Top 10 Greatest Winter Olympics

It's hard not to be enthralled by the international sports spectacle that is the Winter Olympics. Competitors from around the globe, the world's elite winter sports athletes, gather every four years to vie for honor and glory in an array of competitions. From the swift and sleek skiers darting down alpine slopes to figure skaters twirling with grace and precision on the ice, the Winter Olympics never fail to serve up a feast of inspiring and unforgettable moments.

But out of all the Winter Games, which ones really stand out? Which ones gave us moments that have become the stuff of legend? Or introduced innovations that forever changed the world of sports?

Think about all the Winter Olympics you've seen or heard about. Perhaps you remember the solemn hush of the crowd in Oslo in 1952, as the Winter Games came to Scandinavia for the first time. Or maybe the enchantment of Nagano in 1998 tugs at your heartstrings, where new events like snowboarding and women's ice hockey made their exciting debut. What about 2014 Sochi, with its grandeur and record-setting spending, or 2002 Salt Lake City, where athletes competed with the backdrop of heightened post-9/11 security?

Each Winter Olympics holds its own unique charm and significance. And now, it's up to you to determine which ones stand head and shoulders above the rest.
The Top Ten
2010 Vancouver, Canada The 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Vancouver, Canada, were marked by an inspiring global unity, as over 2,500 athletes from 82 nations competed in 86 events across 15 sports disciplines. One memorable highlight was the unprecedented gold medal sweep by the home team, Canada, in ice hockey. This particular Olympiad also became renowned for its remarkable efforts in sustainability and Indigenous inclusion.

Great games organized by the Canadians. No biased judging. They respected the other athletes with fair judging, unlike what happened in Sochi, Russia at the 2014 games.

It was the greatest games and got Canada to take pride in itself.

All I remember from this Olympics was Kim Yuna getting gold. That was awesome.

2014 Sochi, Russia A spectacle of grandeur unfolded at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Housing nearly 2,900 athletes from 88 countries who participated in 98 events, the Sochi Games were recognized as the most expensive Olympics in history. The competition also debuted new events, including team figure skating and luge team relay. Despite initial controversy and logistical concerns, Sochi delivered a dazzling display of winter sports on a large scale.
2002 Salt Lake City, United States The 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, United States, showcased a blend of competitive spirit and resilience. Amidst post-9/11 security concerns, the event successfully took place with 2,400 athletes from 77 countries competing in 78 events. The Games were memorable for a bribery scandal related to the bid process but were also recognized for their effective crisis management and emphatic showcases of sporting triumphs.

One of the best Olympics of all time.

2018 Pyeongchang, South Korea The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, which was a symbol of peace and technological advancement. This Olympiad welcomed almost 3,000 athletes from 92 countries who participated in 102 events, the most in any Winter Olympics until that date. Furthermore, Pyeongchang's Winter Olympics were also distinguished by the debut of four new disciplines and the extensive use of technology, including a 5G network and drone light shows.

I'm happy that the two North Korean athletes finally qualified for this Winter Olympics in the figure skating duo competition. This should be a sign of peace for the Korean peninsula.

Both PyeongChang's Olympic ceremonies were better than the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games ceremonies in 2017!

I miss these Olympics. Kim Yuna, Yuzu winning gold, the Canadian pair, Javier Fernandez. PyeongChang gave us memorable podium results in figure skating.

Beijing was a joke.

1994 Lillehammer, Norway The 1994 Winter Olympics, hosted by the small mountain town of Lillehammer, Norway, carved a niche for itself as one of the most atmospheric and intimate. The event drew more than 1,700 athletes from 67 countries, vying in 61 events. Lillehammer's distinct charm and authentic Norwegian winter ambience provided a picturesque backdrop, making this Olympiad widely regarded as one of the best ever held.

Natural beauty, small-town feel, games of innocence. Allowed previous professional skaters into the Olympics. The remembrance of Sarajevo. The Opening Ceremonies were spectacular.

Just such a spectacular place. People made their way to the little city of Lillehammer and got to see the best of Norway!

2006 Turin, Italy In 2006, Turin, Italy, was the proud host of the Winter Olympics. This edition of the Games featured over 2,600 athletes from 80 countries, all competing in 84 events. In a dramatic shift from traditional alpine settings, the Turin Olympics stood out for its urban backdrop and use of iconic landmarks as event venues. Additionally, it marked the Olympic debut of speed skating team pursuit and mass start biathlon.
1988 Calgary, Canada The 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, embodied the spirit of endurance and innovation. As a landmark event, it introduced the use of indoor arenas for ice events and was the first to include the team large hill ski jumping event. With over 1,400 athletes from 57 countries participating in 46 events, the Calgary Games became known for their severe weather conditions and the heroic efforts of athletes who braved them.

Eddie the Eagle, Jamaican Bobsled, the Battle of the Brians. What more can you say?

1998 Nagano, Japan The 1998 Winter Olympics were hosted by Nagano, Japan, bringing an Asian flavor to the proceedings. It was here that over 2,100 athletes from 72 nations competed in 68 events. Nagano's Olympic Games were the first to introduce snowboarding and women's ice hockey, sparking a new wave of winter sports popularity. Moreover, the Games were lauded for their commitment to environmental sustainability.
1992 Albertville, France The 1992 Winter Olympics took place in Albertville, France, and were distinct for their widespread geographic distribution of venues. This Olympiad saw the participation of about 1,800 athletes from 64 nations, who competed in 57 events. Albertville's Games, apart from showcasing competitive sports spirit, were known for their cultural exhibitions, which highlighted the Savoy region's rich historical heritage.
1968 Grenoble, France The 1968 Winter Olympics, held in Grenoble, France, set a new standard for television coverage and technological advancements. The participation included over 1,150 athletes from 37 countries, competing in 35 events. Grenoble's Games were the first to be broadcast in color and the first to use a computer (by IBM) for result tabulation. These innovations, along with memorable athletic performances, etched the 1968 Olympics into history.

The Newcomers

? 2022 Beijing, China In 2022, Beijing, China became the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The event showcased an extraordinary amalgamation of ancient culture and modern technology, with almost 3,000 athletes from 91 countries competing in 109 events. Beijing's Games were celebrated for their innovative use of artificial snow and the reuse of 2008 Summer Olympics venues, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.
? 1972 Sapporo, Japan The 1972 Winter Olympics, hosted by Sapporo, Japan, were the first to be held outside North America or Europe, marking a significant geographic shift for the Games. With approximately 1,000 athletes from 35 countries participating in 35 events, the Sapporo Games are remembered for their excellent organization and showcasing of Japanese culture and hospitality.
The Contenders
1952 Oslo, Norway In 1952, Oslo, Norway welcomed the Winter Olympics, making it the first Games held in a Scandinavian country. The event was attended by around 700 athletes from 30 countries, who competed in 22 events. With a unique blend of sporting arenas located in the heart of the city and skiing events taking place in surrounding forested hills, the Oslo Games are remembered for their integration of natural and urban landscapes.
1960 Squaw Valley, United States The 1960 Winter Olympics were hosted by Squaw Valley, United States, and they broke new ground in terms of infrastructure and technology. Nearly 665 athletes from 30 nations participated in 27 events. Squaw Valley's Games were notable for being the first to use artificial snow in competition and the first to feature a dedicated athletes' village. The event also introduced electronic scorekeeping, bringing a futuristic touch to the Winter Olympics.
1924 Chamonix, France The 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix, France hold a distinguished place as the inaugural Winter Olympic Games. Bringing together roughly 300 athletes from 16 nations, competing in 16 events, these Games were the birthplace of many Olympic traditions. From the start, Chamonix set a high standard for the Winter Olympics, making it a milestone event that laid the groundwork for all future winter sporting events.
BAdd New Item