Frequently Asked Questions

History and origin of the Games

When were the first Olympic Winter Games held?

The first Winter Games were held in Chamonix (France), in 1924. Initially called the “International Winter Sports Week”, this event was renamed the “1st Olympic Winter Games” only in 1926 at the IOC Session in Lisbon.

The decision to create a separate Winter Games cycle was taken at the 1925 IOC Session in Prague.

Learn more:

Factsheet: The Olympic Winter Games