Snowsports Operators Leverage Sports Featured At The Winter Olympic Games

In 1921, the International Olympic Committee invested in a Winter Sports Week to take place in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The event was a great success, attracting nearly 260 competitors and more than 10,000 paying spectators, and was retrospectively named the first Winter Olympic Games. Since then, the Winter Olympic Games have been held once every four years and have grown into one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events, marking over a century of snow and ice competition.

Feeling inspired by over 100 years of Winter Olympic history? Why not try some of the sports featured in the Games? From biathlon to bobsleigh, and alpine skiing to the newest addition, ski mountaineering, take a look at the options below.

Cross-country skiing in Kitzbühel, the Austrian Tirol

Cross-country skiing is the oldest form of skiing and has been part of the Olympics since the first Winter Games in 1924. Undertaken over flatter ground or rolling terrain, the sport is easy to pick up and provides a wonderful way to explore the landscape. With more than 60 km of perfectly prepared trails, Kitzbühel in the Austrian Tirol is the ideal setting for those seeking an exceptional cross-country experience. Holidaymakers can glide through snow-covered meadows and valleys around the Hahnenkamm, Kitzbüheler Horn, and Wilder Kaiser, stopping off at traditional huts for hearty Tirolean cuisine. Trail access is free of charge, with both beginners and professionals welcome. Those new to the activity can book expert instruction with Element3, offering private sessions from €120 / £105 pp. A three-night stay in Kitzbühel at Hotel Kitzhof, arriving 12 December 2025, is priced from £675 pp based on two people sharing on a half board basis. This includes a champagne breakfast, minibar and spa access.  Austrian Tirol: www.visittirol.co.uk Kitzbühel: www.kitzbuehel.com/winter/

Figure Skating in Megève, France

Figure skating has been an Olympic sport since the beginning, captivating audiences since the golden years of Torvill and Dean. There are five disciplines in competitive skating, all of which will feature at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo. In the French Alpine village of Megève, head to the Olympic ice rink inside the stunning Le Palais leisure complex. Open year-round, the 1,800m² rink welcomes skaters of all levels. Visitors can enjoy fancy-dress skating evenings, or try curling too. During winter, a second open-air rink opens in the village centre, perfect for après-ski fun with mugs of hot chocolate. Ice rink access is from €6 / £5.30 pp for adults and €4.60 / £4 for children. Private lessons are available on request. A four-night stay at Mamie Megève, arriving 18 December 2025, is priced from £690 pp based on two sharing a double room with breakfast included. Flights and transfers extra.  Megève: www.megeve-tourisme.fr/en/

Bobsleigh in La Plagne, France

Home to France’s only bobsleigh and skeleton track, La Plagne was used during the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics and remains one of the Alps’ most exhilarating attractions. Families (min. height 1.3m) can try the Bob Raft, an automatic four-person bobsleigh reaching 80 km/h (€57/£50 pp). Thrill-seekers can book the Bob Racing, riding behind a professional pilot at speeds of up to 120 km/h (€149 / £141 pp). For the ultimate experience, guests can even learn to pilot a bobsleigh, including a track walk, two descents, and a technical briefing, supervised by certified instructors (€690 / £607 pp). A week’s stay, from 12 January 2026, at PopAlp Hotel in Plagne Centre, costs from £2,420 total for up to three people sharing a standard room with breakfast included.  La Plagne: https://en.la-plagne.com

Ski Jumping in Innsbruck, the Austrian Tirol

Follow in the footsteps, or skis, of Eddie the Eagle and experience the thrill of ski jumping. In 1988, Eddie became the first competitor since 1928 to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. Towering above Innsbruck, the Bergisel Ski Jump is both an architectural landmark and a symbol of sporting history. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, it hosts the third stage of the prestigious Four Hills Tournament every January. An inclined elevator carries visitors 250 metres above the city in under two minutes, where a sleek tower-top restaurant and viewing terrace offer stunning 360-degree views of Innsbruck and the snow-capped Alps. A week’s stay at Hotel Rufi’s departing 5 December 2025, costs £1,452 total based on two sharing a room.  Austrian Tirol: www.visittirol.co.uk

Ice Hockey in Morzine, France

Ice hockey is a way of life in many Alpine communities, especially in Morzine, home to the Division 1 Morzine-Avoriaz Hockey Club. Matches at the Skoda Arena are action-packed, affordable, and family-friendly. Tickets cost around €10 / £8.60 per adult and €6 / £5 for children. Stay at new Chalet La Bise, a stylish new six-bedroom, all-ensuite chalet sleeping up to 14 guests. Perfectly placed in the heart of Morzine, it offers sweeping mountain views, a hot tub, an outdoor barrel sauna and a sun-drenched terrace. Inside, guests can enjoy roaring fires, vaulted timber ceilings and plenty of space to relax. Named after the northerly wind that brings fresh powder to the Alps, Chalet La Bise blends character with comfort. A week’s stay at Chalet La Bise, departing 17 January 2026, costs £6,220 total based on 14 people sharing on a self-catered basis, including committed service from the AliKats’ team throughout the stay.  AliKats (0203 514 6012, www.alikats.eu) Morzine: www.morzine-avoriaz.com/

Alpine Skiing in Val d’Isère, France

An Olympic staple since 1936, Alpine skiing remains one of the Games’ most thrilling events. The village of Val d’Isère, famed for its world-class pistes and racing pedigree, offers 300 km of runs shared with neighbouring Tignes. Stay at VIP SKI’s Loft 2 Aspen House in the very heart of Val d’Isère, a penthouse suite of the very highest quality. The Loft sleeps 8-10 guests in four en suite bedrooms, The suite is entirely independent with open plan living/dining area with log fire and balcony, spectacular views, surround sound TV, WiFi, flat screen TV’s in the bedrooms and a dedicated chalet host. Aspen House has a spa on the ground floor with hammam, sauna and a rather grand tiled jacuzzi. A week’s stay at Loft 2 Aspen House, arriving 7 December 2025 is priced from £1,359 pp based on eight guests sharing a four bedroom chalet on a catered chalet basis, this includes transfers from Geneva. VIP SKI (020 3538 3437, www.vip-chalets.com)

Ski Mountaineering in Silvretta, Austrian Tirol

Set to make its Olympic debut in 2026, ski mountaineering, or “skimo”, combines the endurance of uphill touring with the thrill of downhill skiing. The sport involves ascending snowy peaks on skins before skiing back down, testing both stamina and alpine skill. The Silvretta range in the Austrian Tirol is one of Europe’s premier destinations for ski mountaineering, offering glaciated peaks, dramatic ridgelines, and breathtaking scenery. Routes such as the Silvretta Traverse (linking huts between Austria and Switzerland) are ideal for multi-day tours, while local guides also offer single-day ascents for beginners and enthusiasts alike. A four-night stay at Revier Mountain Lodge Montafan, from 17 December 2026, costs from £668 total for two people sharing a double room with mountain view. Austrian Tirol: www.visittirol.co.uk

Skijoring in Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil, France

Originating in Scandinavia, skijoring pairs skiers with a horse or dog for a thrilling ride across snowy trails. Once featured at the 1928 Winter Olympics, it’s now a fun winter activity you can try in Avoriaz. Prices from €39 / £34 pp. A four-night stay, at Chalet Beluga, Avoriaz, from 11 January 2026, costs from £1,958 pp total for eight guests sharing catered chalet basis, this includes access to spa and hammam, designated chalet host and return transfers from Geneva.  Avoriaz: https://www.avoriaz.com/en/ VIP SKI (020 3538 3437, www.vip-chalets.com)

Freeride in Verbier, Switzerland

For those craving deep powder and steep terrain, Verbier is freeride heaven. The area offers legendary descents from Mont Gelé and Mont Fort, plus natural terrain parks for advanced skiers and snowboarders. A week’s stay at Hotel de Verbier departing 3 December 2025, costs from £989 total based on two sharing a Deluxe Room with breakfast included and hot tub access.  Verbier: www.verbier.ch/hiver/