When the warm months of summer fade into the colder months of winter, you might think it’s time to quit sports for the year unless you ski, snowboard, or play hockey. Not so fast–because there are plenty of winter sports for you to explore as an adult athlete.
We’ve put together a list of 30 winter sports, from beginner-friendly snowshoeing to highfalutin snow polo to adrenaline-pumping ice climbing. Settle in with a warm cup of hot cocoa, and let’s get this ice party started.
1. Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a winter activity that’s easy to pick up and doesn‘t break the bank. This affordable and accessible winter sport opens up a gateway to freedom during the coldest months.
Whether it’s a groomed path at a local park or a rugged track in the backcountry, you’re in for a treat.
Snowshoeing fitness isn’t about intensity. Instead, it’s about enjoying the journey and taking in the winter scenery as you trek through the snow. The basic snowshoeing techniques are quick to master. With a little balance and determination, you’re good to go, so this is a great winter sport for beginners.
2. Biathlon
Quick–think of two winter sports where one has nothing to do with the other. If the sports that come to mind are cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, pat yourself on the back.
This odd pairing is known as biathlon and is actually an Olympic Sport (but non-Olympians participate as well). This winter sport combines the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle shooting.
You’ll need the right biathlon gear essentials: a lightweight rifle, specific biathlon skis, and poles.
Biathlon event formats vary, keeping the thrill alive. There are sprint races, pursuits, and mass starts, each demanding different strategies and endurance levels.
Efficient skiing, controlled breathing for precision shooting, and quick transitions are keys to mastering this sport. The Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation offers biathlon experiences for those interested in trying out this winter sport.
3. Mountain Biking
Just because summer is over, it doesn’t mean you have to hang up your mountain bike. You just might have to switch things up slightly.
Obviously, mountain biking on snow means trails are more slick. If the trails are well groomed, you can get away with regular bike tires, but you might need to ride at a slower speed than you would on dirt.
You can also opt for studded tires on your bike, which grip the snow much better than standard mountain bike tires.
Yet another option is a fat tire bike, which can handle both packed and powder snow.
Whichever option you choose, mountain biking on snowy trails creates a whole new way to explore the outdoors in winter. And if you don’t think you have the skills, check out a mountain bike clinic that will teach you confidence and technique.
4. Ski Biking/Ice Biking
Ski biking is a great winter sport for any level of athleticism. Ski bikes (technically skibobs) are modified bikes that have skis on them.
Opt for the traditional bike style with one ski in front and one in back, or a tricycle style with three skis.
Ski biking is generally easier to learn than skiing or snowboarding, and is a great adaptive sport for those with mobility issues. You use your bodyweight to steer and control the bike on downhill runs.
This is becoming an increasingly popular winter sport that you’ll find at many resorts.
5. Ice Sailing/Iceboating/Ice Yachting
Iceboating, also called ice sailing and ice yachting, delivers an adrenaline-fueled experience that perfectly blends high speeds with the serene beauty of frozen landscapes. This winter sport dates back to the 19th century and, at the time, iceboats were once the fastest vehicles on earth.
Today, iceboating is either a recreational or competitive sport. Participants sail across ice, harnessing the wind to navigate their way while maintaining control.
There are different types of iceboats, each achieving different high speeds ranging from 68 miles per hour to more than 100 miles per hour. Check out iceboat.org if you want more information on trying this winter sport.
6. Snow Polo
Imagine galloping horses and the crisp crack of a mallet hitting a polo ball across a sparkling, snow-covered field. You’ve just discovered snow polo. Snow polo is a luxury winter spectacle set on a frozen lake. Affluent spectators sip champagne as they gather to revel in a stylish atmosphere, feeling the prestige that’s been a part of polo history since the first tournament in St. Moritz in 1985.
You can try this sport yourself in places like Aspen, Park City, Ottawa, and Toronto. The Toronto Polo Club hosted its first all-ladies snow polo game in January 2024.
7. Mountaineering
From the thrills of ice boating to the demanding terrain of mountaineering, adventure seekers can find no shortage of exhilarating winter sports.
Mountaineering combines trekking and climbing to reach a mountain summit. This is not a sport for the faint of heart and requires a solid level of physical fitness. If your hardest training has been a cornhole competition, you’ll need some extra preparation to get in shape for this winter sport.
There are various iterations of mountaineering which include things like high altitude mountaineering, climbs that require ropes and other gear, climbs that don’t require ropes, and others. Check out this in-depth post if you’re looking to get into this sport.
8. Curling
Curling is another winter sport on our list that’s in the Olympics. It’s especially popular in Canada, which is known as the Curling Capital of the World. In the United States, curling is most popular in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
Curling requires precision, strategy, and teamwork. Sliding the stone across the ice toward the target is often referred to by enthusiasts as “chess on ice.” Thoughtful positioning of your stones can block opponents or set up scoring opportunities. Mastering techniques like the perfect release and effective sweeping enhances the stone’s speed and direction.
Specialized equipment includes stones, brooms, and shoes designed for optimal performance on the ice. Curling clubs are plentiful and most offer beginner clinics, and we have a ton in our directory if you’d like to check out this sport.
9. Snow Segway
Maybe not so much a winter sport than a winter activity, cruising a Segway through the snow is nonetheless a fun experience. These two-wheeled transports allow you to cover more snowy landscape in a shorter amount of time than by foot.
Snow chains on the Segway’s tires give it extra grip in icy conditions, but you’ll still need to be cautious and maintain a good sense of balance. You’ll find many companies that offer winter Segway tours if this piques your interest. But who knows how much longer this will be available since Segway recently ended production.
10. Shovel Racing
Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Well, it kind of is. Shovel racing literally involves riding on a modified shovel while racing downhill on the snow.
If you’re an adult athlete who wants to feel like a kid again, shovel racing certainly ticks the box. It combines speed and fun.
Racers sit on the shovel, straddle the handle in front of them, lean back slightly to gain speed, and lean forward to navigate tricky turns. Coat the shovel bottom with friction-reducing material to slide faster.
11. Skijoring
Skijoring combines the thrill of skiing with the excitement of being pulled by a horse or dog. For those seeking adrenaline and the freedom of the great outdoors, skijoring could be an ideal winter activity. It merges skiing techniques with the strength of an animal, allowing you to glide over snow-covered landscapes in a unique experience.
Whether you choose a horse or dog, skijoring captures the essence of snow sports, blending freedom with excitement. Prepare to see the snowy trails in a whole new way.
12. Dog Sledding
Another animal-powered winter sport that’s probably more familiar than skijoring is dog sledding. Led by a team of powerful sled dogs known for their endurance, you’ll travese through frozen lakes and snowy forests at high speeds.
As a musher, you’ll be the one to command the dogs and steer the sled. Huskies are the traditional breed used in dog sledding, but other breeds can dog sled as well.
The amount of dogs pulling a sled can range from four to eighteen, but solo sleds are usually four. The lead dogs are responsible for setting the pace for the rest of the pack.
13. Snowmobiling
If you feel the need for speed in your winter sport, snowmobiling hits the mark.
Snowmobiles are like jet skis on land, providing motorized transport on skis. You can traverse through the snow at speeds close to 40 miles per hour. Cut through winter trails and kick up some snow and excitement.
Be sure to bundle up, though, since driving a snowmobile through cold air will chill you to the bone if you’re not adequately prepared.
If you don’t want to invest in your own snowmobile, plenty of resorts offer rentals where you can experience this fun winter sport.
14. Snowkiting
We’ve covered snowkiting in our popular post on unconventional sports to try, so we’d be remiss not to add it to this list of winter sports as well. Snowkiting blends the rush of air and snow, giving you a unique chance to harness the power of the wind to glide and float across a wintery landscape.
You may have seen kiteboarding on water. Doing it on snow or ice adds a different twist. The colder the air, the more dense it is. That means you can catch more speed with less wind, reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
15. Winter Hiking
If you crave the serene beauty of a snowy backdrop, winter hiking might be your jam. The crisp air and the crunch of snow underfoot can make you feel alive.
Trekking through snow requires more energy than walking on dry land, boosting your cardio output and building leg muscles.
The right winter gear is essential. Invest in insulated boots, moisture-wicking layers, and perhaps a sturdy trekking pole to ensure your trail safety. Before heading out, always check the weather to maintain your awareness and avoid surprises.
16. Skiing
Probably the most traditional of winter sports, skiing has withstood the test of time. Ski resorts cater to everyone, from beginner to expert.
Whether you prefer speedy downhill skiing, taking on moguls, or the slower pace of cross country skiing, this sport is sure to be around for the long haul.
17. Snowboarding
If you like the idea of skiing, but prefer something a little less traditional, check out snowboarding. Snowboarding can be challenging to learn, so come into this sport with some patience.
Once you master the board and maintain balance, you’ll be able to slice your way downhill and get the ultimate adrenaline rush. Whether you ski or snowboard, you’ll share the same trails and lifts, so if you have friends who ski, you can still enjoy time together on the mountain.
18. Ice Climbing
For thrill-seekers craving a pulse-pounding challenge, ice climbing offers way to confront nature’s frozen waterfalls and ice formations.
It’s not just about physical strength. Your mind must be as sharp as the ice axes you wield. Mastering climbing techniques becomes your passport to breathtaking views and the profound satisfaction of overcoming winter challenges.
You’ll need specialized equipment, expert training, and a strong dose of courage to take on this winter sport.
19. Bobsledding
Bobsledding takes winter sports to an extreme. Teams race down a narrow icy track at breakneck speeds. The sport demands not only physical strength but also precise coordination among team members as they steer through sharp turns and straightaways.
A bobsled’s aerodynamic design and the athletes’ ability to synchronize their movements contribute to achieving top speeds. It’s a sport where seconds can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Whether competing at the Olympic level or just trying it for the first time, bobsledding offers a unique adrenaline rush that few other sports can match.
20. Ice Diving
Beneath the frozen surface lies a world waiting to be explored, and ice diving is the perfect way to do it. Divers cut holes in the ice to access an underwater landscape that’s both eerie and beautiful.
Only divers with experience should attempt ice diving, as it’s a risky winter sport. Divers take extra precaution by using ropes to guide them back to the surface as disorientation underneath the ice is common. Instead of wetsuits, ice divers wear drysuits that don’t allow water to penetrate, while also allowing divers to wear warm undergarments
Exploring ice-covered lakes and rivers, ice divers encounter a unique ecosystem and the thrill of pushing the limits in a truly unique environment.
21. Snow Kayaking
Snow kayaking brings the thrill of white-water kayaking to the snowy slopes. Using specially adapted kayaks, participants race down hills, navigating turns and jumps as they would on water.
Officially becoming a sport in 2002, snow kayaking offers a unique twist on traditional snow activities. Competitive snow kayakers blend the control of kayaking with the speed of downhill racing.
Recreational snow kayakers tone it down a notch by paddling through snowy backcountry and not down crazy hills.
For adventurers seeking a new challenge, snow kayaking provides a fresh way to experience the mountains.
22. Skeleton
In skeleton, athletes begin by getting a running start and then getting into a headfirst, face-down position on a small sled. They race down an icy track at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. What would make most of us go, “Oh #@&$!” gives skeleton athletes a huge thrill.
This high-speed sport demands both physical strength and nerves of steel as competitors navigate twists and turns just inches from the ice.
The name of this winter sport comes from the early sleds, which had a bare-bones frame. Today, modern skeleton sleds are highly engineered for speed and control.
Skeleton is a sport where precision and courage are paramount, offering a heart-pounding ride for those daring enough to try.
23. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is another traditional winter sport popular among adult athletes worldwide, but particularly in Canada.
From casual beer leagues to more competitive contact leagues, ice hockey is great for beginners and hardcore athletes.
You’ll need some basic skating skills, stick handling skills, and the desire for a bit of competition.
24. Yukigassen
Yukigassen is competitive snowball fighting that originated in Japan. Teams face off in a structured game with rules, protective gear, and even referees.
The goal is simple: eliminate the opposing team by hitting them with snowballs or capturing their flag. It’s a fast-paced game that requires both agility and strategy, making it a unique winter sport that’s gaining popularity worldwide.
For those looking to turn a classic childhood winter activity into a competitive event, yukigassen serves it up.
25. Luge
Luge is a high-speed sport where athletes ride a small sled down an icy track, feet-first. With minimal protection and top speeds of up to 90 miles per hour, it’s one of the most intense and dangerous winter sports.
What sets luge apart is the need for both precision and nerves of steel. Athletes steer by shifting their weight and applying pressure with their legs, all while lying flat on their backs, just inches from the ice.
As one of the oldest winter sports, luge continues to thrill both competitors and spectators with its combination of speed, skill, and risk.
26. Ice Skating
Gliding across a smooth sheet of ice, ice skating offers a graceful way to enjoy the winter months. Whether you’re spinning in figure skates or simply enjoying a casual skate, it’s a sport that combines elegance with athleticism.
From frozen ponds to indoor rinks, ice skating is accessible to all ages and skill levels, making it a beloved winter pastime around the world.
27. Sledding
With just a sled and a snowy hill, sledding brings out the joy of winter’s simplicity. It’s a timeless activity where the thrill comes from the speed and the rush of wind in your face as you race downhill.
While often seen as a fun activity for children, adults can enjoy sledding just as much as kids can. Steeper hills and advanced sled designs can make it an exciting challenge.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of snow, speed, and gravity that makes sledding a winter favorite.
28. Snow Tubing
Snow tubing takes the simple joy of sledding and amplifies it with inflatable tubes designed for speed and more comfort than a sled. It’s a carefree way to careen down snow-covered hills. Many ski resorts offering dedicated tubing lanes.
The best thing about snow tubing? You don’t need any special skills other than a willingness to have fun.
29. Ice Fishing
Ice fishing turns a frozen lake into a whole new experience as you drill through the ice to reach the water below. Since the lake is frozen, there’s no need for a boat, making it a much more accessible sport than fishing on unfrozen water.
Ice fishers use specialized gear called jigging rods and tip-ups, which you can easily find anywhere that sells fishing equipment.
Whether you seek solitude or a shared adventure, ice fishing is an exciting challenge if fishing is a sport you enjoy.
30. Ice Racing
This winter sport involves vehicles like cars, motorcycles, and ATVs speeding across icy tracks, often reaching impressive speeds despite the slippery conditions.
What makes ice racing particularly exciting is the constant battle between power and precision. Racers must navigate sharp turns and manage traction, all while pushing their vehicles to the limit.
Whether it’s on a frozen lake or a specially designed track, ice racing is spectacle, blending raw speed with the skill required to tame the ice.
3 comments
SammyJ
hey, so about snowshoeing right? do y’all think it’s easy to pick up for someone who’s never done winter sports before? kinda wanna try but not sure if it’s my vibe or not.
Tanja Kropf
It’s definitely accessible for beginners. You can rent snowshoes to try it out before committing to buying.
HikeLife44
Absolutely, snowshoeing is a perfect start. It’s like hiking, but with extra gear. You’ll love the peace of the snow-covered trails.