15 Winter Sports Photos That Spark Olympic Spirit

While some people retreat indoors when temperatures drop, others see snow and ice as an invitation to play. A new collection from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest captures that adventurous spirit through 15 breathtaking images of winter sports from around the world.

The photos showcase both traditional Olympic sports and beloved cold-weather pastimes. A skier carves through powder on Revelstoke Mountain in British Columbia, surrounded by snow-covered trees that look like cotton balls. In Alaska, a lone skater glides across a glacier, trading indoor rinks for crisp mountain air.

Some images capture cultural traditions that have defined winter for generations. Russian boys play hockey on the frozen Volga River, continuing their nation's beloved sport wherever conditions allow. Two Amish men cross New York's frozen Cossayuna Lake carrying ice fishing gear, heading out for a January morning on the water.

The collection also highlights the pure joy of seasonal activities that bring communities together. Skaters circle the iconic Rockefeller Center rink during the holiday season. Colorful ice fishing huts dot frozen Wisconsin lakes, sheltering patient anglers from the cold. Lake Baikal in Siberia transforms into a massive ice rink as part of a UN initiative to celebrate the world's largest freshwater lake by volume.

Athletic excellence appears throughout the series too. Italian athlete Davide Bendotti competes in giant slalom at the 2022 Winter Paralympics. A snowmobile racer catches air in Russia. Competitive skaters face off at Turkey's Umitkoy Sports Complex.

Why This Inspires

These images arrive just as the world prepares for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. They remind us that Olympic spirit isn't reserved for elite athletes. Anyone can embrace winter's magic, whether skating on a frozen lake, snowshoeing through mountain peaks, or simply stepping outside to appreciate the season's beauty.

The photographers who captured these moments come from nine different countries, showing how winter sports unite people across cultures and continents.

You don't need Olympic training to find adventure in the cold.