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5 Big Questions About the Winter Olympics

Here’s what you need to know about the 25th Winter Games.

February 2, 2026
By Ellen Song

As You Read, Think About: How will this year’s Olympics differ from the 1924 Games?

Let the Games Begin!
Watch a video to learn more about the Olympics.

1. How long have the Olympics been around?

The Olympics began about 2,800 years ago in Greece. There was one event, a footrace. The first modern Games were held in Athens, Greece, in April 1896. They were the first Games with athletes from many different countries. 

The first Winter Olympics took place in Chamonix, France, in 1924. That competition was called “International Winter Sports Week.” The event wasn’t officially recognized as the first Winter Olympics until 1926.

The 1924 Games didn’t include popular winter sports like downhill skiing. And there was no snowboarding—it hadn’t been invented yet. Nearly all the athletes were men. Women competed only in figure skating.

piemags/Alamy Stock Photo

A figure skater competes at the 1924 Games.

2. How else have the Games changed since the early years?

Today skaters and hockey players hit the ice indoors. But before 1932, all Olympic events took place outdoors, no matter what the weather was like.

And from 1928 to 1992, the Olympics often featured demonstration sports. These competitions weren’t for official medals. They were a way to share lesser-known sports with the world. Some demo sports, like freestyle skiing, became official Olympic events. Others, like skijoring (below), made just one appearance.

International Olympic Committee 

At the 1928 Olympics, athletes competed in skijoring, a sport in which skiers are pulled by horses.

3. Where will the 2026 Olympics take place?

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

The Games will be held in Italy from February 6 to 22. For the first time, the Olympics will have two host cities: Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. 

Why two host cities? One reason is to avoid wasting resources. In the past, host cities built several new arenas and other venues. But after the Olympics, those places got little use. This year, events will mostly take place in existing venues.

4. What else will be different at this year’s Games?

For one thing, athletes from around the world will compete in 116 medal events. That will be the most ever in a single Winter Olympics. And nearly half the competitors will be women. That’s a record for the Winter Games.

Plus, a new event will make its Olympic debut: ski mountaineering. The sport (below) is also known as SkiMo. It’s a race that involves climbing a mountain partway on skis and partway on foot. Then the athlete speeds downhill on skis to the finish line.

GABRIEL MONNET/AFP via Getty Images

5. Who are some athletes to watch?

On the ice, National Hockey League players will return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014.

And while new stars break through at the Games every four years, some U.S. Olympians are returning gold medalists. They include skier Mikaela Shiffrin and snowboarder Chloe Kim. 

Will they shine again in Italy? What other athletes will become Olympic heroes? We’ll find out soon!

Ulrik Pedersen via Reuters Connect

Chloe Kim

1. Describe three ways the 2026 Winter Olympics will be different from the 1924 Winter Olympics.

2. According to the article, what were demonstration sports? Why were they included in the Olympics?

3. Why will the 2026 Winter Olympics have two host cities?

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