It may not garner as much popularity as the summer Olympic Games, however the Winter Olympic Games still continue to be a remarkable example of excellent sportsmanship and athleticism. Engaging participants and spectators from all over the world, this event highlights the best athletes of winter sports. The Olympics Games originate from Ancient Greece, but where did the Winter Olympics come from?

The Nordic Games, founded in 1901 as the first international ice and snow sports event, is known as the springboard for the Winter Olympics. The games were initially launched in Sweden, and it was proposed that they promote Nordic and Swedish culture as well as winter sports. The games were instantly popular, but only allowed competitors from Nordic countries to enter.

A push to include winter sports in the Olympic Games was soon a priority for Nordic Games committee members. As the Winter Olympics was formed in 1924, many Nordic countries were primarily against it, and the closing down of the Nordic Games was seen as controversial. They soon came on board, however, as the success of the Winter Olympics reached all corners of the globe.

On a frosty January day in 1924, the first Winter Olympics opened at Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France. Norway won 17 medals and Finland won 11. The games were initially held in the same year as the summer Olympic games, but have since split to separate years.

What’s your favourite winter sport? Share with us in the comments below!