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8 of the most historic Winter Olympic Games

Explore the most historic Winter Olympic Games, from iconic moments of the past to legacy-shaping Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Written by: Aimee White - Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Published: 2 February 2026


The Winter Olympic Games return in 2026, taking place in the iconic twin hosts of Milano Cortina from 6–22 February, with the Paralympic Games following on 6–15 March 2026. Athletes will compete in everything from alpine skiing and bobsleigh to cross‑country skiing, snowboarding and ski mountaineering.


While our small group adventures don’t feature every Olympic discipline (no Skeletons on the itinerary – promise!), you can experience the magic of winter sports for yourself.


Try snowshoeing through Finland’s silent forests or explore past and future Olympic landscapes on a hiking trip through the dramatic Dolomites. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the spirit of the Games.

 

  1. Chamonix, France
  2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
  3. Sapporo, Japan
  4. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
  5. Lillehammer, Norway
  6. Vancouver, Canada
  7. Beijing, China
  8. Milano Cortina, Italy

1. Chamonix, France: 1924

The very first Olympic Winter Games were held in 1924 in the charming French Alpine town of Chamonix.

 

Nestled beneath Mont Blanc, Chamonix welcomed athletes from around the world to compete in pioneering events such as skiing, skating and ice hockey, setting the foundation for the Winter Olympics as we know them today. 

 

Join our Highlights of Mont Blanc small group tour for an unforgettable hiking adventure.

 

Pictured: French hockey team (Wikipedia/Public Domain)

2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy: 1956

Cortina d’Ampezzo first hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1956, transforming this picturesque Dolomite town into a global hub for alpine sport. Its charming off‑season population of around 6,000 swells to nearly 50,000 during the winter months! 

 

Cortina will take centre stage once again in 2026, co‑hosting the Games with Milan and continuing its proud Olympic legacy. You can explore stunning alpine landscapes on our Dolomites guided hiking tour.  

 

Pictured: Olympic skating rink in Misurina (Wikipedia/Public Domain)

3. Sapporo, Japan: 1972

In 1972, Sapporo became the first Asian city to host the Winter Olympic Games, marking a major milestone in the event’s history.

 

Set on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, the city showcased world-class facilities and memorable performances, including Japan’s first Winter Olympic gold. With its powder‑light snow and vibrant mountain culture, Sapporo cemented its reputation as a premier destination for winter sports and international competition.

 

Our Sapporo Snow Festival tour gives an insight into fun winter activities like snow rafting and snow slides.

 

Pictured: Okurayama ski jump stadium

4. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina: 1984

The 1984 Winter Olympic Games brought global attention to Sarajevo, showcasing the city’s stunning mountain scenery and warm hospitality. Athletes competed across newly built venues on the surrounding peaks, making it one of the most memorable Olympic editions of the era.
 
Sadly, some of those venues were later damaged or destroyed during the 1992–1995 Bosnian War. We stop off in Sarajevo on our Balkans Rail Adventure, where you can ask your tour leader for more information about Sarajevo's Winter Olympic Games. 

 

Pictured: Men's slalom in Bjelašnica (Wikipedia/Milan Suvajac/CC BY-SA 4.0)

5. Lillehammer, Norway: 1994

The 1994 Winter Olympic Games in Lillehammer set a new benchmark for sustainability, becoming the first “green” Games with venues designed carefully around the natural landscape.

 

The event earned global praise for its environmental focus. Impressively, all ten venues built for the Games are still in active use today, continuing to support winter sports and local life in this picturesque Norwegian town.

 

Ready to explore Norway's great outdoors?

 

Pictured: Lillehammer Paralympic Winter Games (Wikipedia/Australian Paralympic Committee/CC BY-SA 3.0)

View our Norway tours

6. Vancouver, Canada: 2010

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games brought spectacular energy to Vancouver and the nearby mountain resort of Whistler. 

 

Purpose‑built venues showcased Canada’s commitment to winter sport excellence. Today, many of these venues remain active, making the region a fantastic destination for skiing, snowboarding and year‑round adventure.

 

We spend time in this former Winter Olympic Games destination on our Western Canada Adventure tour.

 

Pictured: Medal for Olympics Women's 30K cross-country (Wikipedia/Iwona Erskine-Kellie/CC BY 2.0)

7. Beijing, China: 2022

The 2022 Winter Olympic Games made Beijing the first city ever to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

 

Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Games delivered memorable moments on ice and snow. Many of the venues remain in use today, helping to grow winter sports across China.

 

You can explore a snapshot of China’s best destinations, from Beijing to Xi'an, on our Highlights of China tour.

 

Pictured: Bird's Nest in Beijing (Wikipedia/红烧腰果/CC BY 4.0)

Or why not Walk the Great Wall of China with us?

8. Milano Cortina, Italy: 2026

The Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 unite Italy’s fashion-forward city life with the dramatic Alpine landscapes of the Dolomites. Spanning multiple regions, the Games emphasise sustainability by using largely existing venues.

 

A historic highlight is the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, while Cortina d’Ampezzo also marks a return to Olympic competition, 70 years after hosting the 1956 Winter Games. These games are taking place at sites across Lombardy and northeast Italy – check out our Dolomites walking tour.

 

Pictured: Alpine resort in the Dolomites

Our Dolomites walking tour

Don't just travel, Explore!

Many of the destinations that shaped Olympic legends are places we visit on our small‑group tours, where winter sports and adventure are part of the journey.

 

From snowy landscapes to active exploration, our trips let you step into iconic settings in a hands‑on way. Join our Finland Winter Adventure to try cross‑country skiing, or opt for a different kind of challenge by cycling through Europe on our Croatia to Albania guided tour, with a choice of standard bikes or e‑bikes.

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