The first Winter Olympic Games Spectators surrounding the track at the start of the 10,000-meter speed skating event at the first Winter Olympic Games, held in Chamonix, France, 1924. (more) Winter Olympic Games Also known as: Winter Games, Winter Olympics Written by Mindy Johnston Mindy Spitzer Johnston is Managing Editor at Encyclopædia Britannica. Mindy Johnston Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Jan. 27, 2026 •History Once a quieter counterpart to the Summer Olympics, the Winter Olympic Games have grown into a sporting powerhouse, uniting global audiences every four years. Statistics from the event’s first century reflect this rapid expansion: Athlete participation has increased more than tenfold—from more than 250 competitors in 1924 to an expected 2,900 in 2026. Only 13 of those original athletes were women, who competed in only one of the Games’ nine sports: figure skating. By contrast,...

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