Whether you’re bundled up watching snow fall in Chicago or laughing at Atlanta’s one-inch shutdown, one thing’s clear: winter snow-sport season is here. And it belongs to the athletes (and weekend warriors) who live for cold air, sharp edges, and speed.
From Black athletes breaking barriers on ice and snow to the low-stakes joy of a neighborhood sled hill, here’s what we’re keeping our eyes on this winter, plus a few ways to get outside and get in the mix.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding stays undefeated as the winter sport with the most personality: style, swagger, and “did they just do that?” moments.
Olympic hopeful Brian Rice (aka Flyin’ Brian) and X Games gold medalist Zeb Powell are part of that wave, bringing new eyes to a space that hasn’t always looked diverse.
Try it: Don’t start with a mountain. Start with a small hill and a beginner lesson. Your tailbone will thank you.
Ice Skating
Olympic champion Erin Jackson is still the definition of “blink, and you’ll miss it” fast — and she’s also made history as the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at any Winter Olympics.
Try it: If you’ve got a rink nearby, trade one public skate session for a “learn-to-speed-skate” class (many rinks offer them seasonally). Even one lesson makes you appreciate the chaos of a 500-meter sprint.
Sking
Ski racing’s diverse new faces are not only Jamaican, but there are three of them. Alpine skiing has been slowly opening up, and one of the wildest storylines this cycle has been the Rivers triplets, Jamaican-American ski racers. The latest twist? Henri Rivers IV recently qualified and is headed to the Winter Games in Milan.
Try it: If downhill feels intimidating, start with cross-country skiing or even a beginner “glide” class. It’s basically cardio disguised as a scenic stroll.
Figure skating
Figure skating is still one of the most watchable winter sports because it’s competition and performance. And while the Olympic team conversation is its own beast, skaters like Starr Andrews — who is listed as an alternate to the team — remain part of the bigger cultural shift — bringing athleticism, visibility, and real-life resilience (including her heart procedure) to the ice.
Try it: Go watch a local club exhibition or collegiate meet. Cheap ticket, vibes, and you’ll leave with new favorite athlete.
Bobsled
If you like your sports loud, fast, and slightly unhinged, sliding sports are for you. Kaysha Love has been on a tear, including a world championship win in monobob. The former gymnast and track runner has solidified her place in peak athleticism.
Try it: No, you can’t casually “try bobsled,” but you can look for push-start clinics and track camps (some programs run intro experiences during the offseason). In the meantime, there’s always sledding and tubing.
Women’s hockey
Women’s hockey has been climbing for years, from college growth to bigger spotlights, and Laila Edwards, who is a rare talent playing offensively and defensively with sharpness and ease, is making history as the first Black woman on Team USA’s Olympic women’s hockey roster.
Try it: Find a local rink’s adult learn-to-play program. Or start even simpler: grab friends for a low-stakes pond hockey-style skate (helmet, kneepads, and a pillow for your tush is strongly encouraged).
This winter, don’t just watch winter sports; go participate in winter snow sports. Safely of course. And represent your country and keep track of your favorite athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics run Feb. 6–22, 2026.
Stay tuned as EBONY will have more winter sports coverage as the Games get underway.