A look at the all-time Olympic Winter Games medal count

For nearly a century, the Olympic Winter Games have been the ultimate battle ground for the world’s best athletes on snow and ice. Since the first edition in 1924 Chamonix, France, this grand spectacle has evolved into a showcase of breathtaking performances, national pride, and unforgettable moments. 

Some nations have built dynasties on the slopes and rinks, turning their expertise in winter sports into an impressive collection of medals. From Norway’s unrivaled dominance in cross-country skiing to the United States’ legendary impact on snowboarding, each country has left its mark on the Olympic Winter Games.  

As we approach the 25th edition of this global event, set to take place in Milano Cortina in 2026, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the nations that have cemented their legacy in Olympic Winter Games history. Which countries have mastered the art of winning when the temperature drops? And what country holds the record of the most medals in the Olympic Winter Games?  

Let’s dive into the all-time Olympic Winter Games medal count and count down the top 10 most successful countries in winter sports history. 

120 Olympic Winter Games medals (47 gold) 

Russia has a strong legacy in the Olympic Winter Games, particularly in figure skating, biathlon, and ice hockey. Biathlon, specifically, is the most popular winter sport in Russia and ranks first in overall polls and TV viewership for the winter seasons.  

Despite facing challenges, including doping controversies, Russia remains a dominant force in Winter Olympic medals. The Winter Olympic Games medal count for Russia stands at 120 medals, starting from 1994 when the country first competed separately after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This tally excludes medals won by the USSR, as well as those from the 2018 and 2022 editions, where Russian athletes competed under neutral flags due to IOC sanctions. 

167 Olympic Winter Games medals (62 gold) 

Switzerland has built a strong reputation at the Olympic Winter Games, particularly in alpine skiing, where its athletes have dominated for decades. Stars like Lara Gut-Behrami and Didier Cuche have helped shape the country’s success on the slopes, making Switzerland a consistent force in the sport. 

Beyond skiing, Switzerland also shines in bobsleigh and ski jumping, benefiting from its mountainous landscape and a long tradition of winter sports excellence. With world-class training facilities and a deep national passion for winter sports, the country has remained a top contender in the Winter Olympic medal count. 

147 Olympic Winter Games medals (53 gold) 

The Netherlands has established itself as a powerhouse in speed skating, a sport deeply ingrained in Dutch culture. This specialized focus has led to remarkable success in the Olympic Winter Games, with the nation amassing a total of 147 medals.  

A standout figure in this legacy is Ireen Wüst, the most decorated speed skater in Olympic History. Over five Olympic Winter Games, Wüst secured six gold medals and a total of thirteen medals, making her the most successful Dutch Olympian ever. 

176 Olympic Winter Games medals (65 Gold) 

Sweden has long been a powerhouse in the Olympic Winter Games, with cross-country skiing as its strongest discipline. The country has produced legendary athletes, including Charlotte Kalla, one of Sweden’s most decorated Winter Olympians, whose dominance on the snow has cemented Sweden’s reputation in the sport. 

Beyond skiing, Sweden has also made its mark in biathlon and ice hockey, consistently competing at the highest level. With a deep-rooted winter sports culture and perfect snowy conditions, Sweden remains a formidable contender at every edition of the Olympic Winter Games. 

250 Olympic Winter Games medals (71 Gold) 

Austria has long been a dominant force in the Olympic Winter Games, with alpine skiing at the heart of its success. The country’s mountainous terrain and deep-rooted skiing culture have produced legendary athletes, including Hermann Maier, also known as the “Herminator.” With four Olympic medals to his name, Maier became one of Austria’s most celebrated Olympians. 

Beyond skiing, Austria has also made its mark in biathlon and ski jumping, consistently producing top athletes in these disciplines. Its commitment to winter sports, combined with world-class training facilities, has kept Austria among the top countries with the most Winter Olympic medals. 

225 Olympic Winter Games medals (77 Gold) 

Canada has built a legendary reputation in the Olympic Winter Games, with ice hockey at the core of its success. The country has produced some of the greatest hockey players in history, including Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, who have left an unforgettable mark on the sport. 

Beyond hockey, Canada has dominated in freestyle skiing, speed skating, and curling, showcasing the nation’s depth in winter sports. A standout athlete, Clara Hughes, is one of the few Olympians to win medals in both the Olympic Summer Games and Olympic Winter Games, proving Canada’s versatility on the world stage. 

194 Olympic Winter Games medals (78 gold) 

The Soviet Union, although dissolved in 1991, remains one of the greatest Olympic Winter Games powers. The USSR was dominant, particularly in cross-country skiing, speed skating, and ice hockey. Athletes like Lyubov Yegorova in cross-country skiing and the Soviet ice hockey team, considered the best in the world during their time, helped the Soviet Union dominate the Olympic Winter Games. The Soviet system of state-supported athlete development and training in winter sports set a standard for excellence that still influences Russia’s performance in the Olympic Winter Games today. 

287 Olympic Winter Games medals (113 Gold) 

Germany stands as a formidable presence in the Olympic Winter Games, particularly excelling in bobsleigh, luge, and biathlon. In speed skating, Claudia Pechstein has become a legendary figure, earning five gold medals and competing in eight Winter Olympics, making her the most decorated German Winter Olympian. Similarly, in luge, Felix Loch has secured multiple gold medals, solidifying Germany’s dominance in the sport.  

Germany’s success is underpinned by comprehensive development programs and a robust sports infrastructure, fostering athletes’ progression to elite performance levels. This enduring commitment ensures Germany’s status as one of the most successful nations in Olympic Winter Games history. 

It is important to mention that the medal counts reflect Germany’s participation as a unified nation, excluding periods when athletes competed under different entities, such as the United Team of Germany (1956–1964) and separate East and West German teams (1968–1988). 

330 Olympic Winter Games medals (113 Gold) 

The United States has consistently been a dominant force in the Olympic Winter Games, excelling in disciplines such as ice hockey, snowboarding, alpine skiing, and speed skating. American athletes have amassed a total of 330 medals, including 113 gold, reflecting the nation’s depth and versatility in winter sports.  

Notable figures include Apolo Ohno, the most decorated American Winter Olympian, with eight medals in short track speed skating, and Shaun White, a snowboarding legend who secured three gold medals across multiple Winter Games. 

The United States’ success can be attributed to its diverse talent pool and world-class training facilities, enabling athletes to compete at the highest levels across various disciplines. This robust infrastructure ensures the country’s consistent presence on the podium at the Olympic Winter Games.