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Get active this winter with these 5 winter sports

Fancy getting involved in a sport this winter? Why not try one of these awesome snow and ice-based activities that’ll definitely warm you up in the cold winter months.

Skiing

Whether you’re a regular at the mountain-top or a complete beginner, skiing is a great way to get your heart rate up in the cold weather. From a fun leisure activity to a competitive sport, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the views are incredible!

Don’t live near the snow? There are plenty of indoor slopes you can check out to sample the skiing life before you take off on holiday.

Young girl skiing, Les Arcs, Haute-Savoie, France
Cultura Creative (RF) / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß Stock Photo

Ice skating

For our next winter sport, you need to get your skates on! Head to your local ice rink – outdoor or indoor – and give ice skating a go! There are some impressive ice rinks around, including the largest rink in the world, Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, measuring a whopping 7.8km.

Did you know: figure skating made its debut at the London Olympic Games in 1908. The Winter Olympics didn’t begin until 1924, making figure skating the oldest winter game.

Girl holding parents hands ice skating, smiling
Cultura Creative (RF) / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß Stock Photo

Sledding

If you’re lucky enough to get enough snow at home, sledding is an awesome activity for the whole family. The great news is it requires zero experience of sledding to get involved! Just wrap up warm, head to a nearby hill with your sled and you’re set.

If you really get the feel for sledding, as the basis of three Olympic sports, there’s every opportunity for you to go pro.

Crazy sledding during the winter. Debica, Poland
Gallo Images / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß Stock Photo

Snowboarding

Maybe skiing isn’t for you, but don’t discard the mountains just yet. Snowboarding could be just the thing, especially if you’re into skateboarding. The same principles apply as skiing (descending downhill on a snow-covered slope) but instead of two skis, your feet are attached to a snowboard. Personally, I’d consider this a little more extreme than skiing, but you might be braver than me…

Young woman jumping on snowboard, Mayrhofen, Tyrol, Austria
Holger Thalmann / Cultura RM / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß Stock Photo

Ice hockey

A great option if you’re looking for something a bit more fast-paced than a gentle skate round the ice rink. This team contact sport is fast, physical and intense and requires sufficient skill on the ice. So it may be best to master ice skating before trying your luck at ice hockey.

young children play ice hockey
Igor Mojzes / 17³Ô¹ÏÔÚÏß Stock Photo

Need some more wintry inspiration? Check out our curated winter category!

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