4 Fascinating Winter Olympic Sports to Watch

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The 2026 Winter Olympics are just days away, and while figure skating and hockey may be the most well-known events, there are several fascinating winter sports that deserve your attention. This article highlights four Olympic sports that are either making their debut or offer unique combinations of athleticism and skill: ski mountaineering, Nordic combined, skeleton, and biathlon.

Why it matters

These lesser-known winter sports provide an opportunity for viewers to discover new athletic disciplines and appreciate the incredible skill and dedication of the Olympians who compete in them. Understanding the unique challenges and formats of these events can enhance the viewing experience and introduce fans to some of the most thrilling competitions at the Winter Games.

The details

Ski mountaineering, also called 'skimo,' is making its Olympic debut with three events: women's sprint, men's sprint, and mixed relay. The sport combines an ascent and descent, with athletes hiking up a mountain using skins on their skis before ripping them off and racing downhill. Nordic combined blends ski jumping and cross-country skiing, with athletes first earning points for their ski jump before competing in a cross-country race where their jump results determine their starting order. Skeleton is one of the oldest and fastest winter sports, with athletes racing headfirst on a sled at speeds up to 140 km/h. Biathlon combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, requiring athletes to ski a course and stop to accurately fire five shots during each shooting segment.

• Ski mountaineering is making its Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games.
• The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony is just days away.