Unlike Summer Olympic endeavors like track, swimming and volleyball, several of the events at the Winter Olympics seem foreign to observers. Even casual athletes who engage in activities such as skiing, sledding and ice skating rarely do so at the levels required in Olympic competition.
With that heightened level comes added danger that can put competitors at risk for serious injury. That makes the Winter Games a thrilling spectacle, but also creates a dread that seeks relief.
Here are five of the most compelling events to be held in Milan-Cortina that bring anticipation, excitement and national spirit to the competition.
Luge and Skeleton
Many of us loved to hop on a sled on a snow day if the conditions were ideal. But did we ever imagine zooming down a hill at 85 to 95 mph? And doing so on a small platform that doesn't offer much protection? Or going headfirst, as Skeleton racers — or sliders — do?
However, as thrilling as that speed can be, it also needs to be controlled and that adds a level of suspense to the competition. Athletes can lose grip and fall off of their sled. Some have soared off the track when taking a turn too fast or at the wrong angle.
Sometimes, that has fatal consequences, as happened during the 2010 Vancouver Games when Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili lost control while traveling 88 mph and went over the sidewall. Tragically, he struck an unpadded support pole and laterdied from his injuries.
Feb. 8: Men's luge finalFeb. 10: Women's luge finalFeb. 11: M+W doubles finalFeb. 12: Team relay finalFeb. 13: Men's skeleton finalFeb. 14: Women's skeleton finalFeb. 15: Team skeleton final
Men's Ice Hockey
Ice hockey might not be among the most popular of the four major professional sports in the United States. But interest surges among players and fans when teams are playing for their respective countries.
Last year's 4 Nations Face-Off — which featured the United States, Canada, Finland and Sweden —drew 9.3 million viewerson ESPN for the championship final between the U.S. and Canada. Including viewers in Canada,16 million viewerstuned in across North America.
Leading up to that final, the previous match between the U.S. and Canada in the tournament featuredthree fights in the game's first nine seconds.
NHL players will participatein the Olympics for the first time since 2014. For the U.S., that includes stars like Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes, Brady Tkachuk and Matthew Tkachuk. Canada will feature Sidney Crosby, Mitch Marner and Connor McDavid on its roster.
Women's schedule:
Feb. 5: USA vs. Czech RepublicFeb. 7: USA vs. FinlandFeb. 9: USA vs. SwitzerlandFeb. 10: USA vs. CanadaFeb. 13-14: QuarterfinalsFeb. 16: SemifinalsFeb. 19: Finals
Men's schedule:
Feb. 12: USA vs. LatviaFeb. 14: USA vs. DenmarkFeb. 15: USA vs. GermanyFeb. 18: QuarterfinalsFeb. 20: SemifinalsFeb. 22: Finals
Alpine skiing (downhill)
For some fans, downhill skiing is a signature event of the Winter Games, part of Olympic competition since 1936. This is another sport in which speed is a major factor, adding to the danger and thrill of the competition is alpine skiing.
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Athletes average speeds of 81 mph — and up to 95 mph — as they descend a steep course while making tight turns around gates. That makes technique, tucking to become more aerodynamic, especially important. Attempting to navigate the course at such high speeds has resulted in skiers suffering serious, debilitating injury or death throughout Winter Olympics history.
Additionally, alpine skiing features this Olympics' most recognizable name in Lindsey Vonn, competing in her fifth Winter Games at 41 years old.
Feb. 7: Men's final
Feb. 8: Women's final
Short track speed skating
Auto racing becomes a contact sport when cars are nudging each other from behind, bumping opponents out of their lane or sending them into the wall. Imagine that, but without the vehicles.
Long-track speed skating provides a spectacle of pace and form. But the short-track event forces the competitors closer together and carries the possibility of collision. If someone falls, it could create a chain reaction among the other skaters.
The sport can also reward unusual strategies. During the 1500m final at the 2024 Youth Winter Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea, Chinese skater Yang Jingrusprinted through her first laprather than conserve energy for the final rounds. She then stayed with the pack through the rest of the race, but was already far ahead when the other skaters attempted to catch up for the final lap.
Feb. 10: Mixed RelayFeb. 12: W 500; M 100Feb. 14: M 1500Feb. 16: W 1000Feb. 18: W 3000; M 500Feb. 20: M 5000; W 1500
Snowboarding (halfpipe)
Each of the five snowboarding Olympic events is intriguing, but the halfpipe is the headliner. The structure of the u-shaped course is imposing in itself with walls reaching 22 feet high, a 64-foot gap between the edges and 600 feet in length. Naturally, those who compete in halfpipe relish the challenge rather than fear the heights and potential falls that come with them.
With a run on the halfpipe, the same thrill and dread felt while watching a figure skater attempt a triple or quadruple jump often sets in. Is he/she going to fall? The risk for a snowboarder is much greater. Competitors can launch into the air 20 to 30 feet — and sometimes higher.
While in the air, athletes will also attempt tricks incorporating front and back spins, forward or backward flips and bending to grab their boards. A typical trick is a Double Cork 1440, which involves four spins and two flips. Legendary snowboarder and three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White pursued a Triple Cork 1440 — with four full rotations and three flips or handplants — throughout his career, but never landed it in competition.
Then the competitors have to land on a slope, sometimes without looking at the surface, and maintain balance to stay on the board. Pulling off jumps and landing clean is exhilarating for both athlete and spectator.
There will also be a bit of history on the line as American Chloe Kim will be going for an unprecedented third straight gold medal.
Feb. 12: Women's finalFeb. 13: Men's final
