Wintertime Fun Trivia Quiz

Answer: ski jumping

Ski jumping was started in 1808 by Danish-Norwegian army officer Olaf Rye who jumped 9.5 meters from a hill in Norway to prove his bravery to his fellow soldiers. The sport grew from there and there are ski jump hills and man-made jump towers that allow a jumper to cover various distances in the air, up to a couple of hundred meters (yards).

Answer: figure skating

Ice skating can involve just having fun on the ice or becoming very proficient at some of the more complicated skills.

Answer: cross country

By using the proper wax, or the skating technique like the kids here are doing, it's possible to ski uphill in cross country skiing. If it gets too steep, though, you'll need to do the herringbone or sidestep maneuver.

Answer: luge

A luge is a one- or two-person sled. Though sleds go back to ancient times, the sport of luge started in St. Moritz, Switzerland around 1905. Luge courses are usually made of ice and speeds of up to 95 mph (154 kph) are possible. That's why you wear a helmet!

Answer: toboggan

Many toboggans are made from plastic now but they used to be made of wood strips which were steamed to make the curve in front and then screwed together. A toboggan with several people aboard can take a long time to stop.

Answer: slalom

Slalom racing is one of the competitive forms of skiing. The idea is to get down the hill as fast and straight as possible, which is why the skiers get as close to the course-marking poles as they can. Because they whack the poles, they often wear padded sweaters and hard rubber or plastic hand and shin guards to protect themselves.

Answer: snowboarding

Several people tinkered with the idea of using a surfboard on snow, but snowboarding as we know it now started in the mid 20th century in America's upper Midwest. It has become an official Olympic sport.

Answer: bobsled

Adapted from toboggans, bobsleds (or bobsleighs) added runners and a steering mechanism. Later, a body was added to streamline it. There are two- and four-person sleds and they run on a course of ice. This is another winter sport that originated in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

Answer: snowmobiling

Snowmobiles have been around since the early 20th century. Originally a practical way to get around in show country in the winter, they have become a sport unto themselves, with models for all members of the family.

Answer: snowball fight

There's no special equipment needed for a snowball fight, but a pair of gloves or mittens is probably a good idea, as is something around your shoulders for the one that could go down your neck!