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8 Obscure Winter Olympic Sports You Didn't Know About
From ski mountaineering to sled dog racing, these niche events are making a splash at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy will feature several lesser-known winter sports that are gaining popularity, including ski mountaineering, luge, ski jumping, skeleton, skijoring, biathlon, sled dog racing, and ski ballet. These events combine speed, skill, and unique challenges that have captivated audiences for decades, though they often fly under the radar compared to mainstream winter sports like figure skating and snowboarding.
Why it matters
The Winter Olympics have expanded their event lineup over the years to showcase a diverse array of winter sports, many of which have rich histories dating back to the early 20th century. Highlighting these niche events not only celebrates athletic achievement in a variety of disciplines, but also exposes viewers to the global breadth and evolution of winter sports culture.
The details
Ski mountaineering, or "skimo," is making its Olympic debut in 2026 and involves racing uphill with lightweight skis and skins, transitioning to hiking, and then skiing downhill. Luge is one of the fastest sports, with athletes reaching speeds up to 150 km/h while lying face-up on a sled. Ski jumping tests athletes' speed, technique, and distance as they launch off a curved ramp. Skeleton is similar to luge but with athletes lying face-first on a sled. Skijoring combines skiing with being pulled by a horse at speeds up to 65 km/h. Biathlon blends cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Sled dog racing, though not an Olympic event, has a long history as a demonstration sport. And ski ballet, also known as "acroski," was an Olympic demonstration sport in the 1980s and 1990s, featuring choreographed routines with spins and flips.
- The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Milan, Italy.
- Ski mountaineering is making its Olympic debut at the 2026 Games.
- Sled dog racing was a demonstration sport at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
- Ski ballet was a demonstration sport at the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games.
The players
Shaun White
A famous American snowboarder who has competed in multiple Winter Olympics.
Lindsey Vonn
A renowned American alpine skier who has competed in several Winter Olympics.
US Ski Mountaineering Association
The national governing body for the sport of ski mountaineering in the United States.
The takeaway
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan will showcase a diverse array of niche winter sports that have captivated audiences for decades, from the speed and skill of luge and skeleton to the unique challenges of ski mountaineering and skijoring. These lesser-known events highlight the global breadth and evolution of winter sports culture.
