Worldwide winter sports you won’t believe

We love winter sports and activities like skiing, hockey and basketball. But how does the rest of the world stay active when the weather gets cold?

Snow polo

Originating in Switzerland in 1985, snow polo is played on frozen lakes, complete with gourmet food and stunning mountain views. The game mirrors traditional polo but features horses with special horseshoes for better grip on ice.

Beware of chapped lips. If you’re heading outdoors, don’t forget lip balm with SPF 30 to protect against the cold.

Yukigassen

This high-energy sport takes snowball fights to the next level. Played by teams of seven, you can win by either eliminating opponents with snowballs or capturing the enemy flag. Yukigassen is celebrated globally, with tournaments in Finland, Norway, Australia, Japan and beyond.

Caution: Protect yourself. Dense or icy snowballs can lead to minor injuries. Wear a mouth guard to prevent cracked teeth and other damage.

Skijoring

A blend of skiing and dog sled racing, skijoring has racers on cross-country skis pulled by dogs or horses across an obstacle course. This Norwegian pastime is also showcased at the Whitefish Skijoring competition in Montana.

Reminder: Stay hydrated. Even in winter, drink water to keep your mouth clean, rather than sugary sports drinks.

Snowkiting

Snowkiting is like waterskiing, but on snow. Snowboarders are pulled by wind-propelled kites across snowy trails. While exhilarating, this newer sport comes with risks.

Warning: Understand the hazards. Snowkiting can lead to head or jaw injuries from falls or collisions, so practice safely.

Game on

Winter is a sport- and smile-filled wonderland – you just need to know where to look. Use safety equipment and maintain your oral health so you can keep playing and smiling all season long.