Eissport

Eissport is the German term for ice sports, referring to a group of competitive activities conducted on ice. In German-speaking regions it denotes sports performed on frozen or artificial ice surfaces, including ice rinks and speed skating ovals. Eissport encompasses both team and individual disciplines and, in everyday usage, often serves as an umbrella term for winter ice athletics.

Among the most prominent disciplines are ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating (long track and short track). Curling is sometimes included in the broader category of Eissport due to its ice-based competition, though it is governed by a separate international federation.

International governance is distributed: the International Skating Union (ISU) regulates figure skating, speed skating, and short track; the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) governs ice hockey; curling has its own federation, the World Curling Federation. Major events include the Winter Olympic Games and World Championships, European Championships, and national leagues.

Historically, organized ice sports emerged in the 19th century with the codification of rules. In German-speaking countries, clubs and federations promote participation at amateur and professional levels, with many towns housing indoor rinks that host competitions and training year-round.

Today Eissport serves both competitive athletes and recreational players, and remains a central part of winter sport culture in many European countries.