Wintersport

Wintersport is a broad term for sports that take place on snow or ice during the winter season. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, snowboarding, biathlon, ice skating, speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, curling, luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton. Some disciplines rely on snow surfaces and skis or boards, others on ice rinks or frozen tracks. Activities may be pursued recreationally or professionally, outdoors or indoors, and may depend on natural snowfall or artificial snow and ice.

Historically, winter sports developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries in European mountain regions and beyond, aided by tourism, transport, and organized competition. The Winter Olympics, first held in 1924, helped standardize rules and broaden international participation. Governing bodies such as the International Ski Federation (FIS), the International Skating Union (ISU), and the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation coordinate sport-specific rules, competitions, and rankings.

Competition ranges from local clubs to world circuits and championships. The calendar features circuits such as the World Cup, continental championships, and the Olympic program. Training, safety, and equipment standards are emphasized, with attention to protective gear and risk management, especially in backcountry and avalanche-prone environments.

Economically, wintersport supports tourism, equipment manufacturing, and media events, with resorts centered on slopes, trails, and arenas. Environmental considerations include snow reliability, energy use for snowmaking, and climate change impacts, which have driven sustainability initiatives such as improved trail design, water management, and ecological planning in resort areas.