History of the Winter Olympic Games: origins and evolution

The History of the Winter Olympic Games: origins, evolution, anecdotes, and political-social importance

The Winter Olympics represent one of the most prestigious, spectacular, and widely followed sporting events on the planet. Born as a natural extension of the Summer Olympic Games, they bring together the best athletes in snow and ice sports, giving life to competitions that have left an indelible mark on the history of modern sport.

Since their first edition, the Winter Games have not only been a showcase for athletic talent, but also a mirror of the global historical context: political changes, social revolutions, technological innovations, and cultural transformations have accompanied their evolution, making them a global phenomenon of great significance.

To fully understand the value of this event, it is essential to retrace:

• their origins
• the most significant milestones
• the anecdotes that helped build their legend
• and the political-social importance the Games have acquired over the decades

The history of the Winter Olympic Games is therefore a fascinating journey that spans almost a century of events, innovations, and key figures, recounting not only the evolution of sport but also that of the societies that have hosted and experienced them.

What the Winter Olympics Are

The Winter Olympics are a major international multi-sport event dedicated exclusively to snow and ice sports. They represent the meeting point between tradition, competition, and innovation, bringing together some of the most talented and spectacular athletes in the global sports scene.

They are held every four years, following an alternating schedule with the Summer Olympic Games starting from 1994. Before that date, the two events took place in the same year, forming a single Olympic cycle.

Disciplines of the Winter Games

The disciplines featured in the program are numerous and constantly evolving. Among the main specialties are:

• Alpine skiing
• Cross-country skiing
• Ski jumping
• Nordic combined
• Figure skating
• Speed skating
• Biathlon
• Luge
• Skeleton
• Bobsleigh
• Ice hockey
• Snowboard
• Freestyle skiing
• Curling

Many of these sports have existed since the earliest editions, while others were introduced over time to make the Games more modern, spectacular, and aligned with the tastes of new generations. Some disciplines, on the other hand, have been removed or modified for organizational, safety-related, or popularity reasons.

An Event That Goes Beyond Sport

The Winter Olympics are not just an athletic competition. Over the decades, they have become a global stage capable of influencing:

• international diplomacy
• political relations between nations
• technological progress, thanks to advancements in sports equipment and facilities
• cultural exchange, fostering encounters between different peoples and traditions
• tourism promotion in host mountain regions

Their symbolic and cultural impact has transformed the Winter Games into an event that transcends the boundaries of pure competition, becoming a celebration of the union between sport, nature, and national identity.

History of the Winter Olympic Games: Origins and Evolution

In what year were the first Winter Olympics held

The first official edition of the Winter Olympic Games was held in 1924, a year destined to mark a turning point in the history of modern sport. Until then, winter sports had appeared only as demonstration events within the Summer Olympic Games, but the growing international interest made clear the need for a competition dedicated exclusively to these disciplines.

Where they were held

The inaugural venue was the picturesque town of Chamonix, France, located at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc, one of the symbols of the European Alps.
The event was originally launched under the name “Semaine Internationale des Sports d'Hiver” (International Winter Sports Week), organized in parallel with the 1924 Paris Olympic Games.

It was only in 1925 that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) retroactively recognized this event as the First Winter Olympics, officially granting it the status of the inaugural edition of the Winter Games.

Chamonix, with its untouched alpine landscape and long sporting tradition, proved to be an ideal place to launch an event that would soon become global.

Disciplines of the first edition

The 1924 Games included 16 events across 9 disciplines, many of which would go on to become cornerstone sports of future Winter Olympics. The events were:

• Figure skating
• Speed skating
• Ice hockey
• Bobsleigh
• Cross-country skiing
• Ski jumping
• Nordic combined
• Curling
• Military patrol (the precursor discipline of today’s biathlon)

Sixteen nations and approximately 258 athletes took part in the event, almost all of them men. Women played a limited role and were allowed to compete only in figure skating, reflecting the athletic and social mindset of the era.

Despite participation being relatively small compared to today’s numbers, Chamonix 1924 laid the foundations for a sporting movement destined to grow enormously in the following decades.

The Historical Context of the First Editions

The organization of the first Winter Olympic Games perfectly reflects the cultural and social atmosphere of the early decades of the 20th century. During that period, winter sports were experiencing strong expansion, especially in Europe and North America, thanks to the growing popularity of mountain holidays and the birth of the first modern ski resorts.

Although the technologies of the time were still rudimentary, interest in these disciplines was growing rapidly:

• ski lifts were just beginning to appear
• sports equipment was heavy and not very aerodynamic compared to today’s standards
• the organization of events was simple, lacking the media impact typical of contemporary editions

Despite this, enthusiasm was extraordinary: the charm of competitions on snow and ice captivated an increasing audience, attracting fans, curious spectators, and athletes eager to compete in new and fascinating disciplines.

From the Success of Chamonix to the Rise of the Winter Games

The great success of the first edition in Chamonix 1924 marked a turning point. The event received international attention that exceeded expectations and demonstrated that winter sports deserved their own independent and recurring showcase.
This encouraged the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to officially establish the Winter Olympic Games and set their four-year cycle.

The second edition was therefore assigned to St. Moritz, Switzerland, in 1928. The choice was no coincidence: the Swiss city, already a renowned alpine destination, proved to be the ideal location thanks to:

• its long sporting tradition
• its favorable altitude
• its organizational capabilities
• the international appeal of its tourist facilities

St. Moritz would later become one of the symbolic venues of the Winter Games, hosting them again in 1948 and contributing decisively to their establishment as a global event.

The Evolution of the Winter Olympics Games Over Time

The evolution of the Winter Olympic Games is a journey through nearly a century of change: revolutionary technologies, media transformations, political tensions, and new sporting needs have constantly reshaped the face of the Winter Games.

Below is an analysis of the main historical phases.

1920s–1930s: the pioneering phase

The first decades of the Winter Olympics were marked by experimentation, novelty, and genuine passion. Snow and ice sports were spreading rapidly, especially in Alpine and Nordic regions, and the Games offered a unique opportunity to give them an international stage.

Many disciplines were already well established in European sporting tradition such as figure skating and Nordic skiing while others, including bobsleigh, luge, and the early forms of sliding sports, were still in an embryonic stage, with inconsistent rules and facilities that were far from optimized.

During this period, the Winter Olympic Games took place in an atmosphere very different from today’s:

• few international delegations, mostly from Europe and North America
• a limited number of athletes, often amateurs
• essential facilities, built with simple materials and limited technology
• an intimate and modest atmosphere, far from today's spectacularized editions

Despite this, the Games continued to attract increasing attention: international interest visibly grew from one edition to the next, fueled by the enthusiasm of Alpine communities, by contemporary newspapers, and by the rise of the first modern sports journalism.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen 1936: between sport and propaganda

The most iconic event of this pioneering phase was undoubtedly the 1936 edition, hosted in the Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

These Games represented a unique chapter in Olympic history: for the first time, winter sports were exploited by a totalitarian regime the Nazi regime which used the event as a powerful propaganda tool.

Hitler’s government had clear objectives:

• to display Germany’s supposed cultural and organizational superiority
• to impress foreign nations with modern infrastructures and efficient management
• to strengthen, through sport, the image of a strong and dominant Reich

The atmosphere of the 1936 Games foreshadowed what would occur a few months later during the much more famous Berlin Summer Olympics: a meticulously orchestrated spectacle for political purposes, demonstrating how sport could become a tool of power and propaganda.

Despite the political context, the Garmisch-Partenkirchen edition did contribute to elevating the prestige of the Winter Games, leaving an indelible mark on their historical evolution.

The Postwar Period and the 1950s: Rebirth and Growth

World War II represented one of the most dramatic interruptions in the history of international sport. The 1940 and 1944 editions of the Winter Olympics were canceled, while thousands of athletes were called to the front or forced to suspend their sporting careers. Alpine infrastructures suffered damage, travel was nearly impossible, and sport inevitably took a back seat.

Despite this difficult scenario, the desire for rebirth soon emerged.

The Symbolic Restart of St. Moritz 1948

In 1948, only three years after the end of the conflict, the Winter Games resumed in St. Moritz, Switzerland. The choice was not accidental:

• Switzerland had remained neutral during the war
• the city had already hosted the Games in 1928, proving its reliability
• its facilities were relatively intact and quickly reusable

This edition assumed a strong symbolic value: it represented not only the revival of sport but also a step toward international reconciliation, in a Europe striving to rebuild itself both morally and materially.

The 1950s: Expansion and Modernization

The following decade was marked by steady growth and a gradual return to normalcy. The Winter Olympics became increasingly organized and well known to the general public.

During the 1950s, significant developments occurred:

• a notable increase in participating nations, with new countries becoming interested in winter sports
• an expansion in the number of disciplines, supported by clearer regulations and investments in infrastructure
• the first radio and television broadcasts, which began to spread competitions beyond the borders of the host cities
• the appearance of early forms of sponsorship, still far from the commercial scale seen today

Television, still in its early stages, helped popularize sports such as figure skating, skiing, and ski jumping among an increasingly broad audience.

The Beginning of Professionalization

In this context of renewal, it became clear that sport was entering a new phase.

Athletes began to dedicate themselves more consistently to physical and technical preparation; wealthier nations invested in modern facilities and more advanced equipment; training methods became more scientific and structured.

A process of professionalization was thus taking shape one destined to profoundly change competitive sport in the following decades and to transform the Winter Olympics into an event that was increasingly competitive, widely followed, and media-driven.

1960s–1970s: Technological Boom and Media Revolution

The 1960s and 1970s marked a decisive phase in the history of the Winter Olympic Games. During this period, the Games definitively abandoned their early “artisanal” character and transformed into a modern, technological, and media-driven event.

Innsbruck 1964: the beginning of a new era

The Innsbruck 1964 Olympics represented a true turning point. For the first time, the organization of the Games relied extensively on innovative technologies to ensure the proper running of the competitions, even under adverse weather conditions. Among the most significant innovations:

• artificial snowmaking, a fundamental resource to guarantee consistent snow conditions regardless of the climate
• refrigerated tracks for bobsleigh and luge, ensuring identical conditions for all athletes and offering greater safety
• more advanced skis and equipment, made possible by the introduction of new materials such as fiberglass and metal, which partly replaced traditional wood

These technological improvements made competitions faster, more spectacular, and safer, laying the foundations of modern winter sports.

The television revolution

At the same time, the 1960s saw the true triumph of television, destined to radically transform the relationship between sport and its audience. The Winter Olympics became a fixed appointment for millions of families who, thanks to live broadcasts, could follow competitions from all over the world for the first time.

Some disciplines became international phenomena:

• ice hockey gained enormous popularity, fueled by historic rivalries among nations such as the USSR, Canada, the United States, Czechoslovakia, and Sweden;
• figure skating established itself as one of the most beloved sports, thanks to its fusion of elegance, technique, and music, becoming a cornerstone of television rating
• ski jumping filmed with spectacular camera angles and innovative viewpoints became iconic, captivating audiences with breathtaking, adrenaline-filled images

The birth of the global sports spectacle

Thanks to television, the Winter Games began reaching millions of viewers worldwide, gaining unprecedented recognition. Television networks invested increasingly large resources to acquire broadcasting rights, while organizers used the growing visibility to attract sponsors and further modernize facilities.

The combination of technological innovation and media expansion transformed the Games into a truly global spectacle, helping shape the collective imagination of the mountains, winter sports, and the professional athlete.

It was the beginning of the Winter Olympics as we know them today: fast, modern, global, and spectacular.

1980s–1990s: Professionalization and Media Boom

The 1980s marked a new and decisive turning point for the Winter Olympic Games. This period saw increasing professionalization of athletes, a clear improvement in training techniques, and the widespread use of technologically advanced materials. Competitions became faster, more technical, and at the same time more spectacular.

Thanks to the rise of early scientific analyses applied to sport such as biomechanics, training physiology, and the use of innovative measurement tools athletes reached performance levels never seen before. Regulations were also standardized and refined, ensuring greater fairness and quality in competitions.

Lake Placid 1980: the “Miracle on Ice”

The 1980 edition in Lake Placid remains one of the most iconic in the entire history of the Olympics.
The most memorable moment was the famous “Miracle on Ice”, when the young and inexperienced U.S. hockey team defeated the overwhelmingly powerful USSR, considered unbeatable and a symbol of Soviet sporting dominance.

That match was more than a sporting feat: it occurred in the heart of the Cold War, immediately taking on political and cultural significance on a global scale. Decades later, the “Miracle on Ice” remains one of the most recounted, debated, and celebrated episodes in Olympic history.

A Decade of Innovation and Consolidation

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, the Winter Olympics continued to evolve:

• disciplines such as biathlon, which began gaining greater popularity, and modern alpine skiing, enhanced by improved equipment, solidified their place;
• women’s events increased, marking an important step toward gender equality in sport;
• the presence of international sponsors grew, enabling economic and media expansion of the Games;
• television networks invested increasingly large sums for broadcasting rights, turning the Winter Olympics into a global product followed live around the world.

This period definitively consolidated the role of the Winter Games as a major global sporting event, with a steadily growing audience base.

The 1994 Turning Point: the New Olympic Cycle Is Born

A major organizational innovation arrived in 1994 with the Lillehammer Games. The IOC decided to separate the Winter Olympics from the Summer Olympics, which until then had always been held in the same year.

From that moment on:

• the Winter Olympics would take place in the “intermediate” even years
• and the Summer Olympics in the “main” even years

This choice proved both strategic and successful. The Winter Games gained:

• greater visibility, avoiding competition with the Summer Games
• more balanced media scheduling
• more room for sponsors, broadcasters, and investors
• increased interest from the public and international media

The decision to separate the cycles significantly contributed to the modern growth of the Winter Olympics, making them a much more followed and widely recognized global event.

21st Century: Globalization, Security, and Climate Change

With the arrival of the 21st century, the Winter Olympic Games have undergone a profound transformation, becoming increasingly global, technological, and complex to organize. The host cities have progressively expanded the geographical scope of the Winter Games, taking them far beyond Europe and North America, their traditional cradle.

Editions such as Nagano 1998, Turin 2006, Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, and Beijing 2022 highlighted the IOC’s intention to further internationalize the event, involving new regions of the world and attracting an increasingly diverse audience.

New Sports, New Audience

In an era defined by a constant pursuit of excitement and dynamism, the Winter Olympics have introduced disciplines designed to attract younger spectators and fans of extreme sports. Among the most important innovations:

• snowboard (introduced in 1998), which brought a completely new language and culture to the Olympic world
• freestyle skiing, with acrobatic jumps, breathtaking tricks, and highly spectacular competitions
• big air and half-pipe, iconic disciplines of urban and freestyle culture
• short track, a variant of speed skating characterized by unpredictable strategies and close-contact battles

These new disciplines have radically transformed the image of the Winter Games, making them more modern, more dynamic, and more capable of attracting an intergenerational audience.

Billion-Dollar Events and Organizational Complexity

With the new millennium, the Winter Games have become true economic powerhouses. Each edition requires colossal investments often exceeding billions of dollars dedicated to:

• sports infrastructures and venues
• accommodation facilities
• advanced security systems
• cutting-edge communication technologies
• enhanced transport systems and urban networks

The economic impact can be enormous, both in terms of opportunities and financial risks for host countries.

New Challenges: Sustainability and Climate

Alongside global success, significant challenges have emerged that are reshaping the future of the Winter Olympics:

• the growing need to make the event more sustainable, reducing the environmental impact of infrastructures and materials
• the issue of climate change, which threatens the availability of natural snow and complicates host city selection
• the urgency of lowering organizational costs often extremely high to avoid burdens on local communities and administrations
• increased focus on security, given the complexity of major international events and the large number of visitors

These dynamics have pushed the IOC to introduce stricter sustainability guidelines, promoting bids based on existing infrastructures and lower ecological impact.

A Balance Between Tradition and Innovation

The Winter Olympics of the 21st century represent, more than ever, a meeting point between:

• sporting tradition, which preserves the historic disciplines and identity of the Games
• innovation, made possible by increasingly advanced technologies
• spectacle, capable of attracting millions of viewers around the world
• environmental and social responsibility, now an essential element

The result is an event in constant evolution, one that must balance modernity and environmental respect, new generations and historical memory, economic needs and Olympic values.

Host Countries and Key Regions

Throughout their long history, the Winter Olympic Games have been hosted mainly by countries with a strong tradition in snow and ice sports, as well as by nations equipped with the necessary infrastructures to support an event of such magnitude.
The geographical distribution of the Winter Games reveals much about both the evolution of winter sports and the global political and economic balance.

Europe: the cradle of Alpine sports

Europe represents the beating heart of Alpine sports, and countries such as France, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria have always formed the historical and cultural core of these disciplines. Thanks to their privileged geographical position characterized by imposing mountain ranges such as the Alps and their centuries-old traditions linked to mountain life, these regions became pioneers in the development of snow sports.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Alpine Europe has invested in building the first ski facilities, ski schools, and training techniques that would later influence the entire world. The strong connection between daily life and the mountain environment fostered the birth of an authentic “snow culture,” capable of producing internationally renowned athletes, coaches, and innovators.

European locations have also played a decisive role in the history of the Winter Olympic Games. Cities such as:

• Chamonix in France
• Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy
• St. Moritz in Switzerland
• Innsbruck in Austria

have become true symbols of global winter sports, hosting editions that marked fundamental milestones in the evolution of the Winter Games.

Each European edition brought innovations, new facilities, sporting records, and iconic moments, contributing decisively to the spread and growth of winter sports worldwide.

North America: United States and Canada

The United States and Canada have played a central role in the development and modernization of the Winter Olympic Games, establishing themselves as key players since the earliest editions. Their tradition in snow and ice sports, combined with a dynamic and innovative organizational approach, has been crucial in transforming the Winter Games into a global-scale event.

North America introduced to the Games a vision strongly oriented toward efficiency, spectacle, and audience experience. Iconic locations such as:

• Lake Placid (host of the Games in 1932 and 1980)
• Squaw Valley (1960)
• Vancouver (2010)

have become symbols of Olympic evolution, hosting editions that marked important progress in many areas.

Starting from the 1960s, the media influence coming from the United States and Canada allowed the Winter Olympics to reach an increasingly large audience. The massive spread of television transformed the Winter Games into a true global spectacle, while the introduction of sports marketing and early commercial partnerships helped economically stabilize the event and make it more sustainable.

North America brought to the Games:

• cutting-edge sports facilities designed to ensure high performance and strong safety standards
• a modern, large-scale event–oriented organizational model
• a significant boost to the professionalization of athletes and teams
• enormous international visibility, thanks to the media power of major television networks

Thanks to all this, the United States and Canada have played a decisive role in transforming the Winter Olympic Games from a simple sports competition into a true global phenomenon.

 

Nordic countries: the masters of skiing

Norway, Sweden, and Finland known collectively as the Nordic countries represent the world elite of winter sports, particularly in cross-country skiing, biathlon, and Nordic disciplines. These nations boast a centuries-old tradition tied to snow, mountains, and outdoor life, elements that have helped forge a deep, almost identity-defining connection with winter sports.

In Scandinavia, skiing is not just a sport: it is a true way of life. Snow activities are practiced from early childhood, often as part of the educational path, and are fully integrated into the daily life of local communities. This cultural grounding, combined with a favorable geographical environment, has produced generations of extraordinary athletes capable of dominating Olympic standings.

The achievements of the Nordic countries at the Winter Olympics are remarkable:

• Norway is historically the nation with the highest number of medals in the history of the Winter Games;
• Finland has been a major force in the Nordic disciplines since the earliest editions;
• Sweden has contributed to the technical and methodological development of cross-country skiing and biathlon.

Although they have not hosted as many editions of the Games as other European or North American nations, their sporting and cultural influence is immense. The Nordic countries have introduced technical innovations, advanced training models, and a sporting philosophy rooted in discipline, respect for nature, and strong team spirit.

Thanks to their contribution, skiing and Nordic disciplines have become fundamental pillars of the Winter Olympics and an integral part of the identity of the Olympic movement itself.

East Asia: the expansion toward the East

East Asia has taken on an increasingly significant role in the landscape of the Winter Olympic Games, helping to expand the geographical and cultural reach of the Winter Games beyond the traditional borders of Europe and North America. The emergence of this region on the winter Olympic stage represents one of the most interesting transformations of recent decades.

The countries that have led this expansion are primarily:

Japan, which has hosted two memorable editions:

• Sapporo 1972, the first Winter Olympics in history held in Asia
• Nagano 1998, a modern, technological edition with a strong focus on sustainability

South Korea, with the PyeongChang 2018 Games, an event that solidified East Asia as a new major player in snow and ice sports.

These editions marked turning points in several ways:

• they introduced new technological and organizational standards
• they encouraged the growth of winter sports in regions where they were not traditionally widespread
• they attracted a young and dynamic audience thanks to modern programming and cutting-edge facilities
• they demonstrated that winter sports can thrive even in cultural and geographical contexts different from Alpine or North American environments

East Asia’s influence further strengthened with the awarding of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, making China the first country in the world to have hosted both Summer and Winter Games.

The eastward expansion has therefore enriched the Olympic movement, bringing diversity, innovation, and new perspectives to international winter sports.

Russia and China: new powers of the Winter Games

In recent decades, Russia and China have emerged as new and influential powers in the landscape of the Winter Olympic Games, helping to expand the geopolitical and cultural scope of the Winter Games. Both nations have invested enormous resources to transform winter sports into instruments of international prestige, modernization, and global affirmation.

Russia: Sochi 2014 and the display of power

Russia assumed a central role with the organization of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, one of the most expensive and ambitious editions in Olympic history.
The event funded through multi-billion-dollar investments was conceived as a symbol of Russia’s intention to:

• consolidate its role as a sporting and political power
• showcase modernity, cutting-edge infrastructures, and organizational capability to the world
• boost tourism in the Caucasus and develop new ski areas

Sochi 2014 was a decisive test: a spectacular and complex edition that highlighted both the ambition and the challenges of hosting events in climatically non-traditional regions.
Russia can also boast a long and rich tradition in winter sports, inherited from the USSR, which long dominated disciplines such as figure skating, ice hockey, and cross-country skiing.

China: Beijing 2022 and the new frontier of winter sports

By hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China achieved a historic milestone: it became the first country in the world to have hosted both the Summer Games (2008) and the Winter Games.

This edition represented much more than a simple sporting event. Beijing showcased:

• futuristic technologies, including large-scale artificial snow systems
• sustainable solutions for energy and mobility
• modern infrastructures designed to transform areas not traditionally snowy into new sports hubs

For China, the Winter Games were part of an ambitious national project aimed at:

• spreading winter sports culture among millions of citizens
• creating new ski resorts and training centers
• promoting economic development in mountain regions
• strengthening its image on the geopolitical and international stage

Thanks to Beijing 2022, China expanded the winter Olympic geography, making snow sports increasingly popular across Asia and attracting new generations of athletes and enthusiasts.

Russia and China each with its own strategy and vision have therefore helped redefine the contemporary identity of the Winter Olympic Games, transforming them into an event that is increasingly global, technological, and multidimensional.

Italy at the Winter Olympics

Italy holds a prominent place in the history of the Winter Olympic Games, thanks to its long sporting tradition, the variety of its Alpine landscapes, and the organizational capability demonstrated across the different editions it has hosted. The country has skillfully intertwined sport, culture, and territory, offering the world some of the most iconic moments of the Winter Games.

Italy has hosted three editions (two completed, one upcoming):

Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956: the elegance of the postwar era

The Cortina d’Ampezzo 1956 Olympics are remembered as one of the most refined and well-organized editions of the entire postwar period.
For the first time in Italy, the Winter Games brought:

• modernization of tourist and sports infrastructures
• the first live Olympic television broadcast in the country
• significant economic growth for the Dolomites
• unforgettable competitions, such as the ice skating events in the iconic Ice Stadium

The elegant, cinematic atmosphere of Cortina helped make the ’56 Games a true symbol of rebirth and innovation.

Turin 2006: modernity, culture, and technology

Fifty years later, in 2006, Turin took up the torch, offering the world a dynamic, modern, and innovation-rich edition.
The Turin Games brought:

• a vast urban and infrastructural redevelopment project
• modernization of the transport network and sports facilities
• a strong connection with art, culture, and design
• widespread enthusiasm, involving not only the city but the entire Piedmont region

The spectacular competitions in the Alpine Olympic venues such as Sestriere, Pragelato, and Cesana left a lasting legacy for Italian winter sports.

Milan–Cortina 2026: sustainability and regional cooperation

Italy will host the Olympics once again in 2026, with the Milan–Cortina edition the first in Olympic history to be shared by two cities so different yet complementary: Milan, an economic powerhouse and modern European metropolis, and Cortina, an icon of skiing and the Dolomites.

This edition strongly emphasizes:

• environmental sustainability, using existing venues and operational infrastructures
• intelligent reuse of facilities from previous editions
• interregional cooperation, involving Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino, and South Tyrol
• an innovative approach to event governance

Milan–Cortina 2026 is seen as a modern model of Olympic organization, where tradition and innovation come together to create an efficient, balanced, and environmentally respectful event.

Thanks to these three experiences historic, modern, and future Italy has consolidated its image as one of the benchmark countries in winter sports, both from a competitive and organizational standpoint.

Anecdotes and Curiosities

The history of the Winter Olympic Games is full of curious episodes, legendary moments, and protagonists who whether for extraordinary achievements or surprising events have left an indelible mark on collective memory. Below are some of the most famous and fascinating anecdotes.

The first Winter Olympic champion in history

The first gold medal ever awarded at the Winter Olympic Games represents a pivotal chapter in sports history. The inaugural medal was presented in speed skating, in the 500-meter race, during the historic 1924 Chamonix edition.
It was won by the Norwegian Charles Jewtraw, a fast and determined athlete with a technique that appeared remarkably modern for the time.

His triumph not only officially opened the long sequence of Olympic victories in the Winter Games but also marked the beginning of what would become a long-standing Nordic dominance in ice and snow sports.

Jewtraw’s success remains one of the most symbolic moments in all Olympic history: an event that launched a sporting movement destined to grow into one of the world’s most prestigious and widely followed competitions.
A starting point still remembered today as the dawn of the Winter Olympic Games.

The most decorated athlete of all time

The absolute record for the most medals won at the Winter Olympic Games belongs to the extraordinary cross-country skier Marit Bjørgen, a true legend of Norwegian and world sport. With 15 total medals, including 8 gold, Bjørgen has written unforgettable chapters in the history of cross-country skiing and the Winter Games.

Her career, which spanned more than twenty years, is a model of longevity, discipline, and dedication. An athlete with impeccable technique, exceptional endurance, and remarkable recovery ability, Bjørgen dominated multiple generations of rivals, adapting to changes in the sport and remaining competitive until the final years of her career.

Beyond her results, what makes her an iconic figure is the combination of:

• absolute determination, shown in every race
• consistent performance, a rare achievement to maintain at elite levels for so long
• versatility, with victories in sprint events, long distances, and team competitions
• great humility, which earned her admiration and respect around the sporting world

Marit Bjørgen perfectly embodies Olympic values and represents one of the greatest examples of excellence and passion in the history of the Winter Olympics.

The “Miracle on Ice” – Lake Placid 1980

Among the most famous and legendary episodes in the history of sport stands the celebrated “Miracle on Ice,” a moment that transcended the boundaries of ice hockey to become a historical and cultural symbol of the 20th century.

During the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, the young and inexperienced U.S. team made up largely of college players and amateurs faced the powerful national team of the Soviet Union, one of the strongest hockey teams in history. The USSR had dominated the sport for years, boasted top-level professional athletes, and represented, both politically and athletically, an apparently unbeatable superpower.

Yet, against all odds, the United States accomplished the impossible: they won the match 4–3, thanks to an extraordinary display of energy, heart, and determination.
The political climate of the era made the victory even more symbolic: the game took place at the height of the Cold War, when tensions between the U.S. and the USSR were extremely high, turning that encounter into a true political metaphor.

The victory instantly became an iconic event, recounted in films, books, and documentaries, and celebrated as one of the most incredible and meaningful achievements in sports history.
Even today, the “Miracle on Ice” remains one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments in the history of the Winter Olympic Games.

Eddie the Eagle – Calgary 1988

A unique and unforgettable character who entered Olympic legend in a very special way is Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards, the most famous British ski jumper. His participation in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary became a universal symbol of perseverance, passion, and the Olympic spirit.

Although he finished last in both of his events, Eddie managed to capture the attention and affection of audiences around the world. Coming from a country with little tradition in Nordic skiing and with extremely limited financial resources, Edwards trained with minimal means, rudimentary equipment, and contagious enthusiasm. His determination to represent Great Britain at all costs was so strong that it overcame every technical and financial obstacle.

His jumping style was far from refined and his performances could not compete with those of professional athletes, but his smile and authenticity won over spectators, who saw in him the purest essence of Olympism: the courage to try, even when the outcome seems impossible.

Eddie the Eagle thus became a global icon, remembered as the athlete who proved that the Olympic Games do not celebrate only champions, but also those who, without fear, pursue their dreams with enthusiasm and perseverance.

Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan – Lillehammer 1994

The world of figure skating was shaken in 1994 by what is considered the greatest scandal in modern Olympic history. The event, involving American skaters Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan, went far beyond the world of sport to become an unprecedented international media phenomenon.

A few months before the 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Nancy Kerrigan one of the favorites for the gold medal was attacked backstage at a competition in Detroit. A man struck her deliberately on the knee with a baton, in an attempt to prevent her from participating in the Olympics.

Investigations soon revealed that the attack had been orchestrated by the husband and bodyguard of Tonya Harding, her main rival on the ice. Although Harding has always denied knowing about the plan, the scandal completely overwhelmed her sporting and personal image.

The episode triggered:

• enormous media attention, turning the affair into a true sports crime drama
• a climate of tension and drama within the American team
• an international debate on pressure, ambition, and the fragility of professional sports

Despite the attack, Nancy Kerrigan managed to recover and compete in the Games, winning a prestigious silver medal. Tonya Harding, on the other hand, completed the Olympics amid controversy and suspicion, and was later banned for life by the U.S. Figure Skating Association.

This case remains one of the most discussed and controversial episodes in Olympic history, symbolizing the risks and distortions that can arise when sporting competition is pushed beyond its limits.

 

The debut of snowboarding and the rise of new youth sports

A major moment of renewal for the Winter Olympic Games came with the Nagano 1998 edition, when snowboarding made its official entry into the Olympic program. The discipline, created in the 1960s and developed mainly in the United States, was initially viewed with suspicion by traditional ski purists, who considered it too informal, “rebellious,” and far removed from the classic standards of winter sports.

However, the Olympic debut of snowboarding marked a true cultural revolution. It brought to the Games:

• new energy, made of acrobatics, creativity, and personal style
• a strong youth identity tied to music, street culture, and freedom of expression
• a completely different way of experiencing the mountains more dynamic and less formal

The success was immediate and overwhelming: snowboarding captivated audiences, attracted younger spectators, and expanded the Winter Games’ overall appeal.

In the following years, the IOC further expanded the program by adding spectacular disciplines such as:

• half-pipe, with breathtaking aerial tricks performed on massive semicircular structures
• slopestyle, a combination of jumps, rails, and tricks on a course full of obstacles
• big air, one of the most spectacular sports in the entire Olympic landscape featuring gigantic jumps and gravity-defying maneuvers

These disciplines helped radically transform the image of the Winter Olympic Games, making them more modern, dynamic, and aligned with younger generations.
Thanks to the inclusion of these “youth-oriented” sports, the Winter Games have been able to renew themselves, stay relevant, and capture an increasingly wide and diverse audience.

Political Importance of the Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympic Games, like all major international sporting events, have never been isolated from global political dynamics. On the contrary, throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the Winter Games have often served as a mirror of worldwide tensions, a diplomatic tool, and at times a powerful instrument of propaganda.

Cold War and propaganda

During the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, the Winter Olympic Games were strongly influenced by the climate of the Cold War, which saw the United States and the Soviet Union opposing each other not only militarily and politically, but also in the sporting arena.

In that era, every medal won carried a meaning far beyond athletic achievement:

• it represented the supposed superiority of the winner’s political model
• it fueled narratives of scientific and technological dominance through sports training
• it became a psychological weapon against the opposing bloc

Competitions between the USA and the USSR in figure skating, cross-country skiing, and especially ice hockey were perceived as genuine ideological duels. In this context, episodes like the famous Miracle on Ice of 1980 took on immense historical significance.

Boycotts and international tensions

Unlike the Summer Olympic Games more exposed to global geopolitical crises the Winter Olympics experienced fewer formal boycotts. However, the political atmosphere was often tense and potentially explosive.

Many delegations participated in environments marked by suspicion, especially during periods of:

• energy crises
• regional conflicts
• bilateral diplomatic tensions
• internal rivalries within political-military blocs

Even without widespread boycotts, the Winter Games nonetheless felt the impact of the geopolitical fractures of their time.

Nationalism and identity: sport as national pride

For many countries especially Alpine nations (such as Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein) and Nordic countries (such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland) the Winter Olympics represent far more than a sporting competition: they are a means of affirming and celebrating cultural identity.

Victories in alpine skiing, biathlon, or cross-country skiing are often seen as expressions of:

• the resilience of mountain peoples
• traditions tied to snow and nature
• the cultural history of communities that have lived for centuries in harsh environments
• the ability to excel in sports that are part of everyday life

The identity value of the Winter Games is so strong that it can even influence national policies on sport and environmental preservation.

Soft power and international image

In the 21st century, the Winter Olympic Games have also become a powerful tool of soft power that is, cultural and diplomatic influence.

Editions such as:

• Sochi 2014, with its massive investments and unprecedented spectacle
• Beijing 2022, symbol of China’s technological modernization

have demonstrated how certain countries use the Games to:

• strengthen their international prestige
• showcase modernity, technology, and innovation
• attract tourism and investment
• promote a specific political or cultural image
• consolidate geopolitical roles within the international community

In this sense, the Winter Games are now a strategic stage not only for athletes but also for governments.

The Winter Olympic Games, therefore, are not merely a sporting event: they are a crossroads of politics, identity, diplomacy, and international image.
A complex phenomenon in which sport intertwines with the major currents of world history.

Social and Cultural Importance

The Winter Olympic Games are not only a prestigious sporting competition: they are a social and cultural phenomenon capable of deeply influencing communities, local economies, and the collective imagination of entire generations. Over their various editions, the Winter Games have contributed to societal transformation in multiple ways.

Development of mountain tourism

One of the most evident consequences of the Winter Games has been the significant boost to Alpine and mountain tourism. Host locations such as Cortina, Innsbruck, Lake Placid, Lillehammer, or Vancouver have experienced:

• investments in tourism infrastructure
• development of new slopes, lifts, and accommodation facilities
• improved mobility and public services
• a significant increase in visitor numbers

The Olympics often act as an accelerator of local development, leaving long-lasting legacies on the territory.

Global spread of winter sports

The Winter Games played a decisive role in the worldwide diffusion of winter disciplines, taking them beyond their traditional European and North American borders.
Thanks to television, sports marketing, and the rise of youth competitions, skiing, skating, and snowboarding have become popular even in Asia, Oceania, and South America.

Women's emancipation in sport

A frequently underestimated aspect is the contribution of the Winter Olympics to women’s emancipation in sport. Over the decades, the Olympic program has expanded to include more and more women’s events, such as:

• cross-country skiing
• alpine skiing
• biathlon
• women’s ice hockey
• ski jumping (since 2014)

This progress has increased the visibility of female athletes, encouraged recognition of their abilities, and helped dismantle social and sporting stereotypes.

Cultural icons of sport

The Winter Olympic Games have produced some of the greatest icons in world sport. Athletes such as Marit Bjørgen, Alberto Tomba, Katarina Witt, Ole Einar Bjørndalen, and Shaun White have transcended sport, becoming sources of inspiration, symbols of determination, and central figures in popular culture.

Technological evolution and safety

Winter sports have greatly benefited from technological innovation, also driven by the organizational and competitive demands of the Games. Over the years, we have seen:

• lighter and more durable materials
• higher-performance skis and snowboards
• safer and more efficient ski lifts
• advanced artificial snowmaking systems
• increasingly reliable refrigerated tracks

These advancements have made winter sports safer, more accessible, and more spectacular.

Inclusion and the Winter Paralympic Games

The Winter Paralympic movement, officially born in 1976, is one of the most important social legacies of the Games. The Winter Paralympics promote:

• social inclusion
• equality
• the rights of people with disabilities
• extraordinary stories of resilience and overcoming limits

Their increasingly close connection with the Olympic Games highlights a modern, open, and inclusive vision of sport.

An impact that goes beyond sport

The impact of the Winter Olympics extends far beyond sport itself. Each edition generates effects on:

• the economy, thanks to investments and tourism
• infrastructure, through the construction and improvement of venues and public services
• education, with school programs and initiatives dedicated to young people
• international diplomacy, which finds in sport a platform for dialogue and cooperation

The Winter Games are therefore not only a world-class sporting event but also a driver of social, cultural, and technological progress.

The Winter Olympics Today

In the contemporary era, the Winter Olympic Games have become a true global mega-event, followed by millions of spectators around the world and capable of influencing the economy, culture, and society. Each edition is a concentration of innovation, spectacle, athletic performance, and narratives that become part of the collective imagination.

However, the 21st-century Winter Games also face complex and increasingly urgent challenges that are reshaping their identity and future.

Contemporary challenges
Climate change: a direct threat to snow

Global warming is perhaps the most pressing challenge. Higher temperatures, reduced snowfall, and increasing climate instability directly affect:

• the selection of host cities
• the feasibility of competitions
• the length of the winter season in Alpine regions

To ensure competitions can take place, many host locations now rely heavily on artificial snow, raising environmental and ethical questions.

High costs and organizational complexity

Organizing the Winter Olympics requires huge investments in:

• sports facilities
• transport infrastructure
• security
• advanced technological systems

For this reason, fewer countries are willing to bid, prompting the IOC to promote more sustainable models based on venue reuse and territorial sharing, as will be the case for Milan–Cortina 2026.

Environmental sustainability

Sustainability is now at the core of Olympic strategy. Modern host cities are expected to:

• reduce environmental impact
• use renewable energy
• limit water consumption
• redevelop already urbanized areas

The goal is to transform the Games from a high-impact event into a laboratory for environmental best practices.

New sports to attract younger audiences

To maintain global interest especially among younger generations the IOC continues to introduce disciplines that are:

• spectacular, such as slopestyle, big air, and snowboard cross
• dynamic, such as short track
• engaging from both a media and social standpoint

This approach has helped renew the image of the Winter Games, making them more modern and inclusive.

The enduring magic of the Games

Despite the challenges, the Winter Olympics continue to captivate thanks to numerous factors.

Technological innovations

Each edition introduces increasingly advanced technologies:

• precision timing systems
• drones and high-definition cameras
• new surfaces and sports materials
• technological solutions to improve athlete safety

Technology not only enhances performance but also makes the spectacle more immersive.

4K broadcasting, streaming, and virtual reality

Today, the Games reach audiences through:

• global live streaming
• 4K and 8K broadcasts
• immersive virtual reality (VR) experiences
• social media content designed for younger viewers

This has revolutionized how people follow the Olympics, making them accessible anytime and anywhere.

Truly global participation

Countries with little or no winter sports tradition are increasingly taking part, contributing to a movement that is:

• multicultural
• global
• open to all

The rising number of athletes from Asia, South America, and the Middle East highlights the worldwide expansion of the Winter Games.

Athletes more prepared than ever

Today, athletes’ training is based on:

• sports science
• biomechanics
• advanced nutrition
• high-tech training methods
• real-time data analysis

The result is performances that push the limits of possibility and a level of competition that is higher than ever.

Looking toward the future

The Winter Olympics continue to evolve, striving to balance tradition, spectacle, sustainability, and technology.
The future of the Winter Games will depend on their ability to innovate while preserving their original spirit: celebrating sporting excellence, nature, and the human challenge against one’s own limits.

Legacy and Future of the Winter Olympics

The history of the Winter Olympic Games is a long and fascinating journey through nearly a century of sport, culture, technology, diplomacy, and social transformation. From Chamonix 1924, with its pioneers and early snow competitions, to the hyper-technological editions of the 21st century, the Winter Games have traversed eras marked by wars, rebirth, innovation, and global change.

Over time, the Winter Games have proven to be much more than a series of sporting competitions: they have become a symbol of international cooperation, a place where nations meet in a climate of respect and exchange, beyond political tensions and cultural differences.

They are also an immense technological laboratory, where innovative materials, advanced training techniques, and new safety systems continually redefine the limits of modern sport. At the same time, they represent an extraordinary human stage where athletes from all over the world showcase courage, passion, discipline, and resilience often while facing extreme climatic conditions.

The Winter Olympics have told unforgettable stories: unexpected triumphs, legendary rivalries, epic comebacks, and moments that have inspired millions of people.

Today, with growing anticipation for Milan–Cortina 2026, this tradition continues to evolve. The Italian edition aims for a more sustainable, shared, and environmentally respectful model, demonstrating that the Winter Games can renew themselves without losing their original spirit.

The Winter Olympics remain an event capable of celebrating the beauty of snow and ice sports, but above all, an occasion to remember that sport can unite people, build bridges, and inspire hope in every corner of the planet.