If a winter escape is on the cards this year, you are likely spoilt for choice. So many incredible countries truly come alive in the colder season. With snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, warm ski huts and an almost magical appearance, it is easy to see why people are tempted to make a winter getaway the priority.

It’s not just about the sights, though; winter sports are often the lure. With the enticing nature of the slopes and the element of danger, millions of people from all over the globe enjoy at least one type of winter sport when they head abroad for the snow season.

However, where most look to skiing, snowboarding and ice skating, there are a few other winter sports that perhaps you don’t know about but would love to try.

Want to know what they are? Don’t worry, we’ve got them all listed here and where you are most likely to find them.

1. Snow kiting

Think of kite surfing but on snow or ice. You’ll have a large kite that pulls you across snowy fields or frozen lakes whilst you are attached to skis or a snowboard.

Commonly found in Norway, Sweden, the Swiss and French Alps as well as Alberta in Canada and Lake Dillon in Colorado, USA, thanks to the strong, consistent winds, you’ll have ample opportunity to try snow kiting when in these places.

2. Skijoring

Get yourself on some skis and then get pulled along by dogs, a horse or even a vehicle. Popular across Scandinavia, where dogs and horses are commonly used, but also found in Alaska, Colorado and Montana, where horse and dog skijoring events often take place. If you make it to Quebec, you may also find it available there too.

Any area with plenty of snow with space for long trails could be an ideal place for skijoring, so if this sounds like your idea of fun, see if it’s available.

3. Ice sailing

If you like a little danger and some extreme speeds, ice sailing could be the one for you. You sail on ice, in a boat that has its hull replaced with blades. Think of it as a giant ice skate!

Ice sailing is often found in Sweden and Finland due to the abundance of lakes available, but it is also popular in the Netherlands at the Friesland Lakes and in Wisconsin, USA, at Lake Geneva.

With large flat spaces such as these, you can pick up speed and really test your fear levels!

4. Shovel racing

Exactly what it says it is! You simply sit on a snow shovel and race down a snowy hill. Interestingly, this originated when resort workers needed to find a way to get back down the slopes quickly!

It originated in New Mexico at the Angel Fire Resort but is now also enjoyed in the Rockies and parts of the Southwest USA. Not an official sport as such, but one that is a little niche and a bit of fun for those at ski resorts.

5. Snow gauntlet running

Another that might not be a sport but is certainly fun. Imagine, part obstacle course, part spring through the snow and then intertwine this with rope climbs, snow tunnels and plunging into icy water. Sounds a bit mad? It sure is!

The Quebec Winter Carnival hosts such events, and you’ll find Tough Mudder or similar competitions incorporating this kind of event into their winter challenges.

6. Yukigassen

If Japan is on your list for a winter trip, you might want to brush up on your Yukigassen rules first! Yukigassen is competitive snowball fighting. You are set into teams, have specific rules to follow and must wear protective gear to compete. It’s fast-paced, relies on tactics and skill, but is so much fun.

In Japan, you’ll find leagues and frequent competitions, but now it has made its way overseas with games taking place in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada and Alaska.

7. Ice climbing

Not for the faint-hearted, and we’d say not for novices. You’ll climb frozen waterfalls or ice-covered rock faces using special equipment to help you complete the climb. It’s safe but dangerous, thrilling but tiring and will deliver views and experiences like no other.

Head to Ouray in Colorado, Rjukan in Norway, Valdez in Alaska or Banff in Canada to give it a try.

8. Snow volleyball

Forget your beach volleyball, snow volleyball is where it’s at! Now making its presence known with international competitions, it is one of the fastest-growing winter sports. Played on a snow court, typically in mountain resorts, it’s simply volleyball, in snow!

The Austrian Alps, Switzerland, Italy and Czechia are places you’ll find it played a lot, especially when winter festivals are taking place.

9. Frozen lake curling

We’ve all seen curling at the Winter Olympics, but that is always played indoors in a controlled environment. Frozen lake curling, on the other hand, is much simpler. Played on a frozen lake with homemade stones, it comes with a little more risk than its indoor equivalent, but is perhaps more fun!

You’ll find it in Scotland at traditional outdoor curling events and in Switzerland and the Northern USA.

All these sports and activities can be great fun, but they do come with risks. As a result, winter sports travel insurance will be essential. That way, you can be protected against the costs that you could incur should you end up in hospital because of a sporting mishap.