5 Winter Sports Where Snow Gear is Essential

It’s a fact, winter sports attract millions of enthusiasts from across the globe.

As the winter season looms, the snow-covered mountains are a beckoning call for outdoor lovers to get their favorite winter sports equipment and take part in some of the most popular winter activities around the world.

Depending on your location in the world, there are plenty of different winter sports on offer to everyone.

And even if you are in locations where snow very rarely - if ever - hits, then we all have the luxury of our TV sets to enjoy the winter sporting drama the world over.

If you find yourself stuck at home rather than in the outdoors, online sportsbook Bovada, which provides betting and offers on winter sports, could help you add to the excitement of watching your favorite winter sports.

From ice skating to skiing, here are five of the most popular winter sports for you to get your favorite snow gear on and enjoy.

Ice Skating

It’s no surprise that ice skating is one of the most popular winter sports. Ice skating is a great way to spend time with family and friends or even as a solo activity. It’s a fun way to stay fit, increase flexibility and burn calories.

Popular in both competitions and leisurely pursuits, figure skating is one of the main events at the Winter Olympics. Some of the biggest names in ice skating include U.S. champions Kimmie Meissner and Sasha Cohen, Russian figure skaters Tatiana Navka and Maxim Shabalin, and Canadian ice skaters Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

Naturally, the most important accessory when taking to the rink is some skates, but don’t worry if you don’t own a pair. Most public ice rinks make skates available to hire in all sizes.

Skiing

Skiing is another winter favorite that has been around for centuries.

Skiing is a great way to work on strength and balance, and it’s a fun way to explore the outdoors. Skiing is a popular competitive sport and several countries participate in international competitions.

The Winter Olympics showcases some of the best skiers from around the globe as they compete for medals in various categories.

Highlights include American Lindsey Vonn winning a medal in the downhill slalom, Austrian ski jumper Gregor Schlierenzauer setting a new Olympic record in the ski-jumping event, and Austrian ski slalom ace Marlies Schild taking home the gold in the slalom event.

The most important snow gear you will need if you are taking to the slopes is naturally a pair of skis. Snow glasses are also essential, to ensure that the glare of the sun on the ice is blocked and you can see clearly.

Snowboarding

Snowboarding has become increasingly popular with winter sports enthusiasts over the past decades. The sport has seen a surge in popularity as more people look for an alternative to skiing and snowshoeing. It requires plenty of balance and confidence, and it’s a great way to work on agility and coordination skills.

Snowboarding events at the Winter Olympics are relatively new, but they include the slalom, the halfpipe, and the parallel slalom. Some of the biggest names in the sport include American snowboarder Shaun White and Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris. Again, a snowboard, as well as goggles, are essential to the leisurely activity.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is one of Canada’s favorite winter sports and is extremely popular in Europe and North America, but it isn’t one for the faint of heart. The sport involves two teams of five players, each trying to score goals and advance the puck up the ice.

It’s a fast-paced game of strategy and precision that requires quick thinking and reflexes. The Winter Olympics feature men’s and women’s ice hockey events, with the Soviet Union team and later the Russian Federation being the most successful nation in men’s Olympic history. Some of the most recognized players in ice hockey include Canadian Sidney Crosby and Russian Alexander Ovechkin.

You will need plenty of snow gear however if you wish to participate in the sport. Ice skates are essential, as are a hockey stick and a helmet, as well as a puck and plenty of padding.

Bobsleigh

Alright, we’re not so sure how you’ll manage to get your hands on a Bobsleigh or find your local circuit, but Bobsledding is our favorite winter sport so we just had to throw this in here. Bobsleigh or bobsledding is a popular winter sport where teams of two or four people race down an icy track in a gravity-powered sled.

Teams use their combined weight and skill to navigate the icy course and achieve maximum speed. The sport has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1924, and some of the biggest stars in the bobsleigh arena include American bobsledder Steven Holcomb and Canadian bobsledder Kaillie Humphries.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the winter outdoors space, focussing on skiing and snowboarding. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.