When the quiet alpine town of St. Moritz, Switzerland hosted the 1928 Winter Olympics, it wasn’t just organizing a sporting event—it was helping to define what the Winter Games could become.
This was only the second Winter Olympics ever held, and the first in Switzerland. But it laid the groundwork for the snow-and-ice spectacle that millions now watch every four years.
With unpredictable weather, new nations, and unforgettable moments, the 1928 St. Moritz Olympics were as thrilling as they were historic.
Fast Facts: 1928 Winter Olympics at a Glance
📍 Host City: St. Moritz, Switzerland
📅 Dates: February 11–19, 1928
❄️ Nations Participating: 25
🧑🤝🧑 Athletes: 464 (438 men, 26 women)
🏅 Events: 14 across 6 sports
🌍 Newcomers: Argentina, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the Netherlands made their Winter Olympic debuts
A First in Many Ways
While the 1924 Chamonix Games were retroactively declared the first Winter Olympics, St. Moritz 1928 was the first Winter Games planned as such from the start. It also brought new challenges and opportunities that would set a lasting tone.
🟢 1. First Winter Olympics with Official Ceremonies
For the first time, the Winter Games had a formal opening ceremony with athletes marching by nation under their flags—mirroring the tradition established in the Summer Games.
The Olympic flame, while not yet part of the Winter Olympics (that would come later), was already becoming a symbol of unity and peace.
🟢 2. Unpredictable Alpine Weather
One of the most memorable features of the 1928 Games was the weather.
The opening days were warm, with melting snow and slushy ice.
Some speed skating events had to be cancelled or delayed due to soft ice.
During the 10,000-meter speed skating final, a sudden thaw forced organizers to cancel the event mid-race—the only Olympic event ever annulled after it started.
These weather challenges led to better planning in future Winter Olympics and reminded everyone that nature is always a participant in winter sports.
Notable Moments and Highlights
🥇 Sonja Henie Becomes a Global Star
At just 15 years old, Norway’s Sonja Henie dazzled the world by winning the gold medal in women’s figure skating, becoming the youngest Olympic champion at the time.
Her graceful style revolutionized figure skating, and she would go on to become a three-time Olympic gold medalist and later a Hollywood movie star.
🥇 Norway Dominates the Snow
Continuing their winter sports dominance, Norwegian athletes won the most medals, with 6 golds and 15 total.
Notable winners included:
- Johan Grøttumsbråten in Nordic combined and 18 km cross-country skiing
- Ivar Ballangrud in speed skating
Norway's performance solidified their status as a winter sports powerhouse, a reputation they still hold today.
🥇 Germany Returns to the Olympics
After being banned from the 1920 and 1924 Games due to its role in World War I, Germany returned to Olympic competition in 1928. Their presence helped reestablish ties in the global sports community.
🥇 Debuts and Diversity
Several countries made their Winter Olympic debut, including:
- Japan – the first Asian nation to participate in the Winter Games
- Argentina and Mexico – bringing South American representation to winter sport
- The Netherlands, now known for speed skating dominance, began their winter legacy here
The Legacy of St. Moritz 1928
Though smaller in scale than modern Winter Olympics, the 1928 Games left a big legacy:
✅ Proved that winter sports could attract global interest
✅ Highlighted the need for better weather planning and indoor venues
✅ Cemented traditions like athlete parades and official ceremonies
✅ Showcased rising stars like Sonja Henie and Norway’s skiing elite
✅ Promoted Switzerland as a world-class winter sports destination
St. Moritz would go on to host the Winter Olympics again in 1948, becoming the first city to host the Winter Games twice.
A Defining Moment for Winter Sport
The 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz were more than just snowy competitions—they were a pivotal step in turning the Winter Games into a global tradition of excellence, endurance, and elegance.
From dazzling debuts to weather-induced chaos, the St. Moritz Games proved that winter sport could inspire the world—just as much as its summer counterpart.
