Winter sports
Photo: Erik W. Kolstad, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A winter sport is a sport performed in or on snow or ice, or otherwise needing freezing temperatures.
BiathlonThe biathlon is cross-country skiing combined with rifle shooting: the contestants ski around a circuit, stopping at certain intervals to take aim at targets; each miss of the target adds some to the skier's time.
Cross country skiingCross country skiing can be used as a mean to travel easily in thick snow in the wilderness or as an alternative pastime at ski resorts and near towns in the right climates.
CurlingOriginating in Scotland and most established in Canada, curling is gaining popularity after becoming an Olympic sport in 1998.
Dog sleddingDog sledding was the fastest mode of transport through snowy lands before snowmobiles, and remains a popular pastime.
Ice sailingIce sailing can allow very fast speeds, often as a sport. Either an iceboat is used (often a light construction looking like a trimaran sled), or a skater carries a sail himself.
Ice skatingThere are several ways of using (different kinds of) skates, such as ice hockey, figure-skating, racing and long distance skating.
Skiing and snowboardingDownhill skiing is a popular sport involving sliding down snow-covered terrain with skis attached to each foot. Ski resorts around the world attract millions of travellers yearly.
Ski jumpingSki jumping originally was using bumps in slopes to jump up in the air by ski. This can still be done by reasonably skilled skiers.
SnowshoeingSnowshoeing is a way to get around areas with thick snow. The snowshoes are attached to your boots, enlarging the surface area enough for you not to sink too deep into the snow.
SnowkitingSnowkiting is "winter's newest extreme sport", requiring only the wind, a snowkite, skies or snowboard, and an attitude for fun.
SnowmobilingSnowmobiling is about riding over snow on a motorized vehicle. As a sport it is popular throughout the western United States of America as well as in Canada and Alaska and elsewhere where snowmobiles are common.
Telemark skiingTelemark skiing is another method of downhill skiing, with loose heels. Practitioners often think it is more enjoyable than the alpine variant.
Winter swimmingWinter swimming is done in cold weather, and ice swimming at freezing temperatures, preferably followed by a sauna bath.
Stay safeSee cold weather, ice safety and snow safety.
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- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Winter sports" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Erik W. Kolstad, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons