Every four years, the best athletes from around the world face off in the Winter Olympics. They compete for medals in winter sports like figure skating, ice hockey, and snowboarding.

This year’s Games will take place from February 6 to 22. They will be held in Italy. That’s a country in Europe.

Every four years, the world’s best athletes meet at the Winter Olympics. They compete for medals in winter sports. These include figure skating, ice hockey, and snowboarding.

This year’s Games will be from February 6 to 22. They will be held in Italy. That’s a country in Europe.

The Olympics began about 2,800 years ago in Greece. There was only one event, a footrace.

The first modern Olympics took place in April 1896 in Greece. That was the first time athletes from many different countries took part. It wasn’t until 1924 that the first Winter Olympics were held. Athletes competed in France.

Back then, the Olympics looked a lot different than they do today. For one thing, there was no downhill skiing or snowboarding. In fact, snowboarding hadn’t even been invented yet! And nearly all the athletes were men. Women competed only in figure skating.

The Olympics began about 2,800 years ago in Greece. There was only one event. It was a footrace.

The first modern Olympics were in April 1896 in Greece. That was the first time athletes from many countries took part. It wasn’t until 1924 that the first Winter Olympics were held. Athletes competed in France.

Back then, the Games looked different than they do today. For one thing, there was no downhill skiing. Snowboarding hadn’t even been invented yet! And nearly all the athletes were men. Women competed only in figure skating.

Skaters and hockey players now compete indoors. But before 1932, all Olympic events were held outside, even in bad weather.

From 1928 to 1992, the Olympics often included demonstration sports. These events weren’t for official medals. They were a way to share different sports with the world. Some demo sports, like freestyle skiing, became official Olympic events. Others, like skijoring (above), appeared only once.

Skaters and hockey players now compete indoors. But before 1932, all Olympic events were held outside. That was true even in bad weather.

From 1928 to 1992, the Olympics often included demonstration sports. These events weren’t for medals. They were a way to share different sports with the world. Some demo sports became official Olympic events. Freestyle skiing is one example. Others, like skijoring (above), appeared just once.

Yes! For the first time, the Olympics will have two host cities. Both are in Italy. The Games will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo (see map, below).

Why two host cities? One reason is to be less wasteful. Past host cities often had to build many new arenas and other venues. But after the Olympics, those places sometimes got little use. This year, events will mostly take place in venues that already exist.

Also, a new sport will make its Olympic debut. It’s called ski mountaineering, or SkiMo. It’s a race where athletes climb a mountain partway on skis and partway on foot. Then they speed downhill on skis.

Yes! For the first time, the Olympics will have two host cities. Both are in Italy. The Games will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo (see map, below).

Why two host cities? One reason is to be less wasteful. Past host cities often had to build many new venues. But after the Olympics, they sometimes got little use. This year, events will mostly happen in venues that already exist.

Also, a new sport will make its Olympic debut. It’s a race called ski mountaineering, or SkiMo. Athletes climb a mountain partway on skis and partway on foot. Then they speed back down on skis.

On the ice, National Hockey League players will return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014.

Some American athletes won gold medals in previous Olympics. They include skier Mikaela Shiffrin and snowboarder Chloe Kim.

Will they shine again in Italy? What other athletes will become Olympic heroes? We’ll find out soon!

On the ice, National Hockey League players will return to the Olympics. That’ll be the first time since 2014.

Some American athletes won gold medals in past Olympics. They include skier Mikaela Shiffrin and snowboarder Chloe Kim.

Will they shine again in Italy? What other athletes will become Olympic heroes? We’ll find out soon!