud), and [Barbara Ann Scott](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Barbara-Ann-Scott) |\n| [Oslo 1952](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Oslo-1952-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1952 Games were the first to be held in a [Scandinavian](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Scandinavia) country. Oslo saw the Winter Games debut of the [Olympic torch](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/story\/how-does-the-olympic-torch-stay-lit), a tradition started in the [Summer Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Summer-Olympic-Games). Athletes from Japan and Germany (West Germans only) were once again allowed to compete. Female athletes participated in [cross-country skiing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/cross-country-skiing), which became the third sport in which women could compete. The tabulation of [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating) scores was assisted by [computers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/computer) for the first time, enabling the immediate delivery of a skater’s score. | [Tenley Albright](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tenley-Albright), [Hjalmar Andersen,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hjalmar-Andersen) [Dick Button](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dick-Button), [Carlo Fassi](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Carlo-Fassi), [Veikko Hakulinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Veikko-Hakulinen), and [Andrea Mead Lawrence](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence) |\n| [Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Cortina-dAmpezzo-1956-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Originally awarded the 1944 Winter Games, which were canceled because of World War II, Cortina d’Ampezzo got another chance to host in 1956. An Italian [television](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/television-technology) network carried live coverage of the Games—a first in the history of the Winter Olympics. The [Soviet Union](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Soviet-Union) participated in its first Winter Olympics, dominating in many sports, including [ice hockey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ice-hockey), in which the Soviet team upset the [Canadians](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Canada), the reigning champions. Figure skating competitions were held outdoors for the last time in Cortina. | [Tenley Albright](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tenley-Albright), [Yevgeny Grishin,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Grishin) [Veikko Hakulinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Veikko-Hakulinen), [Carol Heiss](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Carol-Heiss), [David Jenkins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Jenkins), [Hayes Alan Jenkins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayes-Alan-Jenkins), [Sixten Jernberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sixten-Jernberg), [Knut Johannesen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Knut-Johannesen), [Eugenio Monti](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eugenio-Monti), and [Anton Sailer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anton-Sailer) |\n| [Squaw Valley 1960](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/1960-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The [United States](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/United-States) hosted the Winter Olympic Games for the first time in 1960, and American television stations carried the Games live. [Walt Disney](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Walt-Disney) managed the opening ceremonies. There, the Olympic Anthem, composed by Greek composer Spýros Samáras with words of Greek poet [Kostís Palamás](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kostis-Palamas), was played for the first time in the 20th century (it was last played at the [1896 Athens Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Athens-1896-Olympic-Games)). New sports were added—the [biathlon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/biathlon) for men and [speed skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/speed-skating) for women. The [bobsledding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/bobsledding) competition was not held, as organizers declined to build a run after only nine national teams signaled that they would compete. | [Yevgeny Grishin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Veikko Hakulinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Veikko-Hakulinen), [Carol Heiss](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Carol-Heiss), [David Jenkins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Jenkins), [Hayes Alan Jenkins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayes-Alan-Jenkins), [Sixten Jernberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sixten-Jernberg), [Knut Johannesen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Knut-Johannesen), [Eero Mäntyranta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eero-Mantyranta), and [Lidiya Skoblikova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lidiya-Skoblikova) |\n| [Innsbruck 1964](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Innsbruck-1964-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Innsbruck became the first Olympic city to hold events throughout the surrounding area, enabling more than one million spectators to watch the contests. For the first time in the Winter Games, the Olympic torch was lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, and then relayed to Innsbruck. The Games’ only major problem was the lack of snow, forcing the Austrian army to carry in more than 25,000 tons of snow for the Alpine skiing events. Artificial ice was first introduced on the bobsled track, making it safer for the athletes. New, potentially dangerous sports debuted: a large-hill [ski jump](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-jumping) was introduced, and [luge](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/lugeing) joined the program for both men and women. First-time attendees included [Mongolia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Mongolia), [India](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/India), and [North Korea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/North-Korea). | [Peggy Fleming](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Peggy-Fleming), [Christine Goitschel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Christine-Goitschel), [Marielle Goitschel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marielle-Goitschel), [Yevgeny Grishin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Toini Gustafsson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Toini-Gustafsson), [Sixten Jernberg,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sixten-Jernberg) [Knut Johannesen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Knut-Johannesen), [Aga Khan IV](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aga-Khan-IV), [Thomas Köhler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Thomas-Kohler), [Eero Mäntyranta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eero-Mantyranta), [Terry McDermott](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Terry-McDermott), [Eugenio Monti](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eugenio-Monti), [Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/the-Protopopovs), [Lidiya Skoblikova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lidiya-Skoblikova), and [Anatoly Tarasov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anatoly-Tarasov) |\n| [Grenoble 1968](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Grenoble-1968-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1968 Winter Games, opened by French Pres. [Charles de Gaulle](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Charles-de-Gaulle-president-of-France), were a triumph for France but were not without problems. Though a great deal of money was spent to ready the industrial city of [Grenoble](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Grenoble), its lack of facilities resulted in many contests being held in outlying areas. Spectators had to travel great distances to view events, and seven separate Olympic Villages were constructed, which critics claimed detracted from the camaraderie of the Games. The Grenoble Games saw several firsts: They were the first Games broadcast in color; [doping](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/doping) controls were introduced; and women were subjected to gender verification tests. | [Peggy Fleming](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Peggy-Fleming), [Marielle Goitschel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marielle-Goitschel), [Yevgeny Grishin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Toini Gustafsson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Toini-Gustafsson), [Dianne Holum](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dianne-Holum), [Jean-Claude Killy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jean-Claude-Killy), [Thomas Köhler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Thomas-Kohler), [Galina Kulakova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Galina-Kulakova), [Eero Mäntyranta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eero-Mantyranta), [Terry McDermott](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Terry-McDermott), [Rosi Mittermaier,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Rosi-Mittermaier) [Eugenio Monti](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eugenio-Monti), [Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/the-Protopopovs), [Nancy Greene Raine](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Nancy-Greene-Raine), [Ard Schenk](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ard-Schenk), and [Anatoly Tarasov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anatoly-Tarasov) |\n| [Sapporo 1972](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sapporo-1972-Olympic-Winter-Games) | After two unsuccessful attempts to secure the Olympics, Sapporo was finally awarded the 1972 Winter Games, making these the first Winter Games to be held in [Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Asia). The Games were the most extravagant to date. To defray the high expenses, the organizers sold the television rights for over \\$8 million. Canada’s hockey team withdrew from the games after the IOC rejected its request to allow professional hockey players to play on the team, something that they claimed European countries were already doing. | [Dianne Holum](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dianne-Holum), [Galina Kulakova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Galina-Kulakova), [Eero Mäntyranta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eero-Mantyranta), [Rosi Mittermaier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Rosi-Mittermaier), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Rodnina), [Ard Schenk](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ard-Schenk), [Anatoly Tarasov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anatoly-Tarasov), and [Vladislav Tretiak](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vladislav-Tretiak) |\n| [Innsbruck 1976](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Innsbruck-1976-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1976 Games were originally awarded to [Denver](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Denver), but, fearing environmental damage and an increase in costs, the citizens of Colorado voted against staging the event. Denver withdrew as host, and Innsbruck was awarded its second Winter Olympics. Using facilities from the 1964 Winter Games, Innsbruck needed to make only minor renovations to buildings. Two Olympic cauldrons were lit, representing the two times the Games were hosted in Innsbruck. The number of events climbed to 37 with the debut of ice dancing as a medal event. | [Robin Cousins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Robin-Cousins), [John Curry](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/John-Curry), [Dorothy Hamill](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dorothy-Hamill), [Eric Heiden](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eric-Heiden), [Franz Klammer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Franz-Klammer), [Galina Kulakova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Galina-Kulakova), [Rosi Mittermaier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Rosi-Mittermaier), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Rodnina), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Ingemar Stenmark](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ingemar-Stenmark), and [Vladislav Tretiak](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vladislav-Tretiak) |\n| [Lake Placid 1980](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Lake-Placid-1980-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1980 Games marked the second time the small upstate New York town of Lake Placid had hosted the Winter Olympics. But, in the age of television and increasing numbers of spectators, Lake Placid was ill-equipped to handle the demands of a modern Games. Transportation was inadequate to move the crowds, and sports facilities were spread throughout the area, making it difficult for spectators to view the events. Organizers were forced to use [artificial snow](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/How-Is-Artificial-Snow-Made)—an Olympic first. American speed skater Eric Heiden claimed another Winter Olympic first when he became the first person to win five individual gold medals in the same year. | [Robin Cousins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Robin-Cousins), [Jim Craig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jim-Craig), [Karin Enke](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Slava-Fetisov), [Eric Heiden](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eric-Heiden), [Galina Kulakova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Galina-Kulakova), [Phil Mahre](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Phil-Mahre), [Annemarie Moser-Pröll](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Annemarie-Moser-Proll), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Rodnina), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Ingemar Stenmark](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ingemar-Stenmark), [Vladislav Tretiak](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vladislav-Tretiak), [Hanni Wenzel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hanni-Wenzel), and [Nikolay Zimyatov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Nikolay-Zimyatov) |\n| [Sarajevo 1984](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sarajevo-1984-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The awarding of the 14th Winter Olympics to [Sarajevo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Sarajevo) (now in [Bosnia and Herzegovina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina)) caught many by surprise, including the host country, [Yugoslavia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Yugoslavia-former-federated-nation-1929-2003). The choice of Sarajevo proved appropriate, however, as the 1984 Games were highlighted by the appearance of smaller countries. To encourage participation, the IOC agreed to pay the expenses of one male and one female participant from each country. [Egypt](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Egypt), the [British Virgin Islands](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/British-Virgin-Islands), [Monaco](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Monaco), [Puerto Rico](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Puerto-Rico), and [Senegal](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Senegal) made their Winter Olympics debuts. | [Karin Enke](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Slava-Fetisov), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Scott Hamilton](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Scott-Hamilton), [Dan Jansen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dan-Jansen), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Phil Mahre](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Phil-Mahre), [Matti Nykänen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matti-Nykanen), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Torvill-and-Dean), [Vladislav Tretiak](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vladislav-Tretiak), [Katarina Witt](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Katarina-Witt), and [Nikolay Zimyatov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Nikolay-Zimyatov) |\n| [Calgary 1988](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Calgary-1988-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 15th Winter Games marked Canada’s first time as host, and the Games’ duration grew to 16 days, covering 3 weekends. The [American Broadcasting Company](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/American-Broadcasting-Company) (ABC) paid \\$309 million for the television rights, and advertisers were able to influence the starting times of events to maximize their products’ exposure, leading many to charge that the Games resembled well-rehearsed shows instead of sporting contests. The supergiant [slalom](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/slalom-skiing-race) (super G) was added, and the Alpine combined (downhill and slalom) returned after being absent from the Olympics for 40 years. [Curling](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/curling) entered the Games as a demonstration sport (it would become full sport in 1998). And smoking was prohibited at the Games for the first time. | [Bonnie Blair](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bonnie-Blair), [Brian Boitano](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Brian-Boitano), [Karin Enke](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Slava-Fetisov), [Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yekaterina-Gordeeva-and-Sergey-Grinkov), [Georg Hackl](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Dan Jansen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dan-Jansen), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Matti Nykänen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matti-Nykanen), [Vreni Schneider](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vreni-Schneider), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Alberto Tomba](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Alberto-Tomba), [Vegard Ulvang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yvonne van Gennip](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yvonne-van-Gennip), and [Katarina Witt](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Katarina-Witt) |\n| [Albertville 1992](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Albertville-1992-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Big changes defined the 1992 Games. It was the last time that the Summer and Winter Games would be held in the same year; the next Winter Games were scheduled for 1994, while the Summer Games were slated for 1996. The 1992 Games also reflected the changing political climate in central and eastern [Europe](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Europe). Competing as the Unified Team, athletes from the former [Soviet](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Soviet-Union) republics teamed up for the last time. [Germany](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Germany) competed as a reunited country following the fall of the [Berlin Wall](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Berlin-Wall) (1989), and [Lithuania](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Lithuania), [Latvia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Latvia), and [Estonia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Estonia) competed as independent countries for the first time in more than 50 years. Also for the first time, the Winter [Paralympic Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Paralympic-Games) were held in the same region immediately following the Winter Games. | [Myriam Bédard](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Myriam-Bedard), [Bonnie Blair](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bonnie-Blair), [Bjørn Daehlie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Marc Girardelli](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marc-Girardelli), [Georg Hackl](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Dan Jansen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dan-Jansen), [Johann Olav Koss](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Johann-Olav-Koss), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Alberto Tomba](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Alberto-Tomba), [Cathy Turner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Cathy-Turner), [Vegard Ulvang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yelena Vyalbe](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yelena-Vyalbe), and [Lyubov Yegorova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lyubov-Yegorova) |\n| [Lillehammer 1994](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Lillehammer-1994-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1994 Games were noteworthy for their environmental [conservation](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/conservation-ecology) and commitment to sustainability targets and goals. The republics of the former [Soviet Union](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Soviet-Union) competed as separate teams, and, after ending its policy of [apartheid](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/apartheid), [South Africa](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/South-Africa) participated for the first time in 34 years. The number of events also increased as more short-track speed skating and freestyle skiing contests were added. With the change in the IOC’s rules regarding amateur status and participation, professional athletes were allowed to compete at [Lillehammer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Lillehammer), a change that most affected [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating), leading to the return of past Olympic champions. | [Oksana Baiul](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Oksana-Baiul), [Myriam Bédard](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Myriam-Bedard), [Bonnie Blair](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bonnie-Blair), [Bjørn Daehlie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Manuela Di Centa](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Manuela-Di-Centa), [Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yekaterina-Gordeeva-and-Sergey-Grinkov), [Georg Hackl](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Tonya Harding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tonya-Harding), [Dan Jansen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dan-Jansen), [Lasse Kjus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lasse-Kjus), [Johann Olav Koss](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Johann-Olav-Koss), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [Vreni Schneider](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vreni-Schneider), [Elvis Stojko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Elvis-Stojko), [Picabo Street](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Picabo-Street), [Alberto Tomba](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Alberto-Tomba), [Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Torvill-and-Dean), [Cathy Turner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Cathy-Turner), [Vegard Ulvang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yelena Vyalbe](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yelena-Vyalbe), [Lyubov Yegorova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lyubov-Yegorova), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Nagano 1998](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Nagano-1998-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The most memorable aspect of the Nagano Games was arguably the [weather](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/weather), which brought heavy snow and periods of freezing rain. There was even an [earthquake](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/earthquake-geology). The Alpine skiing competition was most affected by the heavy snows that caused several events to be rescheduled. The earthquake, which occurred on February 20, was of moderate magnitude but was felt throughout the city and in the smaller towns that served as sports venues. Snowboarding and curling, for both men and women, became Olympic sports, and women’s [ice hockey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ice-hockey) was added to the program. | [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Bjørn Daehlie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Manuela Di Centa](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Manuela-Di-Centa), [Georg Hackl](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Georg-Hackl), [Dominik Hašek](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dominik-Hasek), [Jaromir Jagr](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jaromir-Jagr), [Lasse Kjus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lasse-Kjus), [Michelle Kwan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Michelle-Kwan), [Tara Lipinski](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tara-Lipinski), [Hermann Maier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hermann-Maier), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [Manon Rhéaume](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Manon-Rheaume), [Bente Skari](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bente-Skari), [Elvis Stojko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Elvis-Stojko), [Picabo Street](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Picabo-Street), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Yang Yang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yang-Yang), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Salt Lake City 2002](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Salt-Lake-City-2002-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Scandal and security concerns shaped the 2002 Games well before they began. A bribery investigation revealed that the [Salt Lake](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Salt-Lake-City) organizing committee had provided cash, gifts, scholarships, and other benefits to IOC members, leading to the resignation of four IOC officials and the Salt Lake committee’s two top executives. The [September 11 terrorist attacks](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Winter-Olympic-Games\/additional-info#Researchers-Note) and the ensuing war on terrorism heightened fears that heavy security and U.S. [nationalism](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/nationalism) might undermine Olympic ideals of international unity. The number of events expanded to 78: [Skeleton sledding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/skeleton-sledding)—which had only been held twice before, in 1928 and 1948—returned to the program, and women’s [bobsledding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/bobsledding) debuted. | [Simon Ammann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Simon-Ammann), [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Martin Brodeur](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Martin-Brodeur), [Clara Hughes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clara-Hughes), [Lasse Kjus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lasse-Kjus), [Cindy Klassen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Cindy-Klassen), [Janica Kostelić](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Janica-Kostelic), [Michelle Kwan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Michelle-Kwan), [André Lange](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andre-Lange), [Mario Lemieux](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Mario-Lemieux), [Bode Miller](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bode-Miller), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Apolo-Ohno), [Sylke Otto](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sylke-Otto), [Anja Pärson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anja-Parson), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [David Pelletier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Pelletier), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Benjamin Raich](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Benjamin-Raich), [Jamie Salé](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jamie-Sale), [Bente Skari](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bente-Skari), [Irina Slutskaya](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Slutskaya), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Yang Yang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yang-Yang), [Steve Yzerman](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Steve-Yzerman), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Turin 2006](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Turin-2006-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The Winter Games returned to Italy in 2006 after a 50-year absence. The events were divided among seven villages—mostly in the mountainous Piedmont region to the west—and Turin. Nightly medal ceremonies held in the Piazza Castello, Turin’s main piazza, contributed to a celebratory atmosphere, which impressed the IOC’s president, Jacques Rogge, who suggested that the concept be carried over to subsequent Olympiads. The program also introduced new events, including speed skating team pursuit, mass-start biathlon races, and snowboard cross, a head-to-head downhill race marked by a series of jumps and sharp turns. The number of countries participating expanded with new teams from [Albania](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Albania), [Ethiopia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Ethiopia), and [Madagascar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Madagascar). | [Viktor Ahn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Viktor-Ahn), [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Shani Davis](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shani-Davis), [Tatjana Hüfner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tatjana-Hufner), [Clara Hughes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clara-Hughes), [Jaromir Jagr](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jaromir-Jagr), [Cindy Klassen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Cindy-Klassen), [Janica Kostelić](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Janica-Kostelic), [Sven Kramer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sven-Kramer), [André Lange](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andre-Lange), [Nicklas Lidstrom](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Nicklas-Lidstrom), [Ted Ligety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ted-Ligety), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Linger-brothers), [Hermann Maier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hermann-Maier), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Apolo-Ohno), [Sylke Otto](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sylke-Otto), [Anja Pärson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anja-Parson), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Benjamin Raich](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Benjamin-Raich), [Irina Slutskaya](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Slutskaya), [Shaun White](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shaun-White), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust), [Yang Yang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yang-Yang), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Vancouver 2010](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Vancouver-2010-Olympic-Games) | Vancouver was the third Canadian city to host an Olympic Games, and the 2010 Games stretched well beyond the city limits, covering a 75-mile (120-km) territory that cut south to the nearby town of Richmond and north to the Coast Mountains resort town of Whistler. Indoor sports such as curling, ice hockey, and all the various skating competitions were held in Vancouver and Richmond, while Whistler hosted most of the Games’ mountain sports, including many skiing and sliding events. The Vancouver opening ceremony was the first Olympic opening ceremony to be held indoors, and three billion worldwide viewers tuned in to watch the 2010 Games’ 17 days of competition. | [Simon Ammann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Simon-Ammann), [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Martin Brodeur](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Martin-Brodeur), [Sidney Crosby](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sidney-Crosby), [Shani Davis](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shani-Davis), [Martins Dukurs](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Martins-Dukurs), [Steven Holcomb](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Steven-Holcomb), [Tatjana Hüfner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tatjana-Hufner), [Clara Hughes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clara-Hughes), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Carlo Janka](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Carlo-Janka), [Kim Yuna](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kim-Yu-Na), [Sven Kramer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sven-Kramer), [André Lange](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andre-Lange), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Linger-brothers), [Evan Lysacek](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Evan-Lysacek), [Tina Maze](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tina-Maze), [Bode Miller](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bode-Miller), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Apolo-Ohno), [Anja Pärson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anja-Parson), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Aksel Lund Svindal](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aksel-Lund-Svindal), [Jonathan Toews](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jonathan-Toews), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Lindsey Vonn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lindsey-Vonn), [Shaun White](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shaun-White), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Sochi 2014](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sochi-2014-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics marked the first time the Winter Games were held in [Russia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Russia), which reportedly spent \\$51 billion on the Games—more than any previous host. Competition venues were organized in two clusters: a coastal cluster along the [Black Sea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Black-Sea) for indoor ice events and a mountain cluster for skiing and sliding sports in the Krasnaya Polyana area of the [Caucasus Mountains](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Caucasus). A record 88 national Olympic committees participated—among them newcomers [Malta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Malta), [Paraguay](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Paraguay), [East Timor](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/East-Timor), [Togo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Togo), [Tonga](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Tonga), and [Zimbabwe](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Zimbabwe). Twelve new events debuted, including women’s [ski jumping](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-jumping) and [snowboarding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/snowboarding) for both men and women. | [Viktor Ahn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Viktor-Ahn), [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Patrick Chan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Patrick-Chan), [Sidney Crosby](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sidney-Crosby), [Martins Dukurs](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Martins-Dukurs), [Marcel Hirscher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marcel-Hirscher), [Steven Holcomb](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Steven-Holcomb), [Tatjana Hüfner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tatjana-Hufner), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Kim Yuna](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kim-Yu-Na), [Sven Kramer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sven-Kramer), [Ted Ligety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ted-Ligety), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Linger-brothers), [Tina Maze](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tina-Maze), [Bode Miller](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bode-Miller), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Mikaela-Shiffrin), [Jonathan Toews](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jonathan-Toews), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust), and [Hanyu Yuzuru](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hanyu-Yuzuru) |\n| [Pyeongchang 2018](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Pyeongchang-2018-Winter-Olympic-Games) | The 23rd occurrence of the Winter Olympic Games was the first Winter Games hosted by [South Korea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/South-Korea). [North Korea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/North-Korea) and South Korea marched together at the opening ceremonies under a unified Korea banner. Four new events were added: men’s and women’s snowboard big air, mixed doubles curling, men’s and women’s speed skating mass start, and mixed team Alpine skiing. [Ecuador](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Ecuador), [Eritrea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Eritrea), [Kosovo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Kosovo), [Malaysia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Malaysia), [Nigeria](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Nigeria), and [Singapore](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Singapore) made their Winter Games debut. | [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Patrick Chan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Patrick-Chan), [Marcel Hirscher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marcel-Hirscher), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Chloe Kim](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Chloe-Kim), [Sven Kramer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sven-Kramer), [Sarah Nurse](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sarah-Nurse), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Mikaela-Shiffrin), [Aksel Lund Svindal](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aksel-Lund-Svindal), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Lindsey Vonn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lindsey-Vonn), [Shaun White](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shaun-White), [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust), and [Hanyu Yuzuru](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hanyu-Yuzuru) |\n| [Beijing 2022](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Beijing-2022-Olympic-Winter-Games) | In 2022 Beijing became the first city to host both the [Summer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Summer-Olympic-Games) and Winter Olympics. The Winter Games were held across three zones: Beijing, the Yanqing zone, about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Beijing, and the [Zhangjiakou](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Kalgan) zone, more than 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Beijing. Each zone had its own Olympic Village, and a high-speed railway connected Beijing and Zhangjiakou. Held during the [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/COVID-19) pandemic, the Games followed strict health protocols and overseas spectators were not allowed. Seven new events debuted, including freestyle skiing big air for men and women. | [Eileen Gu](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eileen-Gu), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Lindsey Jacobellis](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lindsey-Jacobellis), [Chloe Kim](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Chloe-Kim), [Sarah Nurse](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sarah-Nurse), and [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust) |\n| [Milano Cortina 2026](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Milano-Cortina-2026-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The Milano Cortina Winter Games featured 116 events across 16 winter sports and drew some 2,900 athletes from 90 countries as participants. The Games took place in eight locations spread across northern [Italy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Italy), a region renowned as a winter sports destination because of its proximity to the [Alps](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Alps). Making its Olympic debut in 2026 was [ski mountaineering](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-mountaineering), or skimo, in which participants first wear boots and climbing skins to ascend mountainous terrain and then descend a slope using downhill skiing techniques. | [Sidney Crosby](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sidney-Crosby), [Amber Glenn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Amber-Glenn), [Eileen Gu](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eileen-Gu), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Chloe Kim](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Chloe-Kim), [Ilia Malinin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ilia-Malinin), [Connor McDavid](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Connor-McDavid), [Sarah Nurse](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sarah-Nurse), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Mikaela-Shiffrin), and [Lindsey Vonn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lindsey-Vonn) |\n\nExplore the Events\n\n[![Mikaela Shiffrin](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/09\/239409-050-7625C951\/United-States-Olympian-skier-Mikaela-Shiffrin-2021.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Alpine-skiing)\n\n[Alpine Skiing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Alpine-skiing)\n\n[![2009 Biathlon World Cup](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/12\/134912-050-93D58631\/Biathletes-event-Biathlon-World-Cup-2009.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/biathlon)\n\n[Biathlon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/biathlon)\n\n[![Vonetta Flowers and Jill Bakken](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/72\/230972-050-09F166F9\/Vonetta-Flowers-and-Jill-Bakken-bobsledding-track-2002-Salt-Lake-City-Winter-Olympic-Games.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/bobsledding)\n\n[Bobsledding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/bobsledding)\n\n[![Recreational cross-country skiers](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/94\/282094-050-7CC0EB25\/Active-seniors-cross-country-skiing-Slovakia.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/cross-country-skiing)\n\n[Cross-Country Skiing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/cross-country-skiing)\n\n[![Three female curlers in matching uniforms sweep the ice in front of a curling stone during a match, focused on guiding the stone toward the target.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/07\/226107-050-34DE0624\/Womens-gold-medal-game-between-South-Korea-and-Sweden-2018-Winter-Olympics-Gangneung-South-Korea-February-25-2018.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/curling)\n\n[Curling](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/curling)\n\n[![Historic champion](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/20\/118420-050-C0261014\/Katarina-Witt-program-Calgary-Canada-1988-Winter-1988.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating)\n\n[Figure Skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating)\n\n[![Aiko Uemura](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/73\/116573-050-F05269D3\/Aiko-Uemura-event-Freestyle-Skiing-Womens-Moguls-March-7-2008.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/freestyle-skiing)\n\n[Freestyle Skiing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/freestyle-skiing)\n\n[![2018 Stanley Cup finals](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/50\/219150-050-0032E44D\/Marc-Andre-Fleury-Vegas-Golden-Knights-Stanley-Cup-Final-2018.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ice-hockey)\n\n[Ice Hockey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ice-hockey)\n\n[![On the track](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/26\/281526-050-0E70FDC3\/wang-peixuan-team-china-luge-relay-bejing-2022-winter-olympics.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/lugeing)\n\n[Luge](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/lugeing)\n\n[![Viktor Ahn](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/53\/222853-050-DF0AE05E\/Viktor-Ahn-short-track-500m-final-Sochi-Winter-Olympics-February-21-2014.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/short-track-speed-skating)\n\n[Short-Track Speed Skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/short-track-speed-skating)\n\n[![Skeleton sledding](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/83\/196783-050-69D52A75\/Skeleton-sledding-2016-Winter-Youth-Olympics-Norway-2016.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/skeleton-sledding)\n\n[Skeleton Sledding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/skeleton-sledding)\n\n[![Ski jumping](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/74\/199774-050-F9C7CCDD\/Daniel-Andre-Tande-Norway-ski-jumping-event-2016.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-jumping)\n\n[Ski Jumping](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-jumping)\n\n[![Ascending](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/36\/281436-050-4D69891D\/Emily-Harrop-France-ski-mountaineering-March-2025.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-mountaineering)\n\n[Ski Mountaineering](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-mountaineering)\n\n[![Catching air](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/233221-050-A0038475\/torah-bright-Australia-snowboarder-2014.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/snowboarding)\n\n[Snowboarding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/snowboarding)\n\n[![Erin Jackson](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/68\/231168-050-A0043A21\/Erin-Jackson-Team-United-States-Womens-500m-speed-skating-gold-medal-winner.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/speed-skating)\n\n[Speed Skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/speed-skating)\n\n[Mindy Johnston](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/mindy-johnston\/12488102) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nWinter Olympic Games\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\n[Turin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Turin-Italy)\n\n[Introduction](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Turin-Italy)   [References & Edit History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Turin-Italy\/additional-info)  [Related Topics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Turin-Italy)\n\n[Images & Videos](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Turin-Italy\/images-videos)\n\n[![Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/31\/8931-004-A7AE34E7\/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/31\/8931-004-A7AE34E7\/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg)\n\n[![Turin: Italy's hidden jewel](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/33\/180133-138-C925732A\/Overview-Turin-Italy.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Overview-Turin-Italy\/-192163)\n\n[![Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/57\/241457-004-BCEB5F43\/Locator-map-Turin.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/57\/241457-050-3282B58F\/Locator-map-Turin.jpg)  [![Carignano Palace, Turin](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/97421-004-A7B1B5F9\/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/97421-050-2F1C785E\/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg)  [![Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/64337-004-85337332\/Turin-Italy.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/64337-050-583CC5A1\/Turin-Italy.jpg)  [![Lagrange, Joseph-Louis, comte de l'Empire](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/86\/134186-004-EDE87691\/statue-Joseph-Louis-Lagrange-Italy-Turin.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/86\/134186-050-64A8EE90\/statue-Joseph-Louis-Lagrange-Italy-Turin.jpg)  [![Amadeus VI](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/27\/132727-004-997EC533\/Amadeus-VI-statue-Turin-Italy.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/27\/132727-050-26DD7D45\/Amadeus-VI-statue-Turin-Italy.jpg)\n\nAt a Glance\n\n[![default image](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/shared\/new-thistle.svg?v=3.179.9)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/summary\/Turin-Italy)\n\n[Turin summary](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/summary\/Turin-Italy)\n\nQuizzes\n\n[![Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/60\/269560-131-B4CD857D\/tower-bridge-over-river-thames-london-england.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/guess-the-city-by-its-river-quiz)\n\n[Guess the City by Its River Quiz](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/guess-the-city-by-its-river-quiz)\n\nRelated Questions\n\n- [Why is Pompeii famous?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/Why-is-Pompeii-famous)\n- [Why was Pompeii destroyed?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/Why-was-Pompeii-destroyed)\n- [Where was Pompeii located?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/Where-was-Pompeii-located)\n- [How does Pompeii look today?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/How-does-Pompeii-look-today)\n- [Where is Milan located?](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/question\/Where-is-Milan-located)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)\n\nContents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n[Geography & Travel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Geography-Travel)    [Cities & Towns](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Cities-Towns)    [Cities & Towns T-Z](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/browse\/Cities-Towns-T-Z)\n\nCITE\n\nShare\n\nFeedback\n\nExternal Websites\n\n[![Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/31\/8931-004-A7AE34E7\/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/31\/8931-004-A7AE34E7\/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg)\n\n[Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/31\/8931-004-A7AE34E7\/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg) Palatine Gate, Turin, Italy.\n\n(more)\n\n# Turin\nItaly\n\nHomework Help\n\nAlso known as: Augusta Taurinorum, Julia Taurinorum, Taurisia, Torino[(Show More)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Winter-Olympic-Games)\n\nWritten and fact-checked by\n\n[Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419)\n\nBritannica Editors\n\n[History](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Turin-Italy\/additional-info#history)\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI\n\nAsk Anything\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nAsk Anything\n\n## News •\n[No, Shroud of Turin DNA analysis doesn't show relic's origins, experts say](https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/no-shroud-of-turin-dna-analysis-doesnt-show-relics-origins-experts-say\/)\n\n• Apr. 9, 2026, 8:00 AM ET (Scientific American)\n\n...(Show more)\n\n[Shroud of Turin, claimed to be Jesus' burial cloth, contaminated with carrot and red coral DNA](https:\/\/www.livescience.com\/archaeology\/shroud-of-turin-claimed-to-be-jesus-burial-cloth-contaminated-with-carrot-and-red-coral-dna)  • Apr. 5, 2026, 7:00 AM ET (Live Science)\n\nShow less\n\nTop Questions\n\n- Where is Turin located?\n- What is Turin known for in Italy?\n- What important river runs through Turin?\n- What are some famous landmarks in Turin?\n- What industries have been important to Turin's economy?\n- How has Turin contributed to Italian culture and history?\n\nShow more\n\nShow less\n\n[![Turin: Italy's hidden jewel](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/33\/180133-138-C925732A\/Overview-Turin-Italy.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/video\/Overview-Turin-Italy\/-192163)\n\nTurin: Italy's hidden jewelOverview of Turin, Italy.\n\n(more)\n\n[See all videos for this article](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Turin-Italy\/images-videos)\n\n**Turin**, city, capital of Torino *provincia* and of [Piemonte](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Piedmont-region-Italy) (Piedmont) *regione*, northwestern [Italy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Italy). It is located on the [Po River](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Po-River) near its junction with the Sangone, Dora Riparia, and Stura di Lanzo rivers.\n\nThe original settlement of Taurisia, founded by the Taurini, was partly destroyed by the Carthaginian invader [Hannibal](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hannibal-Carthaginian-general-247-183-BCE) in 218 bce. It later became a Roman military colony, known successively as Julia Taurinorum and Augusta Taurinorum, rebuilt by the emperor [Augustus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Augustus-Roman-emperor) in the form of an enclosed rectangle divided into 72 blocks (*insulae*). The remains of the walls and the [Palatine Gate](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Palatine-Gate) and the Palatine Towers are still visible.\n\n[![Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/57\/241457-050-3282B58F\/Locator-map-Turin.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/57\/241457-050-3282B58F\/Locator-map-Turin.jpg)\n\n[Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/57\/241457-050-3282B58F\/Locator-map-Turin.jpg)\n\n(more)\n\nDominated by [barbarians](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/barbarians) after the decline of [Rome](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Rome) in the 4th century, the city became part of the Lombard kingdom and then of the Frankish empire. It was linked to [Savoy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Savoy-historical-region-Europe) in 1046 by the marriage of Countess Adelaide to Count Odo of Savoy, and it recognized the supremacy of Savoy in 1280 after an intervening period of semi-independence and conflict. Occupied by the French from 1536 to 1562, Turin became the capital of the duchy of Savoy in 1563. It was besieged in 1640 and 1706 (during the War of the Spanish Succession) by the French, who were defeated by [Eugene of Savoy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eugene-of-Savoy) in 1706, and it was occupied again by the French during the [Napoleonic Wars](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Napoleonic-Wars).\n\n[![Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/60\/269560-131-B4CD857D\/tower-bridge-over-river-thames-london-england.jpg) Britannica Quiz Guess the City by Its River Quiz](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/quiz\/guess-the-city-by-its-river-quiz)\n\nThe city became the capital of the kingdom of [Sardinia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Sardinia-island-Italy) in 1720 and in the 19th century became the political and [intellectual](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/intellectual) centre of the [Risorgimento](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Risorgimento), the movement for Italian political unification. It served as the first capital of a united Italy from 1861 to 1865. Turin sustained heavy air-raid damage during [World War II](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-II).\n\nHaving been a bishopric since about 415 and an archbishopric since 1510, Turin is rich in [ecclesiastical](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/ecclesiastical) architecture. Churches include La Consolata, which underwent a number of alterations, most notably by the Baroque architect [Guarino Guarini](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Guarino-Guarini) in the late 1600s; the Waldensian Church (1853), the first Protestant church in Turin; and the nearby basilica of Superga (1717–31), long the royal burial church. The Renaissance-style cathedral of San Giovanni Battista (1498), with the brilliantly original Santa Sindone Chapel (1694) by Guarini, houses the [Shroud of Turin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Shroud-of-Turin), a piece of linen long thought to be the burial garment of Jesus. The cathedral and [chapel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/chapel) were severely damaged by a fire in April 1997 and underwent major restoration work.\n\n[![Carignano Palace, Turin](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/97421-050-2F1C785E\/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg?w=300)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/97421-050-2F1C785E\/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg)\n\n[Carignano Palace, Turin](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/21\/97421-050-2F1C785E\/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg)Central Hall of the Carignano Palace, in Turin, Italy, the seat of Italy's first parliament.\n\n(more)\n\nA ducal and royal city for centuries, Turin has many fine palaces. The [Madama Palace](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Palazzo-Madama), begun in the 13th century, owes its name to the resident widows of the 17th-century dukes of Savoy. Used by the Sardinian Senate in 1848–60 and by the Italian Senate in 1861–64, it now houses the Museum of Ancient Arts. The [Carignano Palace](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Palazzo-Carignano) (1679), the birthplace (1820) of King Victor Emmanuel II and once the meeting place of the Sardinian chamber of deputies and of the first Italian parliament, now houses the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento. The Royal Palace (1646–58) houses the Royal Armoury, with one of the finest collections of arms in Europe. The Academy of Science (1678), formerly a Jesuit college, now houses the Museum of Antiquities, the [Egyptian Museum](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Egyptian-Museum-Cairo-Egypt), and the Sabauda Gallery. Other [secular](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/secular) structures include the remains of the old citadel; the Mole Antonelliana, begun in 1863 as a [synagogue](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/synagogue) and later completed by the city; the modern Turin Exhibition Buildings and Gallery of Modern Art; and numerous public monuments to [significant figures](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/significant-figures) in Turin’s past. Other museums display collections on artillery, automobiles, mountains, cinema, and natural history, zoology, paleontology, and mineralogy. There are also several fine libraries.\n\nThe [University of Turin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/University-of-Turin) was founded in 1404. Other educational institutions include the Turin Polytechnic (1859), the Gallery of the Albertina Academy (1652), the [Giuseppe Verdi](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Giuseppe-Verdi) State Musical Conservatory (1867), the Institute of Business and Industrial Organization Studies (1935), and the University Institute of European Studies (1952).\n\nItalian:\n\nTorino\n\n*(Show more)*\n\nLatin:\n\nAugusta Taurinorum\n\n*(Show more)*\n\n[See all related content](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/facts\/Turin-Italy)\n\nExplore Britannica Premium\\!\n\nSmart, reliable knowledge for professionals, students, and curious minds everywhere.\n\n[SUBSCRIBE](https:\/\/premium.britannica.com\/premium-membership\/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=smart-2026)\n\n![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-left.webp)\n\n![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-right.webp)\n\n![Mobile](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/marketing\/inline-mobile.webp?w=400)\n\n[![Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/64337-050-583CC5A1\/Turin-Italy.jpg)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/64337-050-583CC5A1\/Turin-Italy.jpg)\n\n[Turin, Italy](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/37\/64337-050-583CC5A1\/Turin-Italy.jpg)\n\n(more)\n\nSituated on a broad, fertile plain east of the [Alps](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Alps), Turin is one of Italy’s most important industrial and communications centres. It is a major road and rail junction and has an international airport. [Preeminent](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/dictionary\/Preeminent) in Italy’s [automotive industry](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/automotive-industry), Turin has long been associated with [Fiat](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/Fiat-SpA), which is headquartered there, and is home to Fiat and Lancia plants that produce much of the country’s output of automobiles. In the late 20th century, however, as the automobile industry declined, the city looked to diversify its economy, and tourism and the manufacture of high-technology products have become increasingly significant. Airplane, ball-bearing, rubber, and paper industries are also important, as are tanning and leatherworking, and typography and lithography. There are metallurgical, chemical, plastics, and electrotechnical industries. Chocolate and wines (especially vermouth) are notable products. In 2006 Turin hosted the [Winter Olympics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Turin-2006-Olympic-Winter-Games). Pop. (2011) 872,367.\n\n[The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica\/4419) This article was most recently revised and updated by [Michele Metych](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/editor\/Michele-Metych\/9760897).\n\n![Britannica AI Icon](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/mendel-resources\/3-179\/images\/chatbot\/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI\n\n*chevron\\_right*\n\nTurin\n\n*close*\n\n[AI-generated answers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.\n\nLoad Next Page\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nJohnston, Mindy. \"Winter Olympic Games\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 12 Apr. 2026, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Winter-Olympic-Games. Accessed 13 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Winter-Olympic-Games>\n\nFeedback\n\nThank you for your feedback\n\nOur editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.\n\n*verified*Cite\n\nWhile every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.\n\nSelect Citation Style\n\nBritannica Editors. \"Turin\". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 16 Oct. 2025, https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Turin-Italy. Accessed 13 April 2026.\n\nCopy Citation\n\nShare\n\nShare to social media\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BRITANNICA\/) [X](https:\/\/x.com\/britannica)\n\nURL\n\n<https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Turin-Italy>\n\nExternal Websites\n\n- [Jewish Virtual Library - Turin, Italy](https:\/\/www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org\/turin-italy-jewish-history-tour)\n- [JewishEncyclopedia.com - Turin, Italy](https:\/\/www.jewishencyclopedia.com\/articles\/14545-Turin)\n- [Official Tourism Site of Turin, Italy](https:\/\/turismotorino.org\/en)\n- [CRW Flags - Flag of Turin, Piedmont, Italy](https:\/\/www.crwflags.com\/fotw\/flags\/it-turin.html)\n- [CORE - Social mobility and health in the Turin longitudinal study (PDF)](https:\/\/core.ac.uk\/download\/pdf\/301858814.pdf)\n\nBritannica Websites\n\nArticles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.\n\n- [Turin - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https:\/\/kids.britannica.com\/students\/article\/Turin\/277461)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[![The first Winter Olympic Games](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/93\/282993-050-91B7B106\/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg?w=1000)](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/93\/282993-050-91B7B106\/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)\n\n[The first Winter Olympic Games](https:\/\/cdn.britannica.com\/93\/282993-050-91B7B106\/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)Spectators surrounding the track at the start of the 10,000-meter speed skating event at the first Winter Olympic Games, held in Chamonix, France, 1924.\n## News •\nOnce a quieter counterpart to the [Summer Olympics](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Summer-Olympic-Games), the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Statistics from the event’s first century reflect this rapid expansion: Athlete participation has increased more than tenfold—from more than 250 competitors in 1924 to about 2,900 in 2026. Only 13 of those original athletes were women, who competed in only one of the Games’ nine sports: [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating). By contrast, the [2026 Milano Cortina Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Milano-Cortina-2026-Olympic-Winter-Games) approached gender parity, with women participating in 12 of the 16 [disciplines](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/disciplines) and [comprising](https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/comprising) 47 percent of all athletes. While the 16 teams in 1924 represented only a small slice of the world, the 90 participating national teams in 2026 illustrate the Olympics’ global reach. With each new Winter Games, new sports have been added to the roster, requiring exceptional strength, speed, agility, grace, and, in many cases, courage beyond spectators’ comprehension. The table below lists the Winter Games with links to more content, surprising facts, notable moments, and profiles of athletes whose stories have captured our attention.\n\n| Winter Games | Firsts and Notable Facts | Notable Athletes |\n|---|---|---|\n| [Chamonix 1924](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Chamonix-1924-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The Chamonix Games were originally staged as the [International Olympic Committee](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/International-Olympic-Committee) (IOC)-sponsored International Winter Sports Week but not sanctioned as an official Olympic Games. Well-organized and equipped with new facilities, the event was a success and led the IOC to amend its charter in 1925, establishing the Winter Games. Chamonix was thereafter recognized as the first Winter Olympics. Thirteen women participated in the [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating) competitions, the only sport open to female athletes at that time. | [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Gillis Grafström](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Thorleif Haug](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Thorleif-Haug), [Sonja Henie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sonja-Henie), and [Clas Thunberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clas-Thunberg) |\n| [St. Moritz 1928](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/St-Moritz-1928-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The St. Moritz Olympics were marred by bad weather. The culprit was the [foehn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/foehn), a strong wind that carried with it warm air, causing temperatures to soar above 75 °F (24 °C) some afternoons. Numerous events were rescheduled, and one contest—the 10,000-meter speed skating event—was canceled, though some books list American [Irving Jaffee](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irving-Jaffee), who held the lead after the first run, as the winner. St. Moritz also marked the return of [German](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Germany) athletes, who had been banned from Olympic competition following [World War I](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-I). | [Ivar Ballangrud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Gillis Grafström](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Sonja Henie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sonja-Henie), [Irving Jaffee](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irving-Jaffee), [Karl Schäfer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karl-Schafer), and [Clas Thunberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clas-Thunberg) |\n| [Lake Placid 1932](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Lake-Placid-1932-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Worldwide [economic depression](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Great-Depression) cast a shadow over the Lake Placid Games. Only 17 countries attended, and more than half of the roughly 250 participating athletes were from [Canada](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Canada) and the [United States](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/United-States). The Games generated little revenue, and the organizers, who had built a new stadium and bobsled run, suffered huge financial losses. The first formal victory ceremonies with the awarding of [medals](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/list-of-athletes-with-the-most-Olympic-medals) were held at Lake Placid. | [Ivar Ballangrud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Eddie Eagan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eddie-Eagan), [Gillis Grafström](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Sonja Henie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sonja-Henie), [Irving Jaffee](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irving-Jaffee), [Birger Ruud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Birger-Ruud), [Karl Schäfer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karl-Schafer), and [Jack Shea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jack-Shea) |\n| [Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Garmisch-Partenkirchen-1936-Olympic-Winter-Games) | German Chancellor [Adolf Hitler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Adolf-Hitler) opened the 1936 Winter Olympics. Although not as politically charged as the [1936 Berlin Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Berlin-1936-Olympic-Games), the event was manipulated by the [Nazi](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Nazi-Party) regime, which suppressed unfavorable press coverage and staged lavish celebrations to mark the openings of new facilities. Female athletes were now allowed to compete in two sports: [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating) and [Alpine](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Alpine-skiing) (skiing) combined. The Winter Olympics’ symbolic fire was first lit at the 1936 Games, and [radio](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/radio) coverage also debuted. | [Ivar Ballangrud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Sonja Henie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sonja-Henie), [Birger Ruud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Birger-Ruud), and [Karl Schäfer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karl-Schafer) |\n|   | The 1940 Games, scheduled for [Garmisch-Partenkirchen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Garmisch-Partenkirchen), Germany, were canceled because of [World War II](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-II). |   |\n|   | The 1944 Games, scheduled for [Cortina d’Ampezzo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Cortina-dAmpezzo), Italy, were canceled because of [World War II](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-II). |   |\n| [St. Moritz 1948](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/St-Moritz-1948-Olympic-Winter-Games) | After an absence of 12 years as a result of [World War II](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/World-War-II), Olympic competition returned in 1948. The Games, however, felt the effects of the war, as countries were unable to properly equip their teams, forcing athletes to improvise. Twenty-eight countries, represented by 669 athletes, attended: [Japan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Japan) and [Germany](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Germany) were not invited to compete. In singles figure skating, [Dick Button](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dick-Button) became the first American to earn a gold medal. | [Dick Button](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dick-Button), [Andrea Mead Lawrence,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence) [Henri Oreiller](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Henri-Oreiller), [Birger Ruud](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Birger-Ruud), and [Barbara Ann Scott](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Barbara-Ann-Scott) |\n| [Oslo 1952](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Oslo-1952-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1952 Games were the first to be held in a [Scandinavian](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Scandinavia) country. Oslo saw the Winter Games debut of the [Olympic torch](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/story\/how-does-the-olympic-torch-stay-lit), a tradition started in the [Summer Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Summer-Olympic-Games). Athletes from Japan and Germany (West Germans only) were once again allowed to compete. Female athletes participated in [cross-country skiing](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/cross-country-skiing), which became the third sport in which women could compete. The tabulation of [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating) scores was assisted by [computers](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/computer) for the first time, enabling the immediate delivery of a skater’s score. | [Tenley Albright](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tenley-Albright), [Hjalmar Andersen,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hjalmar-Andersen) [Dick Button](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dick-Button), [Carlo Fassi](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Carlo-Fassi), [Veikko Hakulinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Veikko-Hakulinen), and [Andrea Mead Lawrence](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence) |\n| [Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Cortina-dAmpezzo-1956-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Originally awarded the 1944 Winter Games, which were canceled because of World War II, Cortina d’Ampezzo got another chance to host in 1956. An Italian [television](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/television-technology) network carried live coverage of the Games—a first in the history of the Winter Olympics. The [Soviet Union](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Soviet-Union) participated in its first Winter Olympics, dominating in many sports, including [ice hockey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ice-hockey), in which the Soviet team upset the [Canadians](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Canada), the reigning champions. Figure skating competitions were held outdoors for the last time in Cortina. | [Tenley Albright](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tenley-Albright), [Yevgeny Grishin,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Grishin) [Veikko Hakulinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Veikko-Hakulinen), [Carol Heiss](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Carol-Heiss), [David Jenkins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Jenkins), [Hayes Alan Jenkins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayes-Alan-Jenkins), [Sixten Jernberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sixten-Jernberg), [Knut Johannesen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Knut-Johannesen), [Eugenio Monti](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eugenio-Monti), and [Anton Sailer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anton-Sailer) |\n| [Squaw Valley 1960](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/1960-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The [United States](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/United-States) hosted the Winter Olympic Games for the first time in 1960, and American television stations carried the Games live. [Walt Disney](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Walt-Disney) managed the opening ceremonies. There, the Olympic Anthem, composed by Greek composer Spýros Samáras with words of Greek poet [Kostís Palamás](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kostis-Palamas), was played for the first time in the 20th century (it was last played at the [1896 Athens Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Athens-1896-Olympic-Games)). New sports were added—the [biathlon](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/biathlon) for men and [speed skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/speed-skating) for women. The [bobsledding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/bobsledding) competition was not held, as organizers declined to build a run after only nine national teams signaled that they would compete. | [Yevgeny Grishin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Veikko Hakulinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Veikko-Hakulinen), [Carol Heiss](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Carol-Heiss), [David Jenkins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Jenkins), [Hayes Alan Jenkins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayes-Alan-Jenkins), [Sixten Jernberg](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sixten-Jernberg), [Knut Johannesen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Knut-Johannesen), [Eero Mäntyranta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eero-Mantyranta), and [Lidiya Skoblikova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lidiya-Skoblikova) |\n| [Innsbruck 1964](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Innsbruck-1964-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Innsbruck became the first Olympic city to hold events throughout the surrounding area, enabling more than one million spectators to watch the contests. For the first time in the Winter Games, the Olympic torch was lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, and then relayed to Innsbruck. The Games’ only major problem was the lack of snow, forcing the Austrian army to carry in more than 25,000 tons of snow for the Alpine skiing events. Artificial ice was first introduced on the bobsled track, making it safer for the athletes. New, potentially dangerous sports debuted: a large-hill [ski jump](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-jumping) was introduced, and [luge](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/lugeing) joined the program for both men and women. First-time attendees included [Mongolia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Mongolia), [India](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/India), and [North Korea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/North-Korea). | [Peggy Fleming](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Peggy-Fleming), [Christine Goitschel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Christine-Goitschel), [Marielle Goitschel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marielle-Goitschel), [Yevgeny Grishin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Toini Gustafsson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Toini-Gustafsson), [Sixten Jernberg,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sixten-Jernberg) [Knut Johannesen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Knut-Johannesen), [Aga Khan IV](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aga-Khan-IV), [Thomas Köhler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Thomas-Kohler), [Eero Mäntyranta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eero-Mantyranta), [Terry McDermott](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Terry-McDermott), [Eugenio Monti](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eugenio-Monti), [Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/the-Protopopovs), [Lidiya Skoblikova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lidiya-Skoblikova), and [Anatoly Tarasov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anatoly-Tarasov) |\n| [Grenoble 1968](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Grenoble-1968-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1968 Winter Games, opened by French Pres. [Charles de Gaulle](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Charles-de-Gaulle-president-of-France), were a triumph for France but were not without problems. Though a great deal of money was spent to ready the industrial city of [Grenoble](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Grenoble), its lack of facilities resulted in many contests being held in outlying areas. Spectators had to travel great distances to view events, and seven separate Olympic Villages were constructed, which critics claimed detracted from the camaraderie of the Games. The Grenoble Games saw several firsts: They were the first Games broadcast in color; [doping](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/doping) controls were introduced; and women were subjected to gender verification tests. | [Peggy Fleming](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Peggy-Fleming), [Marielle Goitschel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marielle-Goitschel), [Yevgeny Grishin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Toini Gustafsson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Toini-Gustafsson), [Dianne Holum](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dianne-Holum), [Jean-Claude Killy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jean-Claude-Killy), [Thomas Köhler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Thomas-Kohler), [Galina Kulakova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Galina-Kulakova), [Eero Mäntyranta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eero-Mantyranta), [Terry McDermott](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Terry-McDermott), [Rosi Mittermaier,](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Rosi-Mittermaier) [Eugenio Monti](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eugenio-Monti), [Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/the-Protopopovs), [Nancy Greene Raine](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Nancy-Greene-Raine), [Ard Schenk](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ard-Schenk), and [Anatoly Tarasov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anatoly-Tarasov) |\n| [Sapporo 1972](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sapporo-1972-Olympic-Winter-Games) | After two unsuccessful attempts to secure the Olympics, Sapporo was finally awarded the 1972 Winter Games, making these the first Winter Games to be held in [Asia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Asia). The Games were the most extravagant to date. To defray the high expenses, the organizers sold the television rights for over \\$8 million. Canada’s hockey team withdrew from the games after the IOC rejected its request to allow professional hockey players to play on the team, something that they claimed European countries were already doing. | [Dianne Holum](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dianne-Holum), [Galina Kulakova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Galina-Kulakova), [Eero Mäntyranta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eero-Mantyranta), [Rosi Mittermaier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Rosi-Mittermaier), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Rodnina), [Ard Schenk](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ard-Schenk), [Anatoly Tarasov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anatoly-Tarasov), and [Vladislav Tretiak](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vladislav-Tretiak) |\n| [Innsbruck 1976](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Innsbruck-1976-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1976 Games were originally awarded to [Denver](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Denver), but, fearing environmental damage and an increase in costs, the citizens of Colorado voted against staging the event. Denver withdrew as host, and Innsbruck was awarded its second Winter Olympics. Using facilities from the 1964 Winter Games, Innsbruck needed to make only minor renovations to buildings. Two Olympic cauldrons were lit, representing the two times the Games were hosted in Innsbruck. The number of events climbed to 37 with the debut of ice dancing as a medal event. | [Robin Cousins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Robin-Cousins), [John Curry](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/John-Curry), [Dorothy Hamill](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dorothy-Hamill), [Eric Heiden](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eric-Heiden), [Franz Klammer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Franz-Klammer), [Galina Kulakova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Galina-Kulakova), [Rosi Mittermaier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Rosi-Mittermaier), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Rodnina), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Ingemar Stenmark](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ingemar-Stenmark), and [Vladislav Tretiak](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vladislav-Tretiak) |\n| [Lake Placid 1980](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Lake-Placid-1980-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1980 Games marked the second time the small upstate New York town of Lake Placid had hosted the Winter Olympics. But, in the age of television and increasing numbers of spectators, Lake Placid was ill-equipped to handle the demands of a modern Games. Transportation was inadequate to move the crowds, and sports facilities were spread throughout the area, making it difficult for spectators to view the events. Organizers were forced to use [artificial snow](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/technology\/How-Is-Artificial-Snow-Made)—an Olympic first. American speed skater Eric Heiden claimed another Winter Olympic first when he became the first person to win five individual gold medals in the same year. | [Robin Cousins](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Robin-Cousins), [Jim Craig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jim-Craig), [Karin Enke](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Slava-Fetisov), [Eric Heiden](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eric-Heiden), [Galina Kulakova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Galina-Kulakova), [Phil Mahre](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Phil-Mahre), [Annemarie Moser-Pröll](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Annemarie-Moser-Proll), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Rodnina), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Ingemar Stenmark](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ingemar-Stenmark), [Vladislav Tretiak](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vladislav-Tretiak), [Hanni Wenzel](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hanni-Wenzel), and [Nikolay Zimyatov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Nikolay-Zimyatov) |\n| [Sarajevo 1984](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sarajevo-1984-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The awarding of the 14th Winter Olympics to [Sarajevo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Sarajevo) (now in [Bosnia and Herzegovina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina)) caught many by surprise, including the host country, [Yugoslavia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Yugoslavia-former-federated-nation-1929-2003). The choice of Sarajevo proved appropriate, however, as the 1984 Games were highlighted by the appearance of smaller countries. To encourage participation, the IOC agreed to pay the expenses of one male and one female participant from each country. [Egypt](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Egypt), the [British Virgin Islands](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/British-Virgin-Islands), [Monaco](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Monaco), [Puerto Rico](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Puerto-Rico), and [Senegal](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Senegal) made their Winter Olympics debuts. | [Karin Enke](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Slava-Fetisov), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Scott Hamilton](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Scott-Hamilton), [Dan Jansen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dan-Jansen), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Phil Mahre](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Phil-Mahre), [Matti Nykänen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matti-Nykanen), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Torvill-and-Dean), [Vladislav Tretiak](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vladislav-Tretiak), [Katarina Witt](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Katarina-Witt), and [Nikolay Zimyatov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Nikolay-Zimyatov) |\n| [Calgary 1988](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Calgary-1988-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 15th Winter Games marked Canada’s first time as host, and the Games’ duration grew to 16 days, covering 3 weekends. The [American Broadcasting Company](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/money\/American-Broadcasting-Company) (ABC) paid \\$309 million for the television rights, and advertisers were able to influence the starting times of events to maximize their products’ exposure, leading many to charge that the Games resembled well-rehearsed shows instead of sporting contests. The supergiant [slalom](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/slalom-skiing-race) (super G) was added, and the Alpine combined (downhill and slalom) returned after being absent from the Olympics for 40 years. [Curling](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/curling) entered the Games as a demonstration sport (it would become full sport in 1998). And smoking was prohibited at the Games for the first time. | [Bonnie Blair](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bonnie-Blair), [Brian Boitano](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Brian-Boitano), [Karin Enke](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Slava-Fetisov), [Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yekaterina-Gordeeva-and-Sergey-Grinkov), [Georg Hackl](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Dan Jansen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dan-Jansen), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Matti Nykänen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Matti-Nykanen), [Vreni Schneider](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vreni-Schneider), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Alberto Tomba](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Alberto-Tomba), [Vegard Ulvang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yvonne van Gennip](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yvonne-van-Gennip), and [Katarina Witt](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Katarina-Witt) |\n| [Albertville 1992](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Albertville-1992-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Big changes defined the 1992 Games. It was the last time that the Summer and Winter Games would be held in the same year; the next Winter Games were scheduled for 1994, while the Summer Games were slated for 1996. The 1992 Games also reflected the changing political climate in central and eastern [Europe](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Europe). Competing as the Unified Team, athletes from the former [Soviet](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Soviet-Union) republics teamed up for the last time. [Germany](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Germany) competed as a reunited country following the fall of the [Berlin Wall](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Berlin-Wall) (1989), and [Lithuania](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Lithuania), [Latvia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Latvia), and [Estonia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Estonia) competed as independent countries for the first time in more than 50 years. Also for the first time, the Winter [Paralympic Games](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Paralympic-Games) were held in the same region immediately following the Winter Games. | [Myriam Bédard](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Myriam-Bedard), [Bonnie Blair](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bonnie-Blair), [Bjørn Daehlie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Marc Girardelli](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marc-Girardelli), [Georg Hackl](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Dan Jansen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dan-Jansen), [Johann Olav Koss](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Johann-Olav-Koss), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [Raisa Smetanina](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Raisa-Smetanina), [Alberto Tomba](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Alberto-Tomba), [Cathy Turner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Cathy-Turner), [Vegard Ulvang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yelena Vyalbe](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yelena-Vyalbe), and [Lyubov Yegorova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lyubov-Yegorova) |\n| [Lillehammer 1994](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Lillehammer-1994-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 1994 Games were noteworthy for their environmental [conservation](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/conservation-ecology) and commitment to sustainability targets and goals. The republics of the former [Soviet Union](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Soviet-Union) competed as separate teams, and, after ending its policy of [apartheid](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/apartheid), [South Africa](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/South-Africa) participated for the first time in 34 years. The number of events also increased as more short-track speed skating and freestyle skiing contests were added. With the change in the IOC’s rules regarding amateur status and participation, professional athletes were allowed to compete at [Lillehammer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Lillehammer), a change that most affected [figure skating](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/figure-skating), leading to the return of past Olympic champions. | [Oksana Baiul](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Oksana-Baiul), [Myriam Bédard](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Myriam-Bedard), [Bonnie Blair](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bonnie-Blair), [Bjørn Daehlie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Manuela Di Centa](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Manuela-Di-Centa), [Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yekaterina-Gordeeva-and-Sergey-Grinkov), [Georg Hackl](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Tonya Harding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tonya-Harding), [Dan Jansen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dan-Jansen), [Lasse Kjus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lasse-Kjus), [Johann Olav Koss](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Johann-Olav-Koss), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [Vreni Schneider](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vreni-Schneider), [Elvis Stojko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Elvis-Stojko), [Picabo Street](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Picabo-Street), [Alberto Tomba](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Alberto-Tomba), [Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Torvill-and-Dean), [Cathy Turner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Cathy-Turner), [Vegard Ulvang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yelena Vyalbe](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yelena-Vyalbe), [Lyubov Yegorova](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lyubov-Yegorova), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Nagano 1998](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Nagano-1998-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The most memorable aspect of the Nagano Games was arguably the [weather](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/weather), which brought heavy snow and periods of freezing rain. There was even an [earthquake](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/earthquake-geology). The Alpine skiing competition was most affected by the heavy snows that caused several events to be rescheduled. The earthquake, which occurred on February 20, was of moderate magnitude but was felt throughout the city and in the smaller towns that served as sports venues. Snowboarding and curling, for both men and women, became Olympic sports, and women’s [ice hockey](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ice-hockey) was added to the program. | [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Bjørn Daehlie](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Manuela Di Centa](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Manuela-Di-Centa), [Georg Hackl](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Georg-Hackl), [Dominik Hašek](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Dominik-Hasek), [Jaromir Jagr](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jaromir-Jagr), [Lasse Kjus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lasse-Kjus), [Michelle Kwan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Michelle-Kwan), [Tara Lipinski](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tara-Lipinski), [Hermann Maier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hermann-Maier), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [Manon Rhéaume](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Manon-Rheaume), [Bente Skari](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bente-Skari), [Elvis Stojko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Elvis-Stojko), [Picabo Street](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Picabo-Street), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Yang Yang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yang-Yang), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Salt Lake City 2002](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Salt-Lake-City-2002-Olympic-Winter-Games) | Scandal and security concerns shaped the 2002 Games well before they began. A bribery investigation revealed that the [Salt Lake](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Salt-Lake-City) organizing committee had provided cash, gifts, scholarships, and other benefits to IOC members, leading to the resignation of four IOC officials and the Salt Lake committee’s two top executives. The [September 11 terrorist attacks](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Winter-Olympic-Games\/additional-info#Researchers-Note) and the ensuing war on terrorism heightened fears that heavy security and U.S. [nationalism](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/nationalism) might undermine Olympic ideals of international unity. The number of events expanded to 78: [Skeleton sledding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/skeleton-sledding)—which had only been held twice before, in 1928 and 1948—returned to the program, and women’s [bobsledding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/bobsledding) debuted. | [Simon Ammann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Simon-Ammann), [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Martin Brodeur](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Martin-Brodeur), [Clara Hughes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clara-Hughes), [Lasse Kjus](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lasse-Kjus), [Cindy Klassen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Cindy-Klassen), [Janica Kostelić](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Janica-Kostelic), [Michelle Kwan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Michelle-Kwan), [André Lange](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andre-Lange), [Mario Lemieux](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Mario-Lemieux), [Bode Miller](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bode-Miller), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Apolo-Ohno), [Sylke Otto](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sylke-Otto), [Anja Pärson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anja-Parson), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [David Pelletier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/David-Pelletier), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Benjamin Raich](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Benjamin-Raich), [Jamie Salé](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jamie-Sale), [Bente Skari](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bente-Skari), [Irina Slutskaya](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Slutskaya), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Yang Yang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yang-Yang), [Steve Yzerman](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Steve-Yzerman), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Turin 2006](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Turin-2006-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The Winter Games returned to Italy in 2006 after a 50-year absence. The events were divided among seven villages—mostly in the mountainous Piedmont region to the west—and Turin. Nightly medal ceremonies held in the Piazza Castello, Turin’s main piazza, contributed to a celebratory atmosphere, which impressed the IOC’s president, Jacques Rogge, who suggested that the concept be carried over to subsequent Olympiads. The program also introduced new events, including speed skating team pursuit, mass-start biathlon races, and snowboard cross, a head-to-head downhill race marked by a series of jumps and sharp turns. The number of countries participating expanded with new teams from [Albania](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Albania), [Ethiopia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Ethiopia), and [Madagascar](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Madagascar). | [Viktor Ahn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Viktor-Ahn), [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Shani Davis](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shani-Davis), [Tatjana Hüfner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tatjana-Hufner), [Clara Hughes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clara-Hughes), [Jaromir Jagr](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jaromir-Jagr), [Cindy Klassen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Cindy-Klassen), [Janica Kostelić](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Janica-Kostelic), [Sven Kramer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sven-Kramer), [André Lange](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andre-Lange), [Nicklas Lidstrom](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Nicklas-Lidstrom), [Ted Ligety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ted-Ligety), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Linger-brothers), [Hermann Maier](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hermann-Maier), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Apolo-Ohno), [Sylke Otto](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sylke-Otto), [Anja Pärson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anja-Parson), [Claudia Pechstein](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Claudia-Pechstein), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Benjamin Raich](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Benjamin-Raich), [Irina Slutskaya](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Irina-Slutskaya), [Shaun White](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shaun-White), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust), [Yang Yang](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yang-Yang), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Vancouver 2010](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Vancouver-2010-Olympic-Games) | Vancouver was the third Canadian city to host an Olympic Games, and the 2010 Games stretched well beyond the city limits, covering a 75-mile (120-km) territory that cut south to the nearby town of Richmond and north to the Coast Mountains resort town of Whistler. Indoor sports such as curling, ice hockey, and all the various skating competitions were held in Vancouver and Richmond, while Whistler hosted most of the Games’ mountain sports, including many skiing and sliding events. The Vancouver opening ceremony was the first Olympic opening ceremony to be held indoors, and three billion worldwide viewers tuned in to watch the 2010 Games’ 17 days of competition. | [Simon Ammann](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Simon-Ammann), [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Martin Brodeur](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Martin-Brodeur), [Sidney Crosby](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sidney-Crosby), [Shani Davis](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shani-Davis), [Martins Dukurs](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Martins-Dukurs), [Steven Holcomb](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Steven-Holcomb), [Tatjana Hüfner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tatjana-Hufner), [Clara Hughes](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Clara-Hughes), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Carlo Janka](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Carlo-Janka), [Kim Yuna](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kim-Yu-Na), [Sven Kramer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sven-Kramer), [André Lange](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Andre-Lange), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Linger-brothers), [Evan Lysacek](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Evan-Lysacek), [Tina Maze](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tina-Maze), [Bode Miller](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bode-Miller), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Apolo-Ohno), [Anja Pärson](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Anja-Parson), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Aksel Lund Svindal](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aksel-Lund-Svindal), [Jonathan Toews](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jonathan-Toews), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Lindsey Vonn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lindsey-Vonn), [Shaun White](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shaun-White), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust), and [Armin Zöggeler](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Armin-Zoggeler) |\n| [Sochi 2014](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Sochi-2014-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics marked the first time the Winter Games were held in [Russia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Russia), which reportedly spent \\$51 billion on the Games—more than any previous host. Competition venues were organized in two clusters: a coastal cluster along the [Black Sea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Black-Sea) for indoor ice events and a mountain cluster for skiing and sliding sports in the Krasnaya Polyana area of the [Caucasus Mountains](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Caucasus). A record 88 national Olympic committees participated—among them newcomers [Malta](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Malta), [Paraguay](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Paraguay), [East Timor](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/East-Timor), [Togo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Togo), [Tonga](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Tonga), and [Zimbabwe](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Zimbabwe). Twelve new events debuted, including women’s [ski jumping](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-jumping) and [snowboarding](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/snowboarding) for both men and women. | [Viktor Ahn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Viktor-Ahn), [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Patrick Chan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Patrick-Chan), [Sidney Crosby](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sidney-Crosby), [Martins Dukurs](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Martins-Dukurs), [Marcel Hirscher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marcel-Hirscher), [Steven Holcomb](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Steven-Holcomb), [Tatjana Hüfner](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tatjana-Hufner), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Kim Yuna](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kim-Yu-Na), [Sven Kramer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sven-Kramer), [Ted Ligety](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ted-Ligety), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Linger-brothers), [Tina Maze](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tina-Maze), [Bode Miller](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Bode-Miller), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Mikaela-Shiffrin), [Jonathan Toews](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Jonathan-Toews), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust), and [Hanyu Yuzuru](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hanyu-Yuzuru) |\n| [Pyeongchang 2018](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Pyeongchang-2018-Winter-Olympic-Games) | The 23rd occurrence of the Winter Olympic Games was the first Winter Games hosted by [South Korea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/South-Korea). [North Korea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/North-Korea) and South Korea marched together at the opening ceremonies under a unified Korea banner. Four new events were added: men’s and women’s snowboard big air, mixed doubles curling, men’s and women’s speed skating mass start, and mixed team Alpine skiing. [Ecuador](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Ecuador), [Eritrea](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Eritrea), [Kosovo](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Kosovo), [Malaysia](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Malaysia), [Nigeria](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Nigeria), and [Singapore](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Singapore) made their Winter Games debut. | [Marit Bjørgen](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marit-Bjorgen), [Patrick Chan](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Patrick-Chan), [Marcel Hirscher](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Marcel-Hirscher), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Chloe Kim](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Chloe-Kim), [Sven Kramer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sven-Kramer), [Sarah Nurse](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sarah-Nurse), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Mikaela-Shiffrin), [Aksel Lund Svindal](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Aksel-Lund-Svindal), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Lindsey Vonn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lindsey-Vonn), [Shaun White](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Shaun-White), [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust), and [Hanyu Yuzuru](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Hanyu-Yuzuru) |\n| [Beijing 2022](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Beijing-2022-Olympic-Winter-Games) | In 2022 Beijing became the first city to host both the [Summer](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/Summer-Olympic-Games) and Winter Olympics. The Winter Games were held across three zones: Beijing, the Yanqing zone, about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Beijing, and the [Zhangjiakou](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Kalgan) zone, more than 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Beijing. Each zone had its own Olympic Village, and a high-speed railway connected Beijing and Zhangjiakou. Held during the [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/COVID-19) pandemic, the Games followed strict health protocols and overseas spectators were not allowed. Seven new events debuted, including freestyle skiing big air for men and women. | [Eileen Gu](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eileen-Gu), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Lindsey Jacobellis](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lindsey-Jacobellis), [Chloe Kim](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Chloe-Kim), [Sarah Nurse](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sarah-Nurse), and [Ireen Wüst](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ireen-Wust) |\n| [Milano Cortina 2026](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/event\/Milano-Cortina-2026-Olympic-Winter-Games) | The Milano Cortina Winter Games featured 116 events across 16 winter sports and drew some 2,900 athletes from 90 countries as participants. The Games took place in eight locations spread across northern [Italy](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Italy), a region renowned as a winter sports destination because of its proximity to the [Alps](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Alps). Making its Olympic debut in 2026 was [ski mountaineering](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/sports\/ski-mountaineering), or skimo, in which participants first wear boots and climbing skins to ascend mountainous terrain and then descend a slope using downhill skiing techniques. | [Sidney Crosby](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sidney-Crosby), [Amber Glenn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Amber-Glenn), [Eileen Gu](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Eileen-Gu), [Kaillie Humphries](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Kaillie-Humphries), [Chloe Kim](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Chloe-Kim), [Ilia Malinin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Ilia-Malinin), [Connor McDavid](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Connor-McDavid), [Sarah Nurse](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Sarah-Nurse), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Mikaela-Shiffrin), and [Lindsey Vonn](https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Lindsey-Vonn) |\n\nExplore the Events","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games
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Meta Title	Winter Olympic Games \| Milano Cortina 2026, Dates, List, Sports, Locations, Events, History, & Athletes \| Britannica
Meta Description	Once a quieter counterpart to the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Explore the table for descriptions of historical Winter Olympic Games, links to content and athlete biographies, and surprising facts and firsts.
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Boilerpipe Text	The first Winter Olympic Games Spectators surrounding the track at the start of the 10,000-meter speed skating event at the first Winter Olympic Games, held in Chamonix, France, 1924. News • Once a quieter counterpart to the Summer Olympics , the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Statistics from the event’s first century reflect this rapid expansion: Athlete participation has increased more than tenfold—from more than 250 competitors in 1924 to about 2,900 in 2026. Only 13 of those original athletes were women, who competed in only one of the Games’ nine sports: figure skating . By contrast, the 2026 Milano Cortina Games approached gender parity, with women participating in 12 of the 16 disciplines and comprising 47 percent of all athletes. While the 16 teams in 1924 represented only a small slice of the world, the 90 participating national teams in 2026 illustrate the Olympics’ global reach. With each new Winter Games, new sports have been added to the roster, requiring exceptional strength, speed, agility, grace, and, in many cases, courage beyond spectators’ comprehension. The table below lists the Winter Games with links to more content, surprising facts, notable moments, and profiles of athletes whose stories have captured our attention. Winter Games Firsts and Notable Facts Notable Athletes Chamonix 1924 The Chamonix Games were originally staged as the International Olympic Committee (IOC)-sponsored International Winter Sports Week but not sanctioned as an official Olympic Games. Well-organized and equipped with new facilities, the event was a success and led the IOC to amend its charter in 1925, establishing the Winter Games. Chamonix was thereafter recognized as the first Winter Olympics. Thirteen women participated in the figure skating competitions, the only sport open to female athletes at that time. Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet , Gillis Grafström , Thorleif Haug , Sonja Henie , and Clas Thunberg St. Moritz 1928 The St. Moritz Olympics were marred by bad weather. The culprit was the foehn , a strong wind that carried with it warm air, causing temperatures to soar above 75 °F (24 °C) some afternoons. Numerous events were rescheduled, and one contest—the 10,000-meter speed skating event—was canceled, though some books list American Irving Jaffee , who held the lead after the first run, as the winner. St. Moritz also marked the return of German athletes, who had been banned from Olympic competition following World War I . Ivar Ballangrud , Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet , Gillis Grafström , Sonja Henie , Irving Jaffee , Karl Schäfer , and Clas Thunberg Lake Placid 1932 Worldwide economic depression cast a shadow over the Lake Placid Games. Only 17 countries attended, and more than half of the roughly 250 participating athletes were from Canada and the United States . The Games generated little revenue, and the organizers, who had built a new stadium and bobsled run, suffered huge financial losses. The first formal victory ceremonies with the awarding of medals were held at Lake Placid. Ivar Ballangrud , Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet , Eddie Eagan , Gillis Grafström , Sonja Henie , Irving Jaffee , Birger Ruud , Karl Schäfer , and Jack Shea Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936 German Chancellor Adolf Hitler opened the 1936 Winter Olympics. Although not as politically charged as the 1936 Berlin Games , the event was manipulated by the Nazi regime, which suppressed unfavorable press coverage and staged lavish celebrations to mark the openings of new facilities. Female athletes were now allowed to compete in two sports: figure skating and Alpine (skiing) combined. The Winter Olympics’ symbolic fire was first lit at the 1936 Games, and radio coverage also debuted. Ivar Ballangrud , Sonja Henie , Birger Ruud , and Karl Schäfer The 1940 Games, scheduled for Garmisch-Partenkirchen , Germany, were canceled because of World War II . The 1944 Games, scheduled for Cortina d’Ampezzo , Italy, were canceled because of World War II . St. Moritz 1948 After an absence of 12 years as a result of World War II , Olympic competition returned in 1948. The Games, however, felt the effects of the war, as countries were unable to properly equip their teams, forcing athletes to improvise. Twenty-eight countries, represented by 669 athletes, attended: Japan and Germany were not invited to compete. In singles figure skating, Dick Button became the first American to earn a gold medal. Dick Button , Andrea Mead Lawrence, Henri Oreiller , Birger Ruud , and Barbara Ann Scott Oslo 1952 The 1952 Games were the first to be held in a Scandinavian country. Oslo saw the Winter Games debut of the Olympic torch , a tradition started in the Summer Games . Athletes from Japan and Germany (West Germans only) were once again allowed to compete. Female athletes participated in cross-country skiing , which became the third sport in which women could compete. The tabulation of figure skating scores was assisted by computers for the first time, enabling the immediate delivery of a skater’s score. Tenley Albright , Hjalmar Andersen, Dick Button , Carlo Fassi , Veikko Hakulinen , and Andrea Mead Lawrence Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956 Originally awarded the 1944 Winter Games, which were canceled because of World War II, Cortina d’Ampezzo got another chance to host in 1956. An Italian television network carried live coverage of the Games—a first in the history of the Winter Olympics. The Soviet Union participated in its first Winter Olympics, dominating in many sports, including ice hockey , in which the Soviet team upset the Canadians , the reigning champions. Figure skating competitions were held outdoors for the last time in Cortina. Tenley Albright , Yevgeny Grishin, Veikko Hakulinen , Carol Heiss , David Jenkins , Hayes Alan Jenkins , Sixten Jernberg , Knut Johannesen , Eugenio Monti , and Anton Sailer Squaw Valley 1960 The United States hosted the Winter Olympic Games for the first time in 1960, and American television stations carried the Games live. Walt Disney managed the opening ceremonies. There, the Olympic Anthem, composed by Greek composer Spýros Samáras with words of Greek poet Kostís Palamás , was played for the first time in the 20th century (it was last played at the 1896 Athens Games ). New sports were added—the biathlon for men and speed skating for women. The bobsledding competition was not held, as organizers declined to build a run after only nine national teams signaled that they would compete. Yevgeny Grishin , Veikko Hakulinen , Carol Heiss , David Jenkins , Hayes Alan Jenkins , Sixten Jernberg , Knut Johannesen , Eero Mäntyranta , and Lidiya Skoblikova Innsbruck 1964 Innsbruck became the first Olympic city to hold events throughout the surrounding area, enabling more than one million spectators to watch the contests. For the first time in the Winter Games, the Olympic torch was lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, and then relayed to Innsbruck. The Games’ only major problem was the lack of snow, forcing the Austrian army to carry in more than 25,000 tons of snow for the Alpine skiing events. Artificial ice was first introduced on the bobsled track, making it safer for the athletes. New, potentially dangerous sports debuted: a large-hill ski jump was introduced, and luge joined the program for both men and women. First-time attendees included Mongolia , India , and North Korea . Peggy Fleming , Christine Goitschel , Marielle Goitschel , Yevgeny Grishin , Toini Gustafsson , Sixten Jernberg, Knut Johannesen , Aga Khan IV , Thomas Köhler , Eero Mäntyranta , Terry McDermott , Eugenio Monti , Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova , Lidiya Skoblikova , and Anatoly Tarasov Grenoble 1968 The 1968 Winter Games, opened by French Pres. Charles de Gaulle , were a triumph for France but were not without problems. Though a great deal of money was spent to ready the industrial city of Grenoble , its lack of facilities resulted in many contests being held in outlying areas. Spectators had to travel great distances to view events, and seven separate Olympic Villages were constructed, which critics claimed detracted from the camaraderie of the Games. The Grenoble Games saw several firsts: They were the first Games broadcast in color; doping controls were introduced; and women were subjected to gender verification tests. Peggy Fleming , Marielle Goitschel , Yevgeny Grishin , Toini Gustafsson , Dianne Holum , Jean-Claude Killy , Thomas Köhler , Galina Kulakova , Eero Mäntyranta , Terry McDermott , Rosi Mittermaier, Eugenio Monti , Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova , Nancy Greene Raine , Ard Schenk , and Anatoly Tarasov Sapporo 1972 After two unsuccessful attempts to secure the Olympics, Sapporo was finally awarded the 1972 Winter Games, making these the first Winter Games to be held in Asia . The Games were the most extravagant to date. To defray the high expenses, the organizers sold the television rights for over $8 million. Canada’s hockey team withdrew from the games after the IOC rejected its request to allow professional hockey players to play on the team, something that they claimed European countries were already doing. Dianne Holum , Galina Kulakova , Eero Mäntyranta , Rosi Mittermaier , Marie-Thérèse Nadig , Irina Rodnina , Ard Schenk , Anatoly Tarasov , and Vladislav Tretiak Innsbruck 1976 The 1976 Games were originally awarded to Denver , but, fearing environmental damage and an increase in costs, the citizens of Colorado voted against staging the event. Denver withdrew as host, and Innsbruck was awarded its second Winter Olympics. Using facilities from the 1964 Winter Games, Innsbruck needed to make only minor renovations to buildings. Two Olympic cauldrons were lit, representing the two times the Games were hosted in Innsbruck. The number of events climbed to 37 with the debut of ice dancing as a medal event. Robin Cousins , John Curry , Dorothy Hamill , Eric Heiden , Franz Klammer , Galina Kulakova , Rosi Mittermaier , Marie-Thérèse Nadig , Irina Rodnina , Raisa Smetanina , Ingemar Stenmark , and Vladislav Tretiak Lake Placid 1980 The 1980 Games marked the second time the small upstate New York town of Lake Placid had hosted the Winter Olympics. But, in the age of television and increasing numbers of spectators, Lake Placid was ill-equipped to handle the demands of a modern Games. Transportation was inadequate to move the crowds, and sports facilities were spread throughout the area, making it difficult for spectators to view the events. Organizers were forced to use artificial snow —an Olympic first. American speed skater Eric Heiden claimed another Winter Olympic first when he became the first person to win five individual gold medals in the same year. Robin Cousins , Jim Craig , Karin Enke , Slava Fetisov , Eric Heiden , Galina Kulakova , Phil Mahre , Annemarie Moser-Pröll , Marie-Thérèse Nadig , Irina Rodnina , Raisa Smetanina , Ingemar Stenmark , Vladislav Tretiak , Hanni Wenzel , and Nikolay Zimyatov Sarajevo 1984 The awarding of the 14th Winter Olympics to Sarajevo (now in Bosnia and Herzegovina ) caught many by surprise, including the host country, Yugoslavia . The choice of Sarajevo proved appropriate, however, as the 1984 Games were highlighted by the appearance of smaller countries. To encourage participation, the IOC agreed to pay the expenses of one male and one female participant from each country. Egypt , the British Virgin Islands , Monaco , Puerto Rico , and Senegal made their Winter Olympics debuts. Karin Enke , Slava Fetisov , Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen , Scott Hamilton , Dan Jansen , Christa Luding-Rothenburger , Phil Mahre , Matti Nykänen , Raisa Smetanina , Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean , Vladislav Tretiak , Katarina Witt , and Nikolay Zimyatov Calgary 1988 The 15th Winter Games marked Canada’s first time as host, and the Games’ duration grew to 16 days, covering 3 weekends. The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) paid $309 million for the television rights, and advertisers were able to influence the starting times of events to maximize their products’ exposure, leading many to charge that the Games resembled well-rehearsed shows instead of sporting contests. The supergiant slalom (super G) was added, and the Alpine combined (downhill and slalom) returned after being absent from the Olympics for 40 years. Curling entered the Games as a demonstration sport (it would become full sport in 1998). And smoking was prohibited at the Games for the first time. Bonnie Blair , Brian Boitano , Karin Enke , Slava Fetisov , Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov , Georg Hackl , Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen , Dan Jansen , Christa Luding-Rothenburger , Matti Nykänen , Vreni Schneider , Raisa Smetanina , Alberto Tomba , Vegard Ulvang , Yvonne van Gennip , and Katarina Witt Albertville 1992 Big changes defined the 1992 Games. It was the last time that the Summer and Winter Games would be held in the same year; the next Winter Games were scheduled for 1994, while the Summer Games were slated for 1996. The 1992 Games also reflected the changing political climate in central and eastern Europe . Competing as the Unified Team, athletes from the former Soviet republics teamed up for the last time. Germany competed as a reunited country following the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989), and Lithuania , Latvia , and Estonia competed as independent countries for the first time in more than 50 years. Also for the first time, the Winter Paralympic Games were held in the same region immediately following the Winter Games. Myriam Bédard , Bonnie Blair , Bjørn Daehlie , Marc Girardelli , Georg Hackl , Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen , Dan Jansen , Johann Olav Koss , Christa Luding-Rothenburger , Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann , Claudia Pechstein , Raisa Smetanina , Alberto Tomba , Cathy Turner , Vegard Ulvang , Yelena Vyalbe , and Lyubov Yegorova Lillehammer 1994 The 1994 Games were noteworthy for their environmental conservation and commitment to sustainability targets and goals. The republics of the former Soviet Union competed as separate teams, and, after ending its policy of apartheid , South Africa participated for the first time in 34 years. The number of events also increased as more short-track speed skating and freestyle skiing contests were added. With the change in the IOC’s rules regarding amateur status and participation, professional athletes were allowed to compete at Lillehammer , a change that most affected figure skating , leading to the return of past Olympic champions. Oksana Baiul , Myriam Bédard , Bonnie Blair , Bjørn Daehlie , Manuela Di Centa , Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov , Georg Hackl , Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen , Tonya Harding , Dan Jansen , Lasse Kjus , Johann Olav Koss , Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann , Claudia Pechstein , Vreni Schneider , Elvis Stojko , Picabo Street , Alberto Tomba , Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean , Cathy Turner , Vegard Ulvang , Yelena Vyalbe , Lyubov Yegorova , and Armin Zöggeler Nagano 1998 The most memorable aspect of the Nagano Games was arguably the weather , which brought heavy snow and periods of freezing rain. There was even an earthquake . The Alpine skiing competition was most affected by the heavy snows that caused several events to be rescheduled. The earthquake, which occurred on February 20, was of moderate magnitude but was felt throughout the city and in the smaller towns that served as sports venues. Snowboarding and curling, for both men and women, became Olympic sports, and women’s ice hockey was added to the program. Ole Einar Bjørndalen , Bjørn Daehlie , Manuela Di Centa , Georg Hackl , Dominik Hašek , Jaromir Jagr , Lasse Kjus , Michelle Kwan , Tara Lipinski , Hermann Maier , Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann , Claudia Pechstein , Manon Rhéaume , Bente Skari , Elvis Stojko , Picabo Street , Hayley Wickenheiser , Yang Yang , and Armin Zöggeler Salt Lake City 2002 Scandal and security concerns shaped the 2002 Games well before they began. A bribery investigation revealed that the Salt Lake organizing committee had provided cash, gifts, scholarships, and other benefits to IOC members, leading to the resignation of four IOC officials and the Salt Lake committee’s two top executives. The September 11 terrorist attacks and the ensuing war on terrorism heightened fears that heavy security and U.S. nationalism might undermine Olympic ideals of international unity. The number of events expanded to 78: Skeleton sledding —which had only been held twice before, in 1928 and 1948—returned to the program, and women’s bobsledding debuted. Simon Ammann , Marit Bjørgen , Ole Einar Bjørndalen , Martin Brodeur , Clara Hughes , Lasse Kjus , Cindy Klassen , Janica Kostelić , Michelle Kwan , André Lange , Mario Lemieux , Bode Miller , Apolo Anton Ohno , Sylke Otto , Anja Pärson , Claudia Pechstein , David Pelletier , Yevgeny Plushchenko , Benjamin Raich , Jamie Salé , Bente Skari , Irina Slutskaya , Hayley Wickenheiser , Yang Yang , Steve Yzerman , and Armin Zöggeler Turin 2006 The Winter Games returned to Italy in 2006 after a 50-year absence. The events were divided among seven villages—mostly in the mountainous Piedmont region to the west—and Turin. Nightly medal ceremonies held in the Piazza Castello, Turin’s main piazza, contributed to a celebratory atmosphere, which impressed the IOC’s president, Jacques Rogge, who suggested that the concept be carried over to subsequent Olympiads. The program also introduced new events, including speed skating team pursuit, mass-start biathlon races, and snowboard cross, a head-to-head downhill race marked by a series of jumps and sharp turns. The number of countries participating expanded with new teams from Albania , Ethiopia , and Madagascar . Viktor Ahn , Marit Bjørgen , Ole Einar Bjørndalen , Shani Davis , Tatjana Hüfner , Clara Hughes , Jaromir Jagr , Cindy Klassen , Janica Kostelić , Sven Kramer , André Lange , Nicklas Lidstrom , Ted Ligety , Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger , Hermann Maier , Apolo Anton Ohno , Sylke Otto , Anja Pärson , Claudia Pechstein , Yevgeny Plushchenko , Benjamin Raich , Irina Slutskaya , Shaun White , Hayley Wickenheiser , Ireen Wüst , Yang Yang , and Armin Zöggeler Vancouver 2010 Vancouver was the third Canadian city to host an Olympic Games, and the 2010 Games stretched well beyond the city limits, covering a 75-mile (120-km) territory that cut south to the nearby town of Richmond and north to the Coast Mountains resort town of Whistler. Indoor sports such as curling, ice hockey, and all the various skating competitions were held in Vancouver and Richmond, while Whistler hosted most of the Games’ mountain sports, including many skiing and sliding events. The Vancouver opening ceremony was the first Olympic opening ceremony to be held indoors, and three billion worldwide viewers tuned in to watch the 2010 Games’ 17 days of competition. Simon Ammann , Marit Bjørgen , Ole Einar Bjørndalen , Martin Brodeur , Sidney Crosby , Shani Davis , Martins Dukurs , Steven Holcomb , Tatjana Hüfner , Clara Hughes , Kaillie Humphries , Carlo Janka , Kim Yuna , Sven Kramer , André Lange , Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger , Evan Lysacek , Tina Maze , Bode Miller , Apolo Anton Ohno , Anja Pärson , Yevgeny Plushchenko , Aksel Lund Svindal , Jonathan Toews , Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir , Lindsey Vonn , Shaun White , Hayley Wickenheiser , Ireen Wüst , and Armin Zöggeler Sochi 2014 The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics marked the first time the Winter Games were held in Russia , which reportedly spent $51 billion on the Games—more than any previous host. Competition venues were organized in two clusters: a coastal cluster along the Black Sea for indoor ice events and a mountain cluster for skiing and sliding sports in the Krasnaya Polyana area of the Caucasus Mountains . A record 88 national Olympic committees participated—among them newcomers Malta , Paraguay , East Timor , Togo , Tonga , and Zimbabwe . Twelve new events debuted, including women’s ski jumping and snowboarding for both men and women. Viktor Ahn , Marit Bjørgen , Ole Einar Bjørndalen , Patrick Chan , Sidney Crosby , Martins Dukurs , Marcel Hirscher , Steven Holcomb , Tatjana Hüfner , Kaillie Humphries , Kim Yuna , Sven Kramer , Ted Ligety , Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger , Tina Maze , Bode Miller , Yevgeny Plushchenko , Mikaela Shiffrin , Jonathan Toews , Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir , Hayley Wickenheiser , Ireen Wüst , and Hanyu Yuzuru Pyeongchang 2018 The 23rd occurrence of the Winter Olympic Games was the first Winter Games hosted by South Korea . North Korea and South Korea marched together at the opening ceremonies under a unified Korea banner. Four new events were added: men’s and women’s snowboard big air, mixed doubles curling, men’s and women’s speed skating mass start, and mixed team Alpine skiing. Ecuador , Eritrea , Kosovo , Malaysia , Nigeria , and Singapore made their Winter Games debut. Marit Bjørgen , Patrick Chan , Marcel Hirscher , Kaillie Humphries , Chloe Kim , Sven Kramer , Sarah Nurse , Mikaela Shiffrin , Aksel Lund Svindal , Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir , Lindsey Vonn , Shaun White , Ireen Wüst , and Hanyu Yuzuru Beijing 2022 In 2022 Beijing became the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The Winter Games were held across three zones: Beijing, the Yanqing zone, about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Beijing, and the Zhangjiakou zone, more than 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Beijing. Each zone had its own Olympic Village, and a high-speed railway connected Beijing and Zhangjiakou. Held during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Games followed strict health protocols and overseas spectators were not allowed. Seven new events debuted, including freestyle skiing big air for men and women. Eileen Gu , Kaillie Humphries , Lindsey Jacobellis , Chloe Kim , Sarah Nurse , and Ireen Wüst Milano Cortina 2026 The Milano Cortina Winter Games featured 116 events across 16 winter sports and drew some 2,900 athletes from 90 countries as participants. The Games took place in eight locations spread across northern Italy , a region renowned as a winter sports destination because of its proximity to the Alps . Making its Olympic debut in 2026 was ski mountaineering , or skimo, in which participants first wear boots and climbing skins to ascend mountainous terrain and then descend a slope using downhill skiing techniques. Sidney Crosby , Amber Glenn , Eileen Gu , Kaillie Humphries , Chloe Kim , Ilia Malinin , Connor McDavid , Sarah Nurse , Mikaela Shiffrin , and Lindsey Vonn Explore the Events
Markdown	[![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [![Encyclopedia Britannica](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel/eb-logo/MendelNewThistleLogo.png)](https://www.britannica.com/) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=global-nav-mobile&utm_campaign=blue-evergreen) Login https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm\_source=premium\&utm\_medium=nav-login-box\&utm\_campaign=evergreen [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=hamburger-menu&utm_campaign=blue) [Ask the Chatbot](https://www.britannica.com/chatbot) [Games & Quizzes](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/browse) [History & Society](https://www.britannica.com/History-Society) [Science & Tech](https://www.britannica.com/Science-Tech) [Biographies](https://www.britannica.com/Biographies) [Animals & Nature](https://www.britannica.com/Animals-Nature) [Geography & Travel](https://www.britannica.com/Geography-Travel) [Arts & Culture](https://www.britannica.com/Arts-Culture) [ProCon](https://www.britannica.com/procon) [Money](https://www.britannica.com/money) [Videos](https://www.britannica.com/videos) [Winter Olympic Games](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games) [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games/additional-info) [Quick Facts & Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Winter-Olympic-Games) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games/images-videos) [![The first Winter Olympic Games](https://cdn.britannica.com/93/282993-004-FC9640B2/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/93/282993-050-91B7B106/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg) [![Viktor Ahn](https://cdn.britannica.com/53/222853-004-26A38301/Viktor-Ahn-short-track-500m-final-Sochi-Winter-Olympics-February-21-2014.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/53/222853-050-DF0AE05E/Viktor-Ahn-short-track-500m-final-Sochi-Winter-Olympics-February-21-2014.jpg) [![Catching air](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/233221-004-0110CD58/torah-bright-Australia-snowboarder-2014.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/233221-050-A0038475/torah-bright-Australia-snowboarder-2014.jpg) [![Christl Cranz](https://cdn.britannica.com/24/282024-004-480B52DE/1936-winter-olympic-games-Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Germany-womens-alpine-combined-skiing.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/24/282024-050-1FDA1154/1936-winter-olympic-games-Garmisch-Partenkirchen-Germany-womens-alpine-combined-skiing.jpg) [![Helga Haase](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/282027-004-6C69DC26/1960-winter-olympic-games-Squaw-Valley-California-speed-skater.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/282027-050-7DD77C06/1960-winter-olympic-games-Squaw-Valley-California-speed-skater.jpg) [![Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen at the Sarajevo 1984 Winter Olympic Games](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/249402-004-7FB5CF4F/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen-Kirvesniemi-Finland-Cross-Country-Skiing-1984-Winter-Olympics-Yugoslavia.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/249402-050-51489E77/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen-Kirvesniemi-Finland-Cross-Country-Skiing-1984-Winter-Olympics-Yugoslavia.jpg) [![Opening ceremony at St. Moritz, 1948](https://cdn.britannica.com/97/282997-004-9A3DD856/The-opening-ceremony-of-the-1948-Winter-Olympics-at-the-Ice-Stadium-in-St-Moritz-Switzerland.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/97/282997-050-8457D084/The-opening-ceremony-of-the-1948-Winter-Olympics-at-the-Ice-Stadium-in-St-Moritz-Switzerland.jpg) [![Giant slalom medalists](https://cdn.britannica.com/00/283000-004-3532540C/athletes-waves-to-the-crowd-from-the-podium-of-the-mens-giant-slalom-of-the-1972-Winter-Olympics-in-Sapporo-Japan.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/00/283000-050-BFBB2829/athletes-waves-to-the-crowd-from-the-podium-of-the-mens-giant-slalom-of-the-1972-Winter-Olympics-in-Sapporo-Japan.jpg) [![Andrea Mead Lawrence](https://cdn.britannica.com/86/282086-004-43475A1E/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence-alpine-skier-1952-Oslo-Olympics.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/86/282086-050-C9056B03/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence-alpine-skier-1952-Oslo-Olympics.jpg) [![Snowboarder Ross Rebagliati](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/18402-004-91647E9D/Ross-Rebagliati-Canada-competitor-gold-medal-snowboarding-1998.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/18402-050-807AF95C/Ross-Rebagliati-Canada-competitor-gold-medal-snowboarding-1998.jpg) Quizzes [![Ice skate blade. Ice skating figure skating. Hompepage blog 2009, arts and entertainment, history and society, sports and games athletics](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/129621-131-3A408F7D/Ice-skate-blade-skating-figure-blog-entertainment-2009.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/cold-weather-games) [Cold Weather Games](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/cold-weather-games) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything [Sports & Recreation](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Sports-Recreation) [Olympic Sports](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Olympic-Sports) CITE Share Feedback External Websites # Winter Olympic Games Homework Help Also known as: Winter Games, Winter Olympics Written by [Mindy Johnston Mindy Spitzer Johnston is Managing Editor at Encyclopædia Britannica.](https://www.britannica.com/editor/mindy-johnston/12488102) Mindy Johnston Fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 12, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything [![The first Winter Olympic Games](https://cdn.britannica.com/93/282993-050-91B7B106/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg?w=1000)](https://cdn.britannica.com/93/282993-050-91B7B106/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg) [The first Winter Olympic Games](https://cdn.britannica.com/93/282993-050-91B7B106/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)Spectators surrounding the track at the start of the 10,000-meter speed skating event at the first Winter Olympic Games, held in Chamonix, France, 1924. (more) Did You Know? Olympic competition in two winter [sports](https://www.britannica.com/sports/sports) predates the first Winter Olympic Games: [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) (debuted at the [1908 London Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/London-1908-Olympic-Games)) and [ice hockey](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-hockey) (first played at the [1920 Antwerp Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/Antwerp-1920-Olympic-Games)). ## News • [Russian Olympic Committee to pay athletes banned from Winter Olympics](https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/c9wqvx17q12o) • Apr. 8, 2026, 3:27 AM ET (BBC) ...(Show more) [Curling-Sport's new professional league bets big on Olympic buzz](https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/curling-sports-new-professional-league-bets-big-on-olympic-buzz) • Apr. 4, 2026, 8:09 AM ET (Straits Times) [Winter Olympics 2026: No positive doping tests during Milan-Cortina Games](https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/ce8jzpj6nyko) • Apr. 3, 2026, 6:18 AM ET (BBC) [Snowboarding star Su Yiming claims second Crystal Globe trophy of the season](https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348252/chinese-snowboarding-star-su-yiming-claims-second-crystal-globe-trophy-season) • Mar. 28, 2026, 11:00 AM ET (South China Morning Post) [Chinese Winter Olympic champs Ning Zhongyan, Wang Xindi to play league football](https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348202/chinese-winter-olympic-champions-ning-zhongyan-wang-xindi-play-football-league) • Mar. 27, 2026, 10:00 PM ET (South China Morning Post) Show less Once a quieter counterpart to the [Summer Olympics](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Summer-Olympic-Games), the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Statistics from the event’s first century reflect this rapid expansion: Athlete participation has increased more than tenfold—from more than 250 competitors in 1924 to about 2,900 in 2026. Only 13 of those original athletes were women, who competed in only one of the Games’ nine sports: [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating). By contrast, the [2026 Milano Cortina Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/Milano-Cortina-2026-Olympic-Winter-Games) approached gender parity, with women participating in 12 of the 16 [disciplines](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disciplines) and [comprising](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprising) 47 percent of all athletes. While the 16 teams in 1924 represented only a small slice of the world, the 90 participating national teams in 2026 illustrate the Olympics’ global reach. With each new Winter Games, new sports have been added to the roster, requiring exceptional strength, speed, agility, grace, and, in many cases, courage beyond spectators’ comprehension. The table below lists the Winter Games with links to more content, surprising facts, notable moments, and profiles of athletes whose stories have captured our attention. \| Winter Games \| Firsts and Notable Facts \| Notable Athletes \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| [Chamonix 1924](https://www.britannica.com/event/Chamonix-1924-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The Chamonix Games were originally staged as the [International Olympic Committee](https://www.britannica.com/topic/International-Olympic-Committee) (IOC)-sponsored International Winter Sports Week but not sanctioned as an official Olympic Games. Well-organized and equipped with new facilities, the event was a success and led the IOC to amend its charter in 1925, establishing the Winter Games. Chamonix was thereafter recognized as the first Winter Olympics. Thirteen women participated in the [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) competitions, the only sport open to female athletes at that time. \| [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Gillis Grafström](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Thorleif Haug](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thorleif-Haug), [Sonja Henie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sonja-Henie), and [Clas Thunberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clas-Thunberg) \| \| [St. Moritz 1928](https://www.britannica.com/event/St-Moritz-1928-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The St. Moritz Olympics were marred by bad weather. The culprit was the [foehn](https://www.britannica.com/science/foehn), a strong wind that carried with it warm air, causing temperatures to soar above 75 °F (24 °C) some afternoons. Numerous events were rescheduled, and one contest—the 10,000-meter speed skating event—was canceled, though some books list American [Irving Jaffee](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irving-Jaffee), who held the lead after the first run, as the winner. St. Moritz also marked the return of [German](https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany) athletes, who had been banned from Olympic competition following [World War I](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I). \| [Ivar Ballangrud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Gillis Grafström](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Sonja Henie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sonja-Henie), [Irving Jaffee](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irving-Jaffee), [Karl Schäfer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Schafer), and [Clas Thunberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clas-Thunberg) \| \| [Lake Placid 1932](https://www.britannica.com/event/Lake-Placid-1932-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Worldwide [economic depression](https://www.britannica.com/event/Great-Depression) cast a shadow over the Lake Placid Games. Only 17 countries attended, and more than half of the roughly 250 participating athletes were from [Canada](https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada) and the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States). The Games generated little revenue, and the organizers, who had built a new stadium and bobsled run, suffered huge financial losses. The first formal victory ceremonies with the awarding of [medals](https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-athletes-with-the-most-Olympic-medals) were held at Lake Placid. \| [Ivar Ballangrud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Eddie Eagan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eddie-Eagan), [Gillis Grafström](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Sonja Henie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sonja-Henie), [Irving Jaffee](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irving-Jaffee), [Birger Ruud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Birger-Ruud), [Karl Schäfer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Schafer), and [Jack Shea](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jack-Shea) \| \| [Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936](https://www.britannica.com/event/Garmisch-Partenkirchen-1936-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| German Chancellor [Adolf Hitler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Adolf-Hitler) opened the 1936 Winter Olympics. Although not as politically charged as the [1936 Berlin Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/Berlin-1936-Olympic-Games), the event was manipulated by the [Nazi](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nazi-Party) regime, which suppressed unfavorable press coverage and staged lavish celebrations to mark the openings of new facilities. Female athletes were now allowed to compete in two sports: [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) and [Alpine](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Alpine-skiing) (skiing) combined. The Winter Olympics’ symbolic fire was first lit at the 1936 Games, and [radio](https://www.britannica.com/topic/radio) coverage also debuted. \| [Ivar Ballangrud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Sonja Henie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sonja-Henie), [Birger Ruud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Birger-Ruud), and [Karl Schäfer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Schafer) \| \| \| The 1940 Games, scheduled for [Garmisch-Partenkirchen](https://www.britannica.com/place/Garmisch-Partenkirchen), Germany, were canceled because of [World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II). \| \| \| \| The 1944 Games, scheduled for [Cortina d’Ampezzo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Cortina-dAmpezzo), Italy, were canceled because of [World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II). \| \| \| [St. Moritz 1948](https://www.britannica.com/event/St-Moritz-1948-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| After an absence of 12 years as a result of [World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II), Olympic competition returned in 1948. The Games, however, felt the effects of the war, as countries were unable to properly equip their teams, forcing athletes to improvise. Twenty-eight countries, represented by 669 athletes, attended: [Japan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan) and [Germany](https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany) were not invited to compete. In singles figure skating, [Dick Button](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dick-Button) became the first American to earn a gold medal. \| [Dick Button](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dick-Button), [Andrea Mead Lawrence,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence) [Henri Oreiller](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henri-Oreiller), [Birger Ruud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Birger-Ruud), and [Barbara Ann Scott](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Ann-Scott) \| \| [Oslo 1952](https://www.britannica.com/event/Oslo-1952-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1952 Games were the first to be held in a [Scandinavian](https://www.britannica.com/place/Scandinavia) country. Oslo saw the Winter Games debut of the [Olympic torch](https://www.britannica.com/story/how-does-the-olympic-torch-stay-lit), a tradition started in the [Summer Games](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Summer-Olympic-Games). Athletes from Japan and Germany (West Germans only) were once again allowed to compete. Female athletes participated in [cross-country skiing](https://www.britannica.com/sports/cross-country-skiing), which became the third sport in which women could compete. The tabulation of [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) scores was assisted by [computers](https://www.britannica.com/technology/computer) for the first time, enabling the immediate delivery of a skater’s score. \| [Tenley Albright](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tenley-Albright), [Hjalmar Andersen,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hjalmar-Andersen) [Dick Button](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dick-Button), [Carlo Fassi](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carlo-Fassi), [Veikko Hakulinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Veikko-Hakulinen), and [Andrea Mead Lawrence](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence) \| \| [Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956](https://www.britannica.com/event/Cortina-dAmpezzo-1956-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Originally awarded the 1944 Winter Games, which were canceled because of World War II, Cortina d’Ampezzo got another chance to host in 1956. An Italian [television](https://www.britannica.com/technology/television-technology) network carried live coverage of the Games—a first in the history of the Winter Olympics. The [Soviet Union](https://www.britannica.com/place/Soviet-Union) participated in its first Winter Olympics, dominating in many sports, including [ice hockey](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-hockey), in which the Soviet team upset the [Canadians](https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada), the reigning champions. Figure skating competitions were held outdoors for the last time in Cortina. \| [Tenley Albright](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tenley-Albright), [Yevgeny Grishin,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Grishin) [Veikko Hakulinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Veikko-Hakulinen), [Carol Heiss](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carol-Heiss), [David Jenkins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Jenkins), [Hayes Alan Jenkins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayes-Alan-Jenkins), [Sixten Jernberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sixten-Jernberg), [Knut Johannesen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Knut-Johannesen), [Eugenio Monti](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugenio-Monti), and [Anton Sailer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anton-Sailer) \| \| [Squaw Valley 1960](https://www.britannica.com/event/1960-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) hosted the Winter Olympic Games for the first time in 1960, and American television stations carried the Games live. [Walt Disney](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Walt-Disney) managed the opening ceremonies. There, the Olympic Anthem, composed by Greek composer Spýros Samáras with words of Greek poet [Kostís Palamás](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kostis-Palamas), was played for the first time in the 20th century (it was last played at the [1896 Athens Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/Athens-1896-Olympic-Games)). New sports were added—the [biathlon](https://www.britannica.com/sports/biathlon) for men and [speed skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/speed-skating) for women. The [bobsledding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/bobsledding) competition was not held, as organizers declined to build a run after only nine national teams signaled that they would compete. \| [Yevgeny Grishin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Veikko Hakulinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Veikko-Hakulinen), [Carol Heiss](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carol-Heiss), [David Jenkins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Jenkins), [Hayes Alan Jenkins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayes-Alan-Jenkins), [Sixten Jernberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sixten-Jernberg), [Knut Johannesen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Knut-Johannesen), [Eero Mäntyranta](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eero-Mantyranta), and [Lidiya Skoblikova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lidiya-Skoblikova) \| \| [Innsbruck 1964](https://www.britannica.com/event/Innsbruck-1964-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Innsbruck became the first Olympic city to hold events throughout the surrounding area, enabling more than one million spectators to watch the contests. For the first time in the Winter Games, the Olympic torch was lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, and then relayed to Innsbruck. The Games’ only major problem was the lack of snow, forcing the Austrian army to carry in more than 25,000 tons of snow for the Alpine skiing events. Artificial ice was first introduced on the bobsled track, making it safer for the athletes. New, potentially dangerous sports debuted: a large-hill [ski jump](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-jumping) was introduced, and [luge](https://www.britannica.com/sports/lugeing) joined the program for both men and women. First-time attendees included [Mongolia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Mongolia), [India](https://www.britannica.com/place/India), and [North Korea](https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Korea). \| [Peggy Fleming](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Peggy-Fleming), [Christine Goitschel](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christine-Goitschel), [Marielle Goitschel](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marielle-Goitschel), [Yevgeny Grishin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Toini Gustafsson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Toini-Gustafsson), [Sixten Jernberg,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sixten-Jernberg) [Knut Johannesen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Knut-Johannesen), [Aga Khan IV](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aga-Khan-IV), [Thomas Köhler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Kohler), [Eero Mäntyranta](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eero-Mantyranta), [Terry McDermott](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Terry-McDermott), [Eugenio Monti](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugenio-Monti), [Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/the-Protopopovs), [Lidiya Skoblikova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lidiya-Skoblikova), and [Anatoly Tarasov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anatoly-Tarasov) \| \| [Grenoble 1968](https://www.britannica.com/event/Grenoble-1968-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1968 Winter Games, opened by French Pres. [Charles de Gaulle](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-de-Gaulle-president-of-France), were a triumph for France but were not without problems. Though a great deal of money was spent to ready the industrial city of [Grenoble](https://www.britannica.com/place/Grenoble), its lack of facilities resulted in many contests being held in outlying areas. Spectators had to travel great distances to view events, and seven separate Olympic Villages were constructed, which critics claimed detracted from the camaraderie of the Games. The Grenoble Games saw several firsts: They were the first Games broadcast in color; [doping](https://www.britannica.com/science/doping) controls were introduced; and women were subjected to gender verification tests. \| [Peggy Fleming](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Peggy-Fleming), [Marielle Goitschel](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marielle-Goitschel), [Yevgeny Grishin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Toini Gustafsson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Toini-Gustafsson), [Dianne Holum](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dianne-Holum), [Jean-Claude Killy](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Claude-Killy), [Thomas Köhler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Kohler), [Galina Kulakova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galina-Kulakova), [Eero Mäntyranta](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eero-Mantyranta), [Terry McDermott](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Terry-McDermott), [Rosi Mittermaier,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosi-Mittermaier) [Eugenio Monti](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugenio-Monti), [Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/the-Protopopovs), [Nancy Greene Raine](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nancy-Greene-Raine), [Ard Schenk](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ard-Schenk), and [Anatoly Tarasov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anatoly-Tarasov) \| \| [Sapporo 1972](https://www.britannica.com/event/Sapporo-1972-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| After two unsuccessful attempts to secure the Olympics, Sapporo was finally awarded the 1972 Winter Games, making these the first Winter Games to be held in [Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Asia). The Games were the most extravagant to date. To defray the high expenses, the organizers sold the television rights for over \$8 million. Canada’s hockey team withdrew from the games after the IOC rejected its request to allow professional hockey players to play on the team, something that they claimed European countries were already doing. \| [Dianne Holum](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dianne-Holum), [Galina Kulakova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galina-Kulakova), [Eero Mäntyranta](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eero-Mantyranta), [Rosi Mittermaier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosi-Mittermaier), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Rodnina), [Ard Schenk](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ard-Schenk), [Anatoly Tarasov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anatoly-Tarasov), and [Vladislav Tretiak](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladislav-Tretiak) \| \| [Innsbruck 1976](https://www.britannica.com/event/Innsbruck-1976-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1976 Games were originally awarded to [Denver](https://www.britannica.com/place/Denver), but, fearing environmental damage and an increase in costs, the citizens of Colorado voted against staging the event. Denver withdrew as host, and Innsbruck was awarded its second Winter Olympics. Using facilities from the 1964 Winter Games, Innsbruck needed to make only minor renovations to buildings. Two Olympic cauldrons were lit, representing the two times the Games were hosted in Innsbruck. The number of events climbed to 37 with the debut of ice dancing as a medal event. \| [Robin Cousins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robin-Cousins), [John Curry](https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Curry), [Dorothy Hamill](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dorothy-Hamill), [Eric Heiden](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eric-Heiden), [Franz Klammer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Franz-Klammer), [Galina Kulakova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galina-Kulakova), [Rosi Mittermaier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosi-Mittermaier), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Rodnina), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Ingemar Stenmark](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ingemar-Stenmark), and [Vladislav Tretiak](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladislav-Tretiak) \| \| [Lake Placid 1980](https://www.britannica.com/event/Lake-Placid-1980-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1980 Games marked the second time the small upstate New York town of Lake Placid had hosted the Winter Olympics. But, in the age of television and increasing numbers of spectators, Lake Placid was ill-equipped to handle the demands of a modern Games. Transportation was inadequate to move the crowds, and sports facilities were spread throughout the area, making it difficult for spectators to view the events. Organizers were forced to use [artificial snow](https://www.britannica.com/technology/How-Is-Artificial-Snow-Made)—an Olympic first. American speed skater Eric Heiden claimed another Winter Olympic first when he became the first person to win five individual gold medals in the same year. \| [Robin Cousins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robin-Cousins), [Jim Craig](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jim-Craig), [Karin Enke](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Slava-Fetisov), [Eric Heiden](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eric-Heiden), [Galina Kulakova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galina-Kulakova), [Phil Mahre](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Phil-Mahre), [Annemarie Moser-Pröll](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annemarie-Moser-Proll), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Rodnina), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Ingemar Stenmark](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ingemar-Stenmark), [Vladislav Tretiak](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladislav-Tretiak), [Hanni Wenzel](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hanni-Wenzel), and [Nikolay Zimyatov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nikolay-Zimyatov) \| \| [Sarajevo 1984](https://www.britannica.com/event/Sarajevo-1984-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The awarding of the 14th Winter Olympics to [Sarajevo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Sarajevo) (now in [Bosnia and Herzegovina](https://www.britannica.com/place/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina)) caught many by surprise, including the host country, [Yugoslavia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Yugoslavia-former-federated-nation-1929-2003). The choice of Sarajevo proved appropriate, however, as the 1984 Games were highlighted by the appearance of smaller countries. To encourage participation, the IOC agreed to pay the expenses of one male and one female participant from each country. [Egypt](https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt), the [British Virgin Islands](https://www.britannica.com/place/British-Virgin-Islands), [Monaco](https://www.britannica.com/place/Monaco), [Puerto Rico](https://www.britannica.com/place/Puerto-Rico), and [Senegal](https://www.britannica.com/place/Senegal) made their Winter Olympics debuts. \| [Karin Enke](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Slava-Fetisov), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Scott Hamilton](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Scott-Hamilton), [Dan Jansen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Jansen), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Phil Mahre](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Phil-Mahre), [Matti Nykänen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matti-Nykanen), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Torvill-and-Dean), [Vladislav Tretiak](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladislav-Tretiak), [Katarina Witt](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katarina-Witt), and [Nikolay Zimyatov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nikolay-Zimyatov) \| \| [Calgary 1988](https://www.britannica.com/event/Calgary-1988-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 15th Winter Games marked Canada’s first time as host, and the Games’ duration grew to 16 days, covering 3 weekends. The [American Broadcasting Company](https://www.britannica.com/money/American-Broadcasting-Company) (ABC) paid \$309 million for the television rights, and advertisers were able to influence the starting times of events to maximize their products’ exposure, leading many to charge that the Games resembled well-rehearsed shows instead of sporting contests. The supergiant [slalom](https://www.britannica.com/sports/slalom-skiing-race) (super G) was added, and the Alpine combined (downhill and slalom) returned after being absent from the Olympics for 40 years. [Curling](https://www.britannica.com/sports/curling) entered the Games as a demonstration sport (it would become full sport in 1998). And smoking was prohibited at the Games for the first time. \| [Bonnie Blair](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bonnie-Blair), [Brian Boitano](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Brian-Boitano), [Karin Enke](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Slava-Fetisov), [Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yekaterina-Gordeeva-and-Sergey-Grinkov), [Georg Hackl](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Dan Jansen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Jansen), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Matti Nykänen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matti-Nykanen), [Vreni Schneider](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vreni-Schneider), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Alberto Tomba](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alberto-Tomba), [Vegard Ulvang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yvonne van Gennip](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yvonne-van-Gennip), and [Katarina Witt](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katarina-Witt) \| \| [Albertville 1992](https://www.britannica.com/event/Albertville-1992-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Big changes defined the 1992 Games. It was the last time that the Summer and Winter Games would be held in the same year; the next Winter Games were scheduled for 1994, while the Summer Games were slated for 1996. The 1992 Games also reflected the changing political climate in central and eastern [Europe](https://www.britannica.com/place/Europe). Competing as the Unified Team, athletes from the former [Soviet](https://www.britannica.com/place/Soviet-Union) republics teamed up for the last time. [Germany](https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany) competed as a reunited country following the fall of the [Berlin Wall](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Berlin-Wall) (1989), and [Lithuania](https://www.britannica.com/place/Lithuania), [Latvia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Latvia), and [Estonia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Estonia) competed as independent countries for the first time in more than 50 years. Also for the first time, the Winter [Paralympic Games](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Paralympic-Games) were held in the same region immediately following the Winter Games. \| [Myriam Bédard](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Myriam-Bedard), [Bonnie Blair](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bonnie-Blair), [Bjørn Daehlie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Marc Girardelli](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marc-Girardelli), [Georg Hackl](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Dan Jansen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Jansen), [Johann Olav Koss](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Olav-Koss), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Alberto Tomba](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alberto-Tomba), [Cathy Turner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cathy-Turner), [Vegard Ulvang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yelena Vyalbe](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yelena-Vyalbe), and [Lyubov Yegorova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lyubov-Yegorova) \| \| [Lillehammer 1994](https://www.britannica.com/event/Lillehammer-1994-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1994 Games were noteworthy for their environmental [conservation](https://www.britannica.com/science/conservation-ecology) and commitment to sustainability targets and goals. The republics of the former [Soviet Union](https://www.britannica.com/place/Soviet-Union) competed as separate teams, and, after ending its policy of [apartheid](https://www.britannica.com/topic/apartheid), [South Africa](https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa) participated for the first time in 34 years. The number of events also increased as more short-track speed skating and freestyle skiing contests were added. With the change in the IOC’s rules regarding amateur status and participation, professional athletes were allowed to compete at [Lillehammer](https://www.britannica.com/place/Lillehammer), a change that most affected [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating), leading to the return of past Olympic champions. \| [Oksana Baiul](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Oksana-Baiul), [Myriam Bédard](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Myriam-Bedard), [Bonnie Blair](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bonnie-Blair), [Bjørn Daehlie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Manuela Di Centa](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Manuela-Di-Centa), [Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yekaterina-Gordeeva-and-Sergey-Grinkov), [Georg Hackl](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Tonya Harding](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tonya-Harding), [Dan Jansen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Jansen), [Lasse Kjus](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lasse-Kjus), [Johann Olav Koss](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Olav-Koss), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [Vreni Schneider](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vreni-Schneider), [Elvis Stojko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elvis-Stojko), [Picabo Street](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Picabo-Street), [Alberto Tomba](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alberto-Tomba), [Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Torvill-and-Dean), [Cathy Turner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cathy-Turner), [Vegard Ulvang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yelena Vyalbe](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yelena-Vyalbe), [Lyubov Yegorova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lyubov-Yegorova), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Nagano 1998](https://www.britannica.com/event/Nagano-1998-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The most memorable aspect of the Nagano Games was arguably the [weather](https://www.britannica.com/science/weather), which brought heavy snow and periods of freezing rain. There was even an [earthquake](https://www.britannica.com/science/earthquake-geology). The Alpine skiing competition was most affected by the heavy snows that caused several events to be rescheduled. The earthquake, which occurred on February 20, was of moderate magnitude but was felt throughout the city and in the smaller towns that served as sports venues. Snowboarding and curling, for both men and women, became Olympic sports, and women’s [ice hockey](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-hockey) was added to the program. \| [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Bjørn Daehlie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Manuela Di Centa](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Manuela-Di-Centa), [Georg Hackl](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georg-Hackl), [Dominik Hašek](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dominik-Hasek), [Jaromir Jagr](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jaromir-Jagr), [Lasse Kjus](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lasse-Kjus), [Michelle Kwan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelle-Kwan), [Tara Lipinski](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tara-Lipinski), [Hermann Maier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hermann-Maier), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [Manon Rhéaume](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Manon-Rheaume), [Bente Skari](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bente-Skari), [Elvis Stojko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elvis-Stojko), [Picabo Street](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Picabo-Street), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Yang Yang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yang-Yang), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Salt Lake City 2002](https://www.britannica.com/event/Salt-Lake-City-2002-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Scandal and security concerns shaped the 2002 Games well before they began. A bribery investigation revealed that the [Salt Lake](https://www.britannica.com/place/Salt-Lake-City) organizing committee had provided cash, gifts, scholarships, and other benefits to IOC members, leading to the resignation of four IOC officials and the Salt Lake committee’s two top executives. The [September 11 terrorist attacks](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games/additional-info#Researchers-Note) and the ensuing war on terrorism heightened fears that heavy security and U.S. [nationalism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/nationalism) might undermine Olympic ideals of international unity. The number of events expanded to 78: [Skeleton sledding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/skeleton-sledding)—which had only been held twice before, in 1928 and 1948—returned to the program, and women’s [bobsledding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/bobsledding) debuted. \| [Simon Ammann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Simon-Ammann), [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Martin Brodeur](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Brodeur), [Clara Hughes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clara-Hughes), [Lasse Kjus](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lasse-Kjus), [Cindy Klassen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cindy-Klassen), [Janica Kostelić](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Janica-Kostelic), [Michelle Kwan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelle-Kwan), [André Lange](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andre-Lange), [Mario Lemieux](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mario-Lemieux), [Bode Miller](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bode-Miller), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Apolo-Ohno), [Sylke Otto](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylke-Otto), [Anja Pärson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anja-Parson), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [David Pelletier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Pelletier), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Benjamin Raich](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Raich), [Jamie Salé](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jamie-Sale), [Bente Skari](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bente-Skari), [Irina Slutskaya](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Slutskaya), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Yang Yang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yang-Yang), [Steve Yzerman](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-Yzerman), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Turin 2006](https://www.britannica.com/event/Turin-2006-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The Winter Games returned to Italy in 2006 after a 50-year absence. The events were divided among seven villages—mostly in the mountainous Piedmont region to the west—and Turin. Nightly medal ceremonies held in the Piazza Castello, Turin’s main piazza, contributed to a celebratory atmosphere, which impressed the IOC’s president, Jacques Rogge, who suggested that the concept be carried over to subsequent Olympiads. The program also introduced new events, including speed skating team pursuit, mass-start biathlon races, and snowboard cross, a head-to-head downhill race marked by a series of jumps and sharp turns. The number of countries participating expanded with new teams from [Albania](https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania), [Ethiopia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ethiopia), and [Madagascar](https://www.britannica.com/place/Madagascar). \| [Viktor Ahn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Viktor-Ahn), [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Shani Davis](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shani-Davis), [Tatjana Hüfner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tatjana-Hufner), [Clara Hughes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clara-Hughes), [Jaromir Jagr](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jaromir-Jagr), [Cindy Klassen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cindy-Klassen), [Janica Kostelić](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Janica-Kostelic), [Sven Kramer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sven-Kramer), [André Lange](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andre-Lange), [Nicklas Lidstrom](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicklas-Lidstrom), [Ted Ligety](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ted-Ligety), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Linger-brothers), [Hermann Maier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hermann-Maier), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Apolo-Ohno), [Sylke Otto](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylke-Otto), [Anja Pärson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anja-Parson), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Benjamin Raich](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Raich), [Irina Slutskaya](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Slutskaya), [Shaun White](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaun-White), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust), [Yang Yang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yang-Yang), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Vancouver 2010](https://www.britannica.com/event/Vancouver-2010-Olympic-Games) \| Vancouver was the third Canadian city to host an Olympic Games, and the 2010 Games stretched well beyond the city limits, covering a 75-mile (120-km) territory that cut south to the nearby town of Richmond and north to the Coast Mountains resort town of Whistler. Indoor sports such as curling, ice hockey, and all the various skating competitions were held in Vancouver and Richmond, while Whistler hosted most of the Games’ mountain sports, including many skiing and sliding events. The Vancouver opening ceremony was the first Olympic opening ceremony to be held indoors, and three billion worldwide viewers tuned in to watch the 2010 Games’ 17 days of competition. \| [Simon Ammann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Simon-Ammann), [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Martin Brodeur](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Brodeur), [Sidney Crosby](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sidney-Crosby), [Shani Davis](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shani-Davis), [Martins Dukurs](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martins-Dukurs), [Steven Holcomb](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steven-Holcomb), [Tatjana Hüfner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tatjana-Hufner), [Clara Hughes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clara-Hughes), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Carlo Janka](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carlo-Janka), [Kim Yuna](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kim-Yu-Na), [Sven Kramer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sven-Kramer), [André Lange](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andre-Lange), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Linger-brothers), [Evan Lysacek](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Evan-Lysacek), [Tina Maze](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tina-Maze), [Bode Miller](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bode-Miller), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Apolo-Ohno), [Anja Pärson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anja-Parson), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Aksel Lund Svindal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aksel-Lund-Svindal), [Jonathan Toews](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jonathan-Toews), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Lindsey Vonn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lindsey-Vonn), [Shaun White](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaun-White), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Sochi 2014](https://www.britannica.com/event/Sochi-2014-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics marked the first time the Winter Games were held in [Russia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia), which reportedly spent \$51 billion on the Games—more than any previous host. Competition venues were organized in two clusters: a coastal cluster along the [Black Sea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Black-Sea) for indoor ice events and a mountain cluster for skiing and sliding sports in the Krasnaya Polyana area of the [Caucasus Mountains](https://www.britannica.com/place/Caucasus). A record 88 national Olympic committees participated—among them newcomers [Malta](https://www.britannica.com/place/Malta), [Paraguay](https://www.britannica.com/place/Paraguay), [East Timor](https://www.britannica.com/place/East-Timor), [Togo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Togo), [Tonga](https://www.britannica.com/place/Tonga), and [Zimbabwe](https://www.britannica.com/place/Zimbabwe). Twelve new events debuted, including women’s [ski jumping](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-jumping) and [snowboarding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/snowboarding) for both men and women. \| [Viktor Ahn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Viktor-Ahn), [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Patrick Chan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Patrick-Chan), [Sidney Crosby](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sidney-Crosby), [Martins Dukurs](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martins-Dukurs), [Marcel Hirscher](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcel-Hirscher), [Steven Holcomb](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steven-Holcomb), [Tatjana Hüfner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tatjana-Hufner), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Kim Yuna](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kim-Yu-Na), [Sven Kramer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sven-Kramer), [Ted Ligety](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ted-Ligety), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Linger-brothers), [Tina Maze](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tina-Maze), [Bode Miller](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bode-Miller), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mikaela-Shiffrin), [Jonathan Toews](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jonathan-Toews), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust), and [Hanyu Yuzuru](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hanyu-Yuzuru) \| \| [Pyeongchang 2018](https://www.britannica.com/event/Pyeongchang-2018-Winter-Olympic-Games) \| The 23rd occurrence of the Winter Olympic Games was the first Winter Games hosted by [South Korea](https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Korea). [North Korea](https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Korea) and South Korea marched together at the opening ceremonies under a unified Korea banner. Four new events were added: men’s and women’s snowboard big air, mixed doubles curling, men’s and women’s speed skating mass start, and mixed team Alpine skiing. [Ecuador](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ecuador), [Eritrea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Eritrea), [Kosovo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Kosovo), [Malaysia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Malaysia), [Nigeria](https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria), and [Singapore](https://www.britannica.com/place/Singapore) made their Winter Games debut. \| [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Patrick Chan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Patrick-Chan), [Marcel Hirscher](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcel-Hirscher), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Chloe Kim](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chloe-Kim), [Sven Kramer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sven-Kramer), [Sarah Nurse](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sarah-Nurse), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mikaela-Shiffrin), [Aksel Lund Svindal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aksel-Lund-Svindal), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Lindsey Vonn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lindsey-Vonn), [Shaun White](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaun-White), [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust), and [Hanyu Yuzuru](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hanyu-Yuzuru) \| \| [Beijing 2022](https://www.britannica.com/event/Beijing-2022-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| In 2022 Beijing became the first city to host both the [Summer](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Summer-Olympic-Games) and Winter Olympics. The Winter Games were held across three zones: Beijing, the Yanqing zone, about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Beijing, and the [Zhangjiakou](https://www.britannica.com/place/Kalgan) zone, more than 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Beijing. Each zone had its own Olympic Village, and a high-speed railway connected Beijing and Zhangjiakou. Held during the [COVID-19](https://www.britannica.com/science/COVID-19) pandemic, the Games followed strict health protocols and overseas spectators were not allowed. Seven new events debuted, including freestyle skiing big air for men and women. \| [Eileen Gu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eileen-Gu), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Lindsey Jacobellis](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lindsey-Jacobellis), [Chloe Kim](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chloe-Kim), [Sarah Nurse](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sarah-Nurse), and [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust) \| \| [Milano Cortina 2026](https://www.britannica.com/event/Milano-Cortina-2026-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The Milano Cortina Winter Games featured 116 events across 16 winter sports and drew some 2,900 athletes from 90 countries as participants. The Games took place in eight locations spread across northern [Italy](https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy), a region renowned as a winter sports destination because of its proximity to the [Alps](https://www.britannica.com/place/Alps). Making its Olympic debut in 2026 was [ski mountaineering](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-mountaineering), or skimo, in which participants first wear boots and climbing skins to ascend mountainous terrain and then descend a slope using downhill skiing techniques. \| [Sidney Crosby](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sidney-Crosby), [Amber Glenn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Amber-Glenn), [Eileen Gu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eileen-Gu), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Chloe Kim](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chloe-Kim), [Ilia Malinin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ilia-Malinin), [Connor McDavid](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Connor-McDavid), [Sarah Nurse](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sarah-Nurse), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mikaela-Shiffrin), and [Lindsey Vonn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lindsey-Vonn) \| Explore the Events [![Mikaela Shiffrin](https://cdn.britannica.com/09/239409-050-7625C951/United-States-Olympian-skier-Mikaela-Shiffrin-2021.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Alpine-skiing) [Alpine Skiing](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Alpine-skiing) [![2009 Biathlon World Cup](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/134912-050-93D58631/Biathletes-event-Biathlon-World-Cup-2009.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/biathlon) [Biathlon](https://www.britannica.com/sports/biathlon) [![Vonetta Flowers and Jill Bakken](https://cdn.britannica.com/72/230972-050-09F166F9/Vonetta-Flowers-and-Jill-Bakken-bobsledding-track-2002-Salt-Lake-City-Winter-Olympic-Games.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/bobsledding) [Bobsledding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/bobsledding) [![Recreational cross-country skiers](https://cdn.britannica.com/94/282094-050-7CC0EB25/Active-seniors-cross-country-skiing-Slovakia.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/cross-country-skiing) [Cross-Country Skiing](https://www.britannica.com/sports/cross-country-skiing) [![Three female curlers in matching uniforms sweep the ice in front of a curling stone during a match, focused on guiding the stone toward the target.](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/226107-050-34DE0624/Womens-gold-medal-game-between-South-Korea-and-Sweden-2018-Winter-Olympics-Gangneung-South-Korea-February-25-2018.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/curling) [Curling](https://www.britannica.com/sports/curling) [![Historic champion](https://cdn.britannica.com/20/118420-050-C0261014/Katarina-Witt-program-Calgary-Canada-1988-Winter-1988.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) [Figure Skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) [![Aiko Uemura](https://cdn.britannica.com/73/116573-050-F05269D3/Aiko-Uemura-event-Freestyle-Skiing-Womens-Moguls-March-7-2008.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/freestyle-skiing) [Freestyle Skiing](https://www.britannica.com/sports/freestyle-skiing) [![2018 Stanley Cup finals](https://cdn.britannica.com/50/219150-050-0032E44D/Marc-Andre-Fleury-Vegas-Golden-Knights-Stanley-Cup-Final-2018.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-hockey) [Ice Hockey](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-hockey) [![On the track](https://cdn.britannica.com/26/281526-050-0E70FDC3/wang-peixuan-team-china-luge-relay-bejing-2022-winter-olympics.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/lugeing) [Luge](https://www.britannica.com/sports/lugeing) [![Viktor Ahn](https://cdn.britannica.com/53/222853-050-DF0AE05E/Viktor-Ahn-short-track-500m-final-Sochi-Winter-Olympics-February-21-2014.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/short-track-speed-skating) [Short-Track Speed Skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/short-track-speed-skating) [![Skeleton sledding](https://cdn.britannica.com/83/196783-050-69D52A75/Skeleton-sledding-2016-Winter-Youth-Olympics-Norway-2016.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/skeleton-sledding) [Skeleton Sledding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/skeleton-sledding) [![Ski jumping](https://cdn.britannica.com/74/199774-050-F9C7CCDD/Daniel-Andre-Tande-Norway-ski-jumping-event-2016.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-jumping) [Ski Jumping](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-jumping) [![Ascending](https://cdn.britannica.com/36/281436-050-4D69891D/Emily-Harrop-France-ski-mountaineering-March-2025.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-mountaineering) [Ski Mountaineering](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-mountaineering) [![Catching air](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/233221-050-A0038475/torah-bright-Australia-snowboarder-2014.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/snowboarding) [Snowboarding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/snowboarding) [![Erin Jackson](https://cdn.britannica.com/68/231168-050-A0043A21/Erin-Jackson-Team-United-States-Womens-500m-speed-skating-gold-medal-winner.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/speed-skating) [Speed Skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/speed-skating) [Mindy Johnston](https://www.britannica.com/editor/mindy-johnston/12488102) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI chevron\_right Winter Olympic Games close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. [Turin](https://www.britannica.com/place/Turin-Italy) [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/place/Turin-Italy) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/place/Turin-Italy/additional-info) [Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Turin-Italy) [Images & Videos](https://www.britannica.com/place/Turin-Italy/images-videos) [![Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/31/8931-004-A7AE34E7/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/31/8931-004-A7AE34E7/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg) [![Turin: Italy's hidden jewel](https://cdn.britannica.com/33/180133-138-C925732A/Overview-Turin-Italy.jpg?w=400&h=225&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Overview-Turin-Italy/-192163) [![Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/57/241457-004-BCEB5F43/Locator-map-Turin.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/57/241457-050-3282B58F/Locator-map-Turin.jpg) [![Carignano Palace, Turin](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/97421-004-A7B1B5F9/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/97421-050-2F1C785E/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg) [![Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/64337-004-85337332/Turin-Italy.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/64337-050-583CC5A1/Turin-Italy.jpg) [![Lagrange, Joseph-Louis, comte de l'Empire](https://cdn.britannica.com/86/134186-004-EDE87691/statue-Joseph-Louis-Lagrange-Italy-Turin.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/86/134186-050-64A8EE90/statue-Joseph-Louis-Lagrange-Italy-Turin.jpg) [![Amadeus VI](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/132727-004-997EC533/Amadeus-VI-statue-Turin-Italy.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/132727-050-26DD7D45/Amadeus-VI-statue-Turin-Italy.jpg) At a Glance [![default image](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/shared/new-thistle.svg?v=3.179.9)](https://www.britannica.com/summary/Turin-Italy) [Turin summary](https://www.britannica.com/summary/Turin-Italy) Quizzes [![Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/269560-131-B4CD857D/tower-bridge-over-river-thames-london-england.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/guess-the-city-by-its-river-quiz) [Guess the City by Its River Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/guess-the-city-by-its-river-quiz) Related Questions - [Why is Pompeii famous?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Why-is-Pompeii-famous) - [Why was Pompeii destroyed?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Why-was-Pompeii-destroyed) - [Where was Pompeii located?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Where-was-Pompeii-located) - [How does Pompeii look today?](https://www.britannica.com/question/How-does-Pompeii-look-today) - [Where is Milan located?](https://www.britannica.com/question/Where-is-Milan-located) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Contents Ask Anything [Geography & Travel](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Geography-Travel) [Cities & Towns](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Cities-Towns) [Cities & Towns T-Z](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Cities-Towns-T-Z) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [![Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/31/8931-004-A7AE34E7/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/31/8931-004-A7AE34E7/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg) [Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/31/8931-004-A7AE34E7/Palatine-Gate-Turin-Italy.jpg) Palatine Gate, Turin, Italy. (more) # Turin Italy Homework Help Also known as: Augusta Taurinorum, Julia Taurinorum, Taurisia, Torino[(Show More)](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games) Written and fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors [History](https://www.britannica.com/place/Turin-Italy/additional-info#history) ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9) Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything ## News • [No, Shroud of Turin DNA analysis doesn't show relic's origins, experts say](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/no-shroud-of-turin-dna-analysis-doesnt-show-relics-origins-experts-say/) • Apr. 9, 2026, 8:00 AM ET (Scientific American) ...(Show more) [Shroud of Turin, claimed to be Jesus' burial cloth, contaminated with carrot and red coral DNA](https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/shroud-of-turin-claimed-to-be-jesus-burial-cloth-contaminated-with-carrot-and-red-coral-dna) • Apr. 5, 2026, 7:00 AM ET (Live Science) Show less Top Questions - Where is Turin located? - What is Turin known for in Italy? - What important river runs through Turin? - What are some famous landmarks in Turin? - What industries have been important to Turin's economy? - How has Turin contributed to Italian culture and history? Show more Show less [![Turin: Italy's hidden jewel](https://cdn.britannica.com/33/180133-138-C925732A/Overview-Turin-Italy.jpg?w=800&h=450&c=crop)](https://www.britannica.com/video/Overview-Turin-Italy/-192163) Turin: Italy's hidden jewelOverview of Turin, Italy. (more) [See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/place/Turin-Italy/images-videos) Turin, city, capital of Torino provincia and of [Piemonte](https://www.britannica.com/place/Piedmont-region-Italy) (Piedmont) regione, northwestern [Italy](https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy). It is located on the [Po River](https://www.britannica.com/place/Po-River) near its junction with the Sangone, Dora Riparia, and Stura di Lanzo rivers. The original settlement of Taurisia, founded by the Taurini, was partly destroyed by the Carthaginian invader [Hannibal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hannibal-Carthaginian-general-247-183-BCE) in 218 bce. It later became a Roman military colony, known successively as Julia Taurinorum and Augusta Taurinorum, rebuilt by the emperor [Augustus](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Augustus-Roman-emperor) in the form of an enclosed rectangle divided into 72 blocks (insulae). The remains of the walls and the [Palatine Gate](https://www.britannica.com/place/Palatine-Gate) and the Palatine Towers are still visible. [![Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/57/241457-050-3282B58F/Locator-map-Turin.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/57/241457-050-3282B58F/Locator-map-Turin.jpg) [Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/57/241457-050-3282B58F/Locator-map-Turin.jpg) (more) Dominated by [barbarians](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/barbarians) after the decline of [Rome](https://www.britannica.com/place/Rome) in the 4th century, the city became part of the Lombard kingdom and then of the Frankish empire. It was linked to [Savoy](https://www.britannica.com/place/Savoy-historical-region-Europe) in 1046 by the marriage of Countess Adelaide to Count Odo of Savoy, and it recognized the supremacy of Savoy in 1280 after an intervening period of semi-independence and conflict. Occupied by the French from 1536 to 1562, Turin became the capital of the duchy of Savoy in 1563. It was besieged in 1640 and 1706 (during the War of the Spanish Succession) by the French, who were defeated by [Eugene of Savoy](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugene-of-Savoy) in 1706, and it was occupied again by the French during the [Napoleonic Wars](https://www.britannica.com/event/Napoleonic-Wars). [![Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.](https://cdn.britannica.com/60/269560-131-B4CD857D/tower-bridge-over-river-thames-london-england.jpg) Britannica Quiz Guess the City by Its River Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/guess-the-city-by-its-river-quiz) The city became the capital of the kingdom of [Sardinia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Sardinia-island-Italy) in 1720 and in the 19th century became the political and [intellectual](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intellectual) centre of the [Risorgimento](https://www.britannica.com/event/Risorgimento), the movement for Italian political unification. It served as the first capital of a united Italy from 1861 to 1865. Turin sustained heavy air-raid damage during [World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II). Having been a bishopric since about 415 and an archbishopric since 1510, Turin is rich in [ecclesiastical](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ecclesiastical) architecture. Churches include La Consolata, which underwent a number of alterations, most notably by the Baroque architect [Guarino Guarini](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Guarino-Guarini) in the late 1600s; the Waldensian Church (1853), the first Protestant church in Turin; and the nearby basilica of Superga (1717–31), long the royal burial church. The Renaissance-style cathedral of San Giovanni Battista (1498), with the brilliantly original Santa Sindone Chapel (1694) by Guarini, houses the [Shroud of Turin](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shroud-of-Turin), a piece of linen long thought to be the burial garment of Jesus. The cathedral and [chapel](https://www.britannica.com/topic/chapel) were severely damaged by a fire in April 1997 and underwent major restoration work. [![Carignano Palace, Turin](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/97421-050-2F1C785E/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/97421-050-2F1C785E/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg) [Carignano Palace, Turin](https://cdn.britannica.com/21/97421-050-2F1C785E/Central-Hall-Italy-Carignano-Palace-Turin-parliament.jpg)Central Hall of the Carignano Palace, in Turin, Italy, the seat of Italy's first parliament. (more) A ducal and royal city for centuries, Turin has many fine palaces. The [Madama Palace](https://www.britannica.com/place/Palazzo-Madama), begun in the 13th century, owes its name to the resident widows of the 17th-century dukes of Savoy. Used by the Sardinian Senate in 1848–60 and by the Italian Senate in 1861–64, it now houses the Museum of Ancient Arts. The [Carignano Palace](https://www.britannica.com/place/Palazzo-Carignano) (1679), the birthplace (1820) of King Victor Emmanuel II and once the meeting place of the Sardinian chamber of deputies and of the first Italian parliament, now houses the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento. The Royal Palace (1646–58) houses the Royal Armoury, with one of the finest collections of arms in Europe. The Academy of Science (1678), formerly a Jesuit college, now houses the Museum of Antiquities, the [Egyptian Museum](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Egyptian-Museum-Cairo-Egypt), and the Sabauda Gallery. Other [secular](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secular) structures include the remains of the old citadel; the Mole Antonelliana, begun in 1863 as a [synagogue](https://www.britannica.com/topic/synagogue) and later completed by the city; the modern Turin Exhibition Buildings and Gallery of Modern Art; and numerous public monuments to [significant figures](https://www.britannica.com/science/significant-figures) in Turin’s past. Other museums display collections on artillery, automobiles, mountains, cinema, and natural history, zoology, paleontology, and mineralogy. There are also several fine libraries. The [University of Turin](https://www.britannica.com/topic/University-of-Turin) was founded in 1404. Other educational institutions include the Turin Polytechnic (1859), the Gallery of the Albertina Academy (1652), the [Giuseppe Verdi](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Giuseppe-Verdi) State Musical Conservatory (1867), the Institute of Business and Industrial Organization Studies (1935), and the University Institute of European Studies (1952). Italian: Torino (Show more) Latin: Augusta Taurinorum (Show more) [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Turin-Italy) Explore Britannica Premium\! Smart, reliable knowledge for professionals, students, and curious minds everywhere. [SUBSCRIBE](https://premium.britannica.com/premium-membership/?utm_source=premium&utm_medium=inline-cta&utm_campaign=smart-2026) ![Penguin, ship, mountain, atlas](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-left.webp) ![shohei ohtani, plants, andy wharhol art](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-right.webp) ![Mobile](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/inline-mobile.webp?w=400) [![Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/64337-050-583CC5A1/Turin-Italy.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/64337-050-583CC5A1/Turin-Italy.jpg) [Turin, Italy](https://cdn.britannica.com/37/64337-050-583CC5A1/Turin-Italy.jpg) (more) Situated on a broad, fertile plain east of the [Alps](https://www.britannica.com/place/Alps), Turin is one of Italy’s most important industrial and communications centres. It is a major road and rail junction and has an international airport. [Preeminent](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/Preeminent) in Italy’s [automotive industry](https://www.britannica.com/technology/automotive-industry), Turin has long been associated with [Fiat](https://www.britannica.com/money/Fiat-SpA), which is headquartered there, and is home to Fiat and Lancia plants that produce much of the country’s output of automobiles. In the late 20th century, however, as the automobile industry declined, the city looked to diversify its economy, and tourism and the manufacture of high-technology products have become increasingly significant. Airplane, ball-bearing, rubber, and paper industries are also important, as are tanning and leatherworking, and typography and lithography. There are metallurgical, chemical, plastics, and electrotechnical industries. Chocolate and wines (especially vermouth) are notable products. In 2006 Turin hosted the [Winter Olympics](https://www.britannica.com/event/Turin-2006-Olympic-Winter-Games). Pop. (2011) 872,367. [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) This article was most recently revised and updated by [Michele Metych](https://www.britannica.com/editor/Michele-Metych/9760897). ![Britannica AI Icon](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-179/images/chatbot/star-ai.svg?v=3.179.9)Britannica AI chevron\_right Turin close [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. Load Next Page Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Johnston, Mindy. "Winter Olympic Games". Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Apr. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games. Accessed 13 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games> Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Britannica Editors. "Turin". Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Oct. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/place/Turin-Italy. Accessed 13 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/place/Turin-Italy> External Websites - [Jewish Virtual Library - Turin, Italy](https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/turin-italy-jewish-history-tour) - [JewishEncyclopedia.com - Turin, Italy](https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/14545-Turin) - [Official Tourism Site of Turin, Italy](https://turismotorino.org/en) - [CRW Flags - Flag of Turin, Piedmont, Italy](https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/it-turin.html) - [CORE - Social mobility and health in the Turin longitudinal study (PDF)](https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/301858814.pdf) Britannica Websites Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. - [Turin - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Turin/277461)
Readable Markdown	[![The first Winter Olympic Games](https://cdn.britannica.com/93/282993-050-91B7B106/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg?w=1000)](https://cdn.britannica.com/93/282993-050-91B7B106/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg) [The first Winter Olympic Games](https://cdn.britannica.com/93/282993-050-91B7B106/The-start-of-the-10000-metre-speed-skating-event-Winter-Olympics-in-Chamonix-France-1924.jpg)Spectators surrounding the track at the start of the 10,000-meter speed skating event at the first Winter Olympic Games, held in Chamonix, France, 1924. ## News • Once a quieter counterpart to the [Summer Olympics](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Summer-Olympic-Games), the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Statistics from the event’s first century reflect this rapid expansion: Athlete participation has increased more than tenfold—from more than 250 competitors in 1924 to about 2,900 in 2026. Only 13 of those original athletes were women, who competed in only one of the Games’ nine sports: [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating). By contrast, the [2026 Milano Cortina Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/Milano-Cortina-2026-Olympic-Winter-Games) approached gender parity, with women participating in 12 of the 16 [disciplines](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disciplines) and [comprising](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprising) 47 percent of all athletes. While the 16 teams in 1924 represented only a small slice of the world, the 90 participating national teams in 2026 illustrate the Olympics’ global reach. With each new Winter Games, new sports have been added to the roster, requiring exceptional strength, speed, agility, grace, and, in many cases, courage beyond spectators’ comprehension. The table below lists the Winter Games with links to more content, surprising facts, notable moments, and profiles of athletes whose stories have captured our attention. \| Winter Games \| Firsts and Notable Facts \| Notable Athletes \| \|---\|---\|---\| \| [Chamonix 1924](https://www.britannica.com/event/Chamonix-1924-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The Chamonix Games were originally staged as the [International Olympic Committee](https://www.britannica.com/topic/International-Olympic-Committee) (IOC)-sponsored International Winter Sports Week but not sanctioned as an official Olympic Games. Well-organized and equipped with new facilities, the event was a success and led the IOC to amend its charter in 1925, establishing the Winter Games. Chamonix was thereafter recognized as the first Winter Olympics. Thirteen women participated in the [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) competitions, the only sport open to female athletes at that time. \| [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Gillis Grafström](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Thorleif Haug](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thorleif-Haug), [Sonja Henie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sonja-Henie), and [Clas Thunberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clas-Thunberg) \| \| [St. Moritz 1928](https://www.britannica.com/event/St-Moritz-1928-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The St. Moritz Olympics were marred by bad weather. The culprit was the [foehn](https://www.britannica.com/science/foehn), a strong wind that carried with it warm air, causing temperatures to soar above 75 °F (24 °C) some afternoons. Numerous events were rescheduled, and one contest—the 10,000-meter speed skating event—was canceled, though some books list American [Irving Jaffee](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irving-Jaffee), who held the lead after the first run, as the winner. St. Moritz also marked the return of [German](https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany) athletes, who had been banned from Olympic competition following [World War I](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-I). \| [Ivar Ballangrud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Gillis Grafström](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Sonja Henie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sonja-Henie), [Irving Jaffee](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irving-Jaffee), [Karl Schäfer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Schafer), and [Clas Thunberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clas-Thunberg) \| \| [Lake Placid 1932](https://www.britannica.com/event/Lake-Placid-1932-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Worldwide [economic depression](https://www.britannica.com/event/Great-Depression) cast a shadow over the Lake Placid Games. Only 17 countries attended, and more than half of the roughly 250 participating athletes were from [Canada](https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada) and the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States). The Games generated little revenue, and the organizers, who had built a new stadium and bobsled run, suffered huge financial losses. The first formal victory ceremonies with the awarding of [medals](https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-athletes-with-the-most-Olympic-medals) were held at Lake Placid. \| [Ivar Ballangrud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Andrée Brunet and Pierre Brunet](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andree-Brunet-and-Pierre-Brunet), [Eddie Eagan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eddie-Eagan), [Gillis Grafström](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gillis-Grafstrom), [Sonja Henie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sonja-Henie), [Irving Jaffee](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irving-Jaffee), [Birger Ruud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Birger-Ruud), [Karl Schäfer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Schafer), and [Jack Shea](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jack-Shea) \| \| [Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936](https://www.britannica.com/event/Garmisch-Partenkirchen-1936-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| German Chancellor [Adolf Hitler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Adolf-Hitler) opened the 1936 Winter Olympics. Although not as politically charged as the [1936 Berlin Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/Berlin-1936-Olympic-Games), the event was manipulated by the [Nazi](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Nazi-Party) regime, which suppressed unfavorable press coverage and staged lavish celebrations to mark the openings of new facilities. Female athletes were now allowed to compete in two sports: [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) and [Alpine](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Alpine-skiing) (skiing) combined. The Winter Olympics’ symbolic fire was first lit at the 1936 Games, and [radio](https://www.britannica.com/topic/radio) coverage also debuted. \| [Ivar Ballangrud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ivar-Ballangrud), [Sonja Henie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sonja-Henie), [Birger Ruud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Birger-Ruud), and [Karl Schäfer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Schafer) \| \| \| The 1940 Games, scheduled for [Garmisch-Partenkirchen](https://www.britannica.com/place/Garmisch-Partenkirchen), Germany, were canceled because of [World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II). \| \| \| \| The 1944 Games, scheduled for [Cortina d’Ampezzo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Cortina-dAmpezzo), Italy, were canceled because of [World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II). \| \| \| [St. Moritz 1948](https://www.britannica.com/event/St-Moritz-1948-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| After an absence of 12 years as a result of [World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II), Olympic competition returned in 1948. The Games, however, felt the effects of the war, as countries were unable to properly equip their teams, forcing athletes to improvise. Twenty-eight countries, represented by 669 athletes, attended: [Japan](https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan) and [Germany](https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany) were not invited to compete. In singles figure skating, [Dick Button](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dick-Button) became the first American to earn a gold medal. \| [Dick Button](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dick-Button), [Andrea Mead Lawrence,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence) [Henri Oreiller](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Henri-Oreiller), [Birger Ruud](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Birger-Ruud), and [Barbara Ann Scott](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Ann-Scott) \| \| [Oslo 1952](https://www.britannica.com/event/Oslo-1952-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1952 Games were the first to be held in a [Scandinavian](https://www.britannica.com/place/Scandinavia) country. Oslo saw the Winter Games debut of the [Olympic torch](https://www.britannica.com/story/how-does-the-olympic-torch-stay-lit), a tradition started in the [Summer Games](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Summer-Olympic-Games). Athletes from Japan and Germany (West Germans only) were once again allowed to compete. Female athletes participated in [cross-country skiing](https://www.britannica.com/sports/cross-country-skiing), which became the third sport in which women could compete. The tabulation of [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating) scores was assisted by [computers](https://www.britannica.com/technology/computer) for the first time, enabling the immediate delivery of a skater’s score. \| [Tenley Albright](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tenley-Albright), [Hjalmar Andersen,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hjalmar-Andersen) [Dick Button](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dick-Button), [Carlo Fassi](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carlo-Fassi), [Veikko Hakulinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Veikko-Hakulinen), and [Andrea Mead Lawrence](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andrea-Mead-Lawrence) \| \| [Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956](https://www.britannica.com/event/Cortina-dAmpezzo-1956-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Originally awarded the 1944 Winter Games, which were canceled because of World War II, Cortina d’Ampezzo got another chance to host in 1956. An Italian [television](https://www.britannica.com/technology/television-technology) network carried live coverage of the Games—a first in the history of the Winter Olympics. The [Soviet Union](https://www.britannica.com/place/Soviet-Union) participated in its first Winter Olympics, dominating in many sports, including [ice hockey](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-hockey), in which the Soviet team upset the [Canadians](https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada), the reigning champions. Figure skating competitions were held outdoors for the last time in Cortina. \| [Tenley Albright](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tenley-Albright), [Yevgeny Grishin,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Grishin) [Veikko Hakulinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Veikko-Hakulinen), [Carol Heiss](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carol-Heiss), [David Jenkins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Jenkins), [Hayes Alan Jenkins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayes-Alan-Jenkins), [Sixten Jernberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sixten-Jernberg), [Knut Johannesen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Knut-Johannesen), [Eugenio Monti](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugenio-Monti), and [Anton Sailer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anton-Sailer) \| \| [Squaw Valley 1960](https://www.britannica.com/event/1960-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) hosted the Winter Olympic Games for the first time in 1960, and American television stations carried the Games live. [Walt Disney](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Walt-Disney) managed the opening ceremonies. There, the Olympic Anthem, composed by Greek composer Spýros Samáras with words of Greek poet [Kostís Palamás](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kostis-Palamas), was played for the first time in the 20th century (it was last played at the [1896 Athens Games](https://www.britannica.com/event/Athens-1896-Olympic-Games)). New sports were added—the [biathlon](https://www.britannica.com/sports/biathlon) for men and [speed skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/speed-skating) for women. The [bobsledding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/bobsledding) competition was not held, as organizers declined to build a run after only nine national teams signaled that they would compete. \| [Yevgeny Grishin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Veikko Hakulinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Veikko-Hakulinen), [Carol Heiss](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carol-Heiss), [David Jenkins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Jenkins), [Hayes Alan Jenkins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayes-Alan-Jenkins), [Sixten Jernberg](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sixten-Jernberg), [Knut Johannesen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Knut-Johannesen), [Eero Mäntyranta](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eero-Mantyranta), and [Lidiya Skoblikova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lidiya-Skoblikova) \| \| [Innsbruck 1964](https://www.britannica.com/event/Innsbruck-1964-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Innsbruck became the first Olympic city to hold events throughout the surrounding area, enabling more than one million spectators to watch the contests. For the first time in the Winter Games, the Olympic torch was lit in ancient Olympia, Greece, and then relayed to Innsbruck. The Games’ only major problem was the lack of snow, forcing the Austrian army to carry in more than 25,000 tons of snow for the Alpine skiing events. Artificial ice was first introduced on the bobsled track, making it safer for the athletes. New, potentially dangerous sports debuted: a large-hill [ski jump](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-jumping) was introduced, and [luge](https://www.britannica.com/sports/lugeing) joined the program for both men and women. First-time attendees included [Mongolia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Mongolia), [India](https://www.britannica.com/place/India), and [North Korea](https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Korea). \| [Peggy Fleming](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Peggy-Fleming), [Christine Goitschel](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christine-Goitschel), [Marielle Goitschel](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marielle-Goitschel), [Yevgeny Grishin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Toini Gustafsson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Toini-Gustafsson), [Sixten Jernberg,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sixten-Jernberg) [Knut Johannesen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Knut-Johannesen), [Aga Khan IV](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aga-Khan-IV), [Thomas Köhler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Kohler), [Eero Mäntyranta](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eero-Mantyranta), [Terry McDermott](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Terry-McDermott), [Eugenio Monti](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugenio-Monti), [Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/the-Protopopovs), [Lidiya Skoblikova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lidiya-Skoblikova), and [Anatoly Tarasov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anatoly-Tarasov) \| \| [Grenoble 1968](https://www.britannica.com/event/Grenoble-1968-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1968 Winter Games, opened by French Pres. [Charles de Gaulle](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-de-Gaulle-president-of-France), were a triumph for France but were not without problems. Though a great deal of money was spent to ready the industrial city of [Grenoble](https://www.britannica.com/place/Grenoble), its lack of facilities resulted in many contests being held in outlying areas. Spectators had to travel great distances to view events, and seven separate Olympic Villages were constructed, which critics claimed detracted from the camaraderie of the Games. The Grenoble Games saw several firsts: They were the first Games broadcast in color; [doping](https://www.britannica.com/science/doping) controls were introduced; and women were subjected to gender verification tests. \| [Peggy Fleming](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Peggy-Fleming), [Marielle Goitschel](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marielle-Goitschel), [Yevgeny Grishin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Grishin), [Toini Gustafsson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Toini-Gustafsson), [Dianne Holum](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dianne-Holum), [Jean-Claude Killy](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Claude-Killy), [Thomas Köhler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Kohler), [Galina Kulakova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galina-Kulakova), [Eero Mäntyranta](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eero-Mantyranta), [Terry McDermott](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Terry-McDermott), [Rosi Mittermaier,](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosi-Mittermaier) [Eugenio Monti](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eugenio-Monti), [Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/the-Protopopovs), [Nancy Greene Raine](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nancy-Greene-Raine), [Ard Schenk](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ard-Schenk), and [Anatoly Tarasov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anatoly-Tarasov) \| \| [Sapporo 1972](https://www.britannica.com/event/Sapporo-1972-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| After two unsuccessful attempts to secure the Olympics, Sapporo was finally awarded the 1972 Winter Games, making these the first Winter Games to be held in [Asia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Asia). The Games were the most extravagant to date. To defray the high expenses, the organizers sold the television rights for over \$8 million. Canada’s hockey team withdrew from the games after the IOC rejected its request to allow professional hockey players to play on the team, something that they claimed European countries were already doing. \| [Dianne Holum](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dianne-Holum), [Galina Kulakova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galina-Kulakova), [Eero Mäntyranta](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eero-Mantyranta), [Rosi Mittermaier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosi-Mittermaier), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Rodnina), [Ard Schenk](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ard-Schenk), [Anatoly Tarasov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anatoly-Tarasov), and [Vladislav Tretiak](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladislav-Tretiak) \| \| [Innsbruck 1976](https://www.britannica.com/event/Innsbruck-1976-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1976 Games were originally awarded to [Denver](https://www.britannica.com/place/Denver), but, fearing environmental damage and an increase in costs, the citizens of Colorado voted against staging the event. Denver withdrew as host, and Innsbruck was awarded its second Winter Olympics. Using facilities from the 1964 Winter Games, Innsbruck needed to make only minor renovations to buildings. Two Olympic cauldrons were lit, representing the two times the Games were hosted in Innsbruck. The number of events climbed to 37 with the debut of ice dancing as a medal event. \| [Robin Cousins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robin-Cousins), [John Curry](https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Curry), [Dorothy Hamill](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dorothy-Hamill), [Eric Heiden](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eric-Heiden), [Franz Klammer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Franz-Klammer), [Galina Kulakova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galina-Kulakova), [Rosi Mittermaier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rosi-Mittermaier), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Rodnina), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Ingemar Stenmark](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ingemar-Stenmark), and [Vladislav Tretiak](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladislav-Tretiak) \| \| [Lake Placid 1980](https://www.britannica.com/event/Lake-Placid-1980-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1980 Games marked the second time the small upstate New York town of Lake Placid had hosted the Winter Olympics. But, in the age of television and increasing numbers of spectators, Lake Placid was ill-equipped to handle the demands of a modern Games. Transportation was inadequate to move the crowds, and sports facilities were spread throughout the area, making it difficult for spectators to view the events. Organizers were forced to use [artificial snow](https://www.britannica.com/technology/How-Is-Artificial-Snow-Made)—an Olympic first. American speed skater Eric Heiden claimed another Winter Olympic first when he became the first person to win five individual gold medals in the same year. \| [Robin Cousins](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robin-Cousins), [Jim Craig](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jim-Craig), [Karin Enke](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Slava-Fetisov), [Eric Heiden](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eric-Heiden), [Galina Kulakova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Galina-Kulakova), [Phil Mahre](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Phil-Mahre), [Annemarie Moser-Pröll](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Annemarie-Moser-Proll), [Marie-Thérèse Nadig](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marie-Therese-Nadig), [Irina Rodnina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Rodnina), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Ingemar Stenmark](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ingemar-Stenmark), [Vladislav Tretiak](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladislav-Tretiak), [Hanni Wenzel](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hanni-Wenzel), and [Nikolay Zimyatov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nikolay-Zimyatov) \| \| [Sarajevo 1984](https://www.britannica.com/event/Sarajevo-1984-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The awarding of the 14th Winter Olympics to [Sarajevo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Sarajevo) (now in [Bosnia and Herzegovina](https://www.britannica.com/place/Bosnia-and-Herzegovina)) caught many by surprise, including the host country, [Yugoslavia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Yugoslavia-former-federated-nation-1929-2003). The choice of Sarajevo proved appropriate, however, as the 1984 Games were highlighted by the appearance of smaller countries. To encourage participation, the IOC agreed to pay the expenses of one male and one female participant from each country. [Egypt](https://www.britannica.com/place/Egypt), the [British Virgin Islands](https://www.britannica.com/place/British-Virgin-Islands), [Monaco](https://www.britannica.com/place/Monaco), [Puerto Rico](https://www.britannica.com/place/Puerto-Rico), and [Senegal](https://www.britannica.com/place/Senegal) made their Winter Olympics debuts. \| [Karin Enke](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Slava-Fetisov), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Scott Hamilton](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Scott-Hamilton), [Dan Jansen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Jansen), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Phil Mahre](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Phil-Mahre), [Matti Nykänen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matti-Nykanen), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Torvill-and-Dean), [Vladislav Tretiak](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vladislav-Tretiak), [Katarina Witt](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katarina-Witt), and [Nikolay Zimyatov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nikolay-Zimyatov) \| \| [Calgary 1988](https://www.britannica.com/event/Calgary-1988-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 15th Winter Games marked Canada’s first time as host, and the Games’ duration grew to 16 days, covering 3 weekends. The [American Broadcasting Company](https://www.britannica.com/money/American-Broadcasting-Company) (ABC) paid \$309 million for the television rights, and advertisers were able to influence the starting times of events to maximize their products’ exposure, leading many to charge that the Games resembled well-rehearsed shows instead of sporting contests. The supergiant [slalom](https://www.britannica.com/sports/slalom-skiing-race) (super G) was added, and the Alpine combined (downhill and slalom) returned after being absent from the Olympics for 40 years. [Curling](https://www.britannica.com/sports/curling) entered the Games as a demonstration sport (it would become full sport in 1998). And smoking was prohibited at the Games for the first time. \| [Bonnie Blair](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bonnie-Blair), [Brian Boitano](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Brian-Boitano), [Karin Enke](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karin-Enke), [Slava Fetisov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Slava-Fetisov), [Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yekaterina-Gordeeva-and-Sergey-Grinkov), [Georg Hackl](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Dan Jansen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Jansen), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Matti Nykänen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Matti-Nykanen), [Vreni Schneider](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vreni-Schneider), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Alberto Tomba](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alberto-Tomba), [Vegard Ulvang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yvonne van Gennip](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yvonne-van-Gennip), and [Katarina Witt](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katarina-Witt) \| \| [Albertville 1992](https://www.britannica.com/event/Albertville-1992-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Big changes defined the 1992 Games. It was the last time that the Summer and Winter Games would be held in the same year; the next Winter Games were scheduled for 1994, while the Summer Games were slated for 1996. The 1992 Games also reflected the changing political climate in central and eastern [Europe](https://www.britannica.com/place/Europe). Competing as the Unified Team, athletes from the former [Soviet](https://www.britannica.com/place/Soviet-Union) republics teamed up for the last time. [Germany](https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany) competed as a reunited country following the fall of the [Berlin Wall](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Berlin-Wall) (1989), and [Lithuania](https://www.britannica.com/place/Lithuania), [Latvia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Latvia), and [Estonia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Estonia) competed as independent countries for the first time in more than 50 years. Also for the first time, the Winter [Paralympic Games](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Paralympic-Games) were held in the same region immediately following the Winter Games. \| [Myriam Bédard](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Myriam-Bedard), [Bonnie Blair](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bonnie-Blair), [Bjørn Daehlie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Marc Girardelli](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marc-Girardelli), [Georg Hackl](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Dan Jansen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Jansen), [Johann Olav Koss](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Olav-Koss), [Christa Luding-Rothenburger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christa-Luding-Rothenburger), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [Raisa Smetanina](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raisa-Smetanina), [Alberto Tomba](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alberto-Tomba), [Cathy Turner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cathy-Turner), [Vegard Ulvang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yelena Vyalbe](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yelena-Vyalbe), and [Lyubov Yegorova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lyubov-Yegorova) \| \| [Lillehammer 1994](https://www.britannica.com/event/Lillehammer-1994-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 1994 Games were noteworthy for their environmental [conservation](https://www.britannica.com/science/conservation-ecology) and commitment to sustainability targets and goals. The republics of the former [Soviet Union](https://www.britannica.com/place/Soviet-Union) competed as separate teams, and, after ending its policy of [apartheid](https://www.britannica.com/topic/apartheid), [South Africa](https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa) participated for the first time in 34 years. The number of events also increased as more short-track speed skating and freestyle skiing contests were added. With the change in the IOC’s rules regarding amateur status and participation, professional athletes were allowed to compete at [Lillehammer](https://www.britannica.com/place/Lillehammer), a change that most affected [figure skating](https://www.britannica.com/sports/figure-skating), leading to the return of past Olympic champions. \| [Oksana Baiul](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Oksana-Baiul), [Myriam Bédard](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Myriam-Bedard), [Bonnie Blair](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bonnie-Blair), [Bjørn Daehlie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Manuela Di Centa](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Manuela-Di-Centa), [Yekaterina Gordeeva and Sergey Grinkov](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yekaterina-Gordeeva-and-Sergey-Grinkov), [Georg Hackl](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georg-Hackl), [Marja-Liisa Hämäläinen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marja-Liisa-Hamalainen), [Tonya Harding](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tonya-Harding), [Dan Jansen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dan-Jansen), [Lasse Kjus](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lasse-Kjus), [Johann Olav Koss](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Johann-Olav-Koss), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [Vreni Schneider](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vreni-Schneider), [Elvis Stojko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elvis-Stojko), [Picabo Street](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Picabo-Street), [Alberto Tomba](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alberto-Tomba), [Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Torvill-and-Dean), [Cathy Turner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cathy-Turner), [Vegard Ulvang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vegard-Ulvang), [Yelena Vyalbe](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yelena-Vyalbe), [Lyubov Yegorova](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lyubov-Yegorova), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Nagano 1998](https://www.britannica.com/event/Nagano-1998-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The most memorable aspect of the Nagano Games was arguably the [weather](https://www.britannica.com/science/weather), which brought heavy snow and periods of freezing rain. There was even an [earthquake](https://www.britannica.com/science/earthquake-geology). The Alpine skiing competition was most affected by the heavy snows that caused several events to be rescheduled. The earthquake, which occurred on February 20, was of moderate magnitude but was felt throughout the city and in the smaller towns that served as sports venues. Snowboarding and curling, for both men and women, became Olympic sports, and women’s [ice hockey](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ice-hockey) was added to the program. \| [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Bjørn Daehlie](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bjorn-Daehlie), [Manuela Di Centa](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Manuela-Di-Centa), [Georg Hackl](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Georg-Hackl), [Dominik Hašek](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dominik-Hasek), [Jaromir Jagr](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jaromir-Jagr), [Lasse Kjus](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lasse-Kjus), [Michelle Kwan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelle-Kwan), [Tara Lipinski](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tara-Lipinski), [Hermann Maier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hermann-Maier), [Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [Manon Rhéaume](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Manon-Rheaume), [Bente Skari](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bente-Skari), [Elvis Stojko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elvis-Stojko), [Picabo Street](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Picabo-Street), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Yang Yang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yang-Yang), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Salt Lake City 2002](https://www.britannica.com/event/Salt-Lake-City-2002-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| Scandal and security concerns shaped the 2002 Games well before they began. A bribery investigation revealed that the [Salt Lake](https://www.britannica.com/place/Salt-Lake-City) organizing committee had provided cash, gifts, scholarships, and other benefits to IOC members, leading to the resignation of four IOC officials and the Salt Lake committee’s two top executives. The [September 11 terrorist attacks](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Winter-Olympic-Games/additional-info#Researchers-Note) and the ensuing war on terrorism heightened fears that heavy security and U.S. [nationalism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/nationalism) might undermine Olympic ideals of international unity. The number of events expanded to 78: [Skeleton sledding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/skeleton-sledding)—which had only been held twice before, in 1928 and 1948—returned to the program, and women’s [bobsledding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/bobsledding) debuted. \| [Simon Ammann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Simon-Ammann), [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Martin Brodeur](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Brodeur), [Clara Hughes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clara-Hughes), [Lasse Kjus](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lasse-Kjus), [Cindy Klassen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cindy-Klassen), [Janica Kostelić](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Janica-Kostelic), [Michelle Kwan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelle-Kwan), [André Lange](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andre-Lange), [Mario Lemieux](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mario-Lemieux), [Bode Miller](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bode-Miller), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Apolo-Ohno), [Sylke Otto](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylke-Otto), [Anja Pärson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anja-Parson), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [David Pelletier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/David-Pelletier), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Benjamin Raich](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Raich), [Jamie Salé](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jamie-Sale), [Bente Skari](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bente-Skari), [Irina Slutskaya](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Slutskaya), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Yang Yang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yang-Yang), [Steve Yzerman](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-Yzerman), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Turin 2006](https://www.britannica.com/event/Turin-2006-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The Winter Games returned to Italy in 2006 after a 50-year absence. The events were divided among seven villages—mostly in the mountainous Piedmont region to the west—and Turin. Nightly medal ceremonies held in the Piazza Castello, Turin’s main piazza, contributed to a celebratory atmosphere, which impressed the IOC’s president, Jacques Rogge, who suggested that the concept be carried over to subsequent Olympiads. The program also introduced new events, including speed skating team pursuit, mass-start biathlon races, and snowboard cross, a head-to-head downhill race marked by a series of jumps and sharp turns. The number of countries participating expanded with new teams from [Albania](https://www.britannica.com/place/Albania), [Ethiopia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ethiopia), and [Madagascar](https://www.britannica.com/place/Madagascar). \| [Viktor Ahn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Viktor-Ahn), [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Shani Davis](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shani-Davis), [Tatjana Hüfner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tatjana-Hufner), [Clara Hughes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clara-Hughes), [Jaromir Jagr](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jaromir-Jagr), [Cindy Klassen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cindy-Klassen), [Janica Kostelić](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Janica-Kostelic), [Sven Kramer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sven-Kramer), [André Lange](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andre-Lange), [Nicklas Lidstrom](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nicklas-Lidstrom), [Ted Ligety](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ted-Ligety), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Linger-brothers), [Hermann Maier](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hermann-Maier), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Apolo-Ohno), [Sylke Otto](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylke-Otto), [Anja Pärson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anja-Parson), [Claudia Pechstein](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudia-Pechstein), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Benjamin Raich](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Raich), [Irina Slutskaya](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Irina-Slutskaya), [Shaun White](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaun-White), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust), [Yang Yang](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yang-Yang), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Vancouver 2010](https://www.britannica.com/event/Vancouver-2010-Olympic-Games) \| Vancouver was the third Canadian city to host an Olympic Games, and the 2010 Games stretched well beyond the city limits, covering a 75-mile (120-km) territory that cut south to the nearby town of Richmond and north to the Coast Mountains resort town of Whistler. Indoor sports such as curling, ice hockey, and all the various skating competitions were held in Vancouver and Richmond, while Whistler hosted most of the Games’ mountain sports, including many skiing and sliding events. The Vancouver opening ceremony was the first Olympic opening ceremony to be held indoors, and three billion worldwide viewers tuned in to watch the 2010 Games’ 17 days of competition. \| [Simon Ammann](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Simon-Ammann), [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Martin Brodeur](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martin-Brodeur), [Sidney Crosby](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sidney-Crosby), [Shani Davis](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shani-Davis), [Martins Dukurs](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martins-Dukurs), [Steven Holcomb](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steven-Holcomb), [Tatjana Hüfner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tatjana-Hufner), [Clara Hughes](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Clara-Hughes), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Carlo Janka](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carlo-Janka), [Kim Yuna](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kim-Yu-Na), [Sven Kramer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sven-Kramer), [André Lange](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Andre-Lange), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Linger-brothers), [Evan Lysacek](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Evan-Lysacek), [Tina Maze](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tina-Maze), [Bode Miller](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bode-Miller), [Apolo Anton Ohno](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Apolo-Ohno), [Anja Pärson](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Anja-Parson), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Aksel Lund Svindal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aksel-Lund-Svindal), [Jonathan Toews](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jonathan-Toews), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Lindsey Vonn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lindsey-Vonn), [Shaun White](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaun-White), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust), and [Armin Zöggeler](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Armin-Zoggeler) \| \| [Sochi 2014](https://www.britannica.com/event/Sochi-2014-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics marked the first time the Winter Games were held in [Russia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia), which reportedly spent \$51 billion on the Games—more than any previous host. Competition venues were organized in two clusters: a coastal cluster along the [Black Sea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Black-Sea) for indoor ice events and a mountain cluster for skiing and sliding sports in the Krasnaya Polyana area of the [Caucasus Mountains](https://www.britannica.com/place/Caucasus). A record 88 national Olympic committees participated—among them newcomers [Malta](https://www.britannica.com/place/Malta), [Paraguay](https://www.britannica.com/place/Paraguay), [East Timor](https://www.britannica.com/place/East-Timor), [Togo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Togo), [Tonga](https://www.britannica.com/place/Tonga), and [Zimbabwe](https://www.britannica.com/place/Zimbabwe). Twelve new events debuted, including women’s [ski jumping](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-jumping) and [snowboarding](https://www.britannica.com/sports/snowboarding) for both men and women. \| [Viktor Ahn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Viktor-Ahn), [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Ole Einar Bjørndalen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ole-Einar-Bjorndalen), [Patrick Chan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Patrick-Chan), [Sidney Crosby](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sidney-Crosby), [Martins Dukurs](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Martins-Dukurs), [Marcel Hirscher](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcel-Hirscher), [Steven Holcomb](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steven-Holcomb), [Tatjana Hüfner](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tatjana-Hufner), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Kim Yuna](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kim-Yu-Na), [Sven Kramer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sven-Kramer), [Ted Ligety](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ted-Ligety), [Andreas Linger and Wolfgang Linger](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Linger-brothers), [Tina Maze](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tina-Maze), [Bode Miller](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bode-Miller), [Yevgeny Plushchenko](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Yevgeny-Plushchenko), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mikaela-Shiffrin), [Jonathan Toews](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jonathan-Toews), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Hayley Wickenheiser](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hayley-Wickenheiser), [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust), and [Hanyu Yuzuru](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hanyu-Yuzuru) \| \| [Pyeongchang 2018](https://www.britannica.com/event/Pyeongchang-2018-Winter-Olympic-Games) \| The 23rd occurrence of the Winter Olympic Games was the first Winter Games hosted by [South Korea](https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Korea). [North Korea](https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Korea) and South Korea marched together at the opening ceremonies under a unified Korea banner. Four new events were added: men’s and women’s snowboard big air, mixed doubles curling, men’s and women’s speed skating mass start, and mixed team Alpine skiing. [Ecuador](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ecuador), [Eritrea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Eritrea), [Kosovo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Kosovo), [Malaysia](https://www.britannica.com/place/Malaysia), [Nigeria](https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria), and [Singapore](https://www.britannica.com/place/Singapore) made their Winter Games debut. \| [Marit Bjørgen](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marit-Bjorgen), [Patrick Chan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Patrick-Chan), [Marcel Hirscher](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marcel-Hirscher), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Chloe Kim](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chloe-Kim), [Sven Kramer](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sven-Kramer), [Sarah Nurse](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sarah-Nurse), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mikaela-Shiffrin), [Aksel Lund Svindal](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aksel-Lund-Svindal), [Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tessa-Virtue-and-Scott-Moir), [Lindsey Vonn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lindsey-Vonn), [Shaun White](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaun-White), [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust), and [Hanyu Yuzuru](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hanyu-Yuzuru) \| \| [Beijing 2022](https://www.britannica.com/event/Beijing-2022-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| In 2022 Beijing became the first city to host both the [Summer](https://www.britannica.com/sports/Summer-Olympic-Games) and Winter Olympics. The Winter Games were held across three zones: Beijing, the Yanqing zone, about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Beijing, and the [Zhangjiakou](https://www.britannica.com/place/Kalgan) zone, more than 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Beijing. Each zone had its own Olympic Village, and a high-speed railway connected Beijing and Zhangjiakou. Held during the [COVID-19](https://www.britannica.com/science/COVID-19) pandemic, the Games followed strict health protocols and overseas spectators were not allowed. Seven new events debuted, including freestyle skiing big air for men and women. \| [Eileen Gu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eileen-Gu), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Lindsey Jacobellis](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lindsey-Jacobellis), [Chloe Kim](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chloe-Kim), [Sarah Nurse](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sarah-Nurse), and [Ireen Wüst](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ireen-Wust) \| \| [Milano Cortina 2026](https://www.britannica.com/event/Milano-Cortina-2026-Olympic-Winter-Games) \| The Milano Cortina Winter Games featured 116 events across 16 winter sports and drew some 2,900 athletes from 90 countries as participants. The Games took place in eight locations spread across northern [Italy](https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy), a region renowned as a winter sports destination because of its proximity to the [Alps](https://www.britannica.com/place/Alps). Making its Olympic debut in 2026 was [ski mountaineering](https://www.britannica.com/sports/ski-mountaineering), or skimo, in which participants first wear boots and climbing skins to ascend mountainous terrain and then descend a slope using downhill skiing techniques. \| [Sidney Crosby](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sidney-Crosby), [Amber Glenn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Amber-Glenn), [Eileen Gu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eileen-Gu), [Kaillie Humphries](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kaillie-Humphries), [Chloe Kim](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Chloe-Kim), [Ilia Malinin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ilia-Malinin), [Connor McDavid](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Connor-McDavid), [Sarah Nurse](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sarah-Nurse), [Mikaela Shiffrin](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mikaela-Shiffrin), and [Lindsey Vonn](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Lindsey-Vonn) \| Explore the Events
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