Winter sporting season is upon us. From November right through to March, talented sportspeople will be competing in some of the most challenging tournaments in the world.
If you love the thrill of icy, snow-filled sports, this is the time to add some key dates to the diary. Here is a roundup of some of the hotspots to head to in the coming months.
IBU Biathlon World Cup, Hochfilzen, Austria
10-16 December 2018
The annual biathlon showcase in Hochfilzen returns for 2018. This combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting is a winter sport like no other.
2019 FIS World Championships, Utah, USA
1-10 February 2019
For fans of snowboarding, freestyle and freeski, there is plenty on offer during the championships in Utah. With three locations playing host to the sports over 10 days, this is a fast-paced, high-adrenaline series of competitions that showcase world-class talent.
FIS Alpine Skiing World Championships, Åre, Sweden
5-17 February 2019
Head to Sweden for some stellar skiing talent this season, as 70 nations participate in these world championships. It will be the third time for Åre to play host to the world’s finest skiers at the championships, although the alpine village is well-versed in being in the skiing spotlight, having hosted over 100 Alpine World Cup races.
2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang, South Korea
8-25 February 2019
This is the big one. The 23rd edition of this highly regarded competition sees a collection of beloved winter sports played out on the world stage. In addition to alpine ski events and speed skating, there will be three medal events for curling and 10 snowboarding medal events.
There will also be four new disciplines added to existing sports for these games: mixed doubles curling, big air snowboarding, mixed team alpine skiing and mess start speed skating.
2019 World Figure Skating Championships, Saitama City, Japan
18-24 March 2019
Towards the end of the winter sporting season, it’s time to make your way to Japan for the most spectacular skating in the world. This celebration of dance on the ice is a lyrical, yet technical sport that delivers a performance like no other.
Further Ahead
While the winter sporting season tends to draw to a close in March, there is one more sport that takes centre stage in May. If you are an ice hockey fan, it is worth heading out to Slovakia.
Taking place between 10 and 26 May, the IIHF World Championship is shaping up to include a packed programme. Team GB is set to face Germany in their opening game and the action begins on day two of the tournament.
There is an array of winter sports to choose from this sporting season. Whether you plan on heading out to Japan or want to enjoy the alpine air in Sweden, you’re sure to enjoy world-class sports displayed by champions from across the globe. do you have your boots for ice fishing? Where will you head to this season?