We’ve all heard of skiing and snowboarding, but how about luge? Here are some winter sports played around the world that you’ve (probably) never heard of.
Luge
This sport was played in the 1988 Winter Olympics. While suspended by a fiberglass sling and two blades, you race down an icy run.
Snow Polo
The modified version of Polo was started in 1985 in Switzerland and has spread internationally. In the US, it’s only played in Aspen, Colorado.
Extreme Ironing
Extreme ironing originated in England and is now a worldwide phenomenon that has taken place underwater, on mountainsides and while parachuting.
Snow Kiting
Snow kiting is a paragliding snowboarding hybrid requiring wind and snow.
Night Sledding
During the winter, the Albula Pass Road between Preda and Bergun is closed. It’s Europe’s longest floodlit toboggan ride and you ride down the icy path through forests, farms and villages
Curling
Players slide stones on a sheet of ice towards a target area.
Aerials
Athletes launch themselves from a ramp and perform a number of gymnastic style moves, including twists and spins.
Nordic Combined
Nordic Combined is a mix of ski jumping and a cross country ski race.
Skeleton
Similar to luge, athletes lie head first on sleds that use the same track as luge and bobsleigh races.
Snow Kayaking
In snow kayaking, athletes ride kayaks down the snow covered hills.
Shovel Racing
Similar to snow kayaking, athletes ride down the slopes on a shovel. The sport started when ski lift operators began sliding down on shovels instead of the lifts at the end of the day.
