Nostrabet logo

Beginners Guide to Winter Sports Betting

Winter sports attract millions of punters looking to strike it lucky during the lazy season. Starting with the national tournaments to international games, you’ll find a lot of winning opportunities. Winter sports betting markets include alpine skiing, cross country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, and slalom.

Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
By Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
  2. Betting Academy
  3. Betting on Winter Sports

As a fresh face in the world of winter sports, it’s of the utmost importance to keep alert and guard yourself against cyber-crime and threats. With this in mind, we sought to unearth the most reliable and lucrative winter sports betting sites.

Our review takes into account the nitty-gritty aspects of successful winter sports betting. To get you off to a great start, we’ve narrowed down the basic rules and markets. Not to forget the winter sports betting tips necessary for a lucrative gaming experience.

Page Navigation

Understanding the rules

winter sports snowboard

Winter sports are a group of sporting disciplines that are mostly played on snow or ice. Most of these sports are a variation of skating, skiing, and sledding. Winter sports were traditionally played in cold areas during winter. Today, artificial ice allows winter sports to be played in a wider range of locations and periods. The rules vary, depending on the specific discipline. The betting rules, however, have a lot in common. Let’s look at the general rules for some of the most popular winter sports.

Alpine Skiing

Alpine skiing has been around since the late 19th century. The sport involves competitors sliding down snow-covered slopes on fixed-heel skis. Rooted in the mountainous terrains of Alpes, the sport has become an international sensation; thus, you’ll find it enlisted under numerous bookmakers. Punters typically bet on the first competitors to cross the finish line, as well as betting times. Other popular alpine skiing betting markets include Head-to-Heads, Finish in Top 3, and Antepost/Outright winner.

Cross Country Skiing

Having been in the Olympics since 1977, cross country, also known as XC, rallies up over 41,000 athletes yearly. Competitors in this winter sport propel themselves forward either by striding forward or by pushing on ski poles. Punters can bet on Head-to-Heads, Finish in Top 3, Winning margins, Antepost/Outright winner, and more markets. Apart from these potential money-makers, punters can opt for freestyle, classics, or relay tournaments.

Biathlon

If you’re a fan of skiing and rifle shooting, biathlon betting is your ultimate gambling destination. Presenting punters with the best of both worlds, biathlon tournaments boast insanely high winning odds. Moreover, biathlon betting markets are widely varied, including the standard Head-to-Head, Heat Winner, and Competition winner.

Ski Jumping

Ski jumping involves competitors jumping the longest distance after descending from a specially designed ramp on their skis. The iconic winter sport first emerged in the Olympic Games back in 1924. To kick-start, the game is 2 rounds comprising 50 athletes. Only 30 make it to the final round. The winner is based on which individual had the highest total score in the final 2 rounds. As expected, you’ll find ski jumping betting a breeze as it is available in almost every sportsbook.

Slalom

Slalom is closely related to alpine skiing and is played the same way, except athletes are required to follow a winding course. Slalom betting markets are the most rewarding and adrenaline-charged events because of a game of pace, strong carving turns, tempo, and great poise. Not only is the sport part of the Winter Olympics, but it also falls under the Annual FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

Where to find Winter Sports betting websites?

Rating: 5.0/5
  • Different bonuses
  • Cash Out
  • Different payment methods
  • High odds
New Customers only. Registration required. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. +18 | Terms & Conditions time limits & exclusions apply. #Advertisement
Get your bonusBet365 review
Rating: 4.9/5
  • High odds
  • Great markets
  • Superb support
  • Welcome offers
New customers only. Min Deposit: £10. First deposit matched up to £10. 1 x wagering at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card & PayPal deposits only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Terms apply 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Get your BonusBetway review
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Fantastic bonuses
  • Good sportsbook
  • Amazing casino games
  • Many payment methods
#ad • +18 Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days and expires after 14 days • Bonus valid on selected Casino games only • Bonus wins capped at £500, excluding Jackpot wins • You must wager Bonus amount x40 – this requirement varies by game Full T&Cs apply | begamblingaware | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £/€30 Bonus888sport review
Rating: 4.7/5
  • Big range of sport betting options
  • High odds
  • Casino games
  • Poker platform
18+ | New UK players only | Min deposit req. £10 | Certain deposit methods excluded | Pace 1 sport bet (3+ selections) } Excl Horse Racing| Min stake £10 | Max stake £20 | Min odds 1/5 (1.5) for each selection | Max FreeBet £20 for football only | FreeBet valid for 7 days | FreeBet stake not returned | T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Get your bonusBwin review
Rating: 4.9/5
  • Wide range of casino games
  • Hundreds of sports betting markets
  • Lots of other betting options like bingo and poker
  • Cash Out option
New customers using Promo Code P30 only, min £10/€10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 2 x £15/€15 (30 days expiry), free bet/payment method/player/country restrictions apply. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim £30 bonusWilliam Hill review
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Variety of sports markets
  • Good odds
  • Mobile apps for Android & iOS
  • Bonuses for existing customers
18+. UK Customers (Excluding NI) only. Cash stakes only. Min £10 stake required for initial £5 free bet. Min odds ½. Max £25 in free bets. Subsequent free bets equal 50% average of each 3 £5 max qualifying bets. 13 settled bets required to receive full £25 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed on sportsbook within 30 days of opening account. Cashed out bets will not qualify towards your average stake. One free bet offer per customer, household or IP address only. Free bet expires after 7 days. Payment method restrictions apply. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Welcome OfferBoyleSports review
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Great selection of sports betting markets
  • Competitive Odds
  • Various Betting Features
  • Android and iOS mobile apps
NEW Significant terms: T&Cs apply. New customers, Deposit & Place a Bet within 7 days, and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater, to be credited with 3x £10 free bets: 1 x £10 Horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 Football. Stake not returned. Opt-in required. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim £30 BonusBetUK review
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Great selection of sports markets
  • High-level Odds
  • Casino Games
  • Excellent Betting Features Included
*New members. £10 min deposit & bet on sportsbook, placed & settled at 1.5 min odds within 14 days of sign-up. Register before 17:59 8/04/20022 and after 18.00 9/04/2022. Win part of the E/W bets. 2 non-withdrawable £10 Free Bet Tokens: accept in 7 days, valid for 7 days from acceptance (ex E/Ws & Multiples), stakes not returned. 18+ T&Cs Apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your BonusVirgin Bet review
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Good looking website
  • An operator with a long history
  • Great selection of sports
  • Helpful customer support
18+ Eligible UK+IRE players. Paypal & some deposit & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. No cashout, restrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Get your OfferCoral review
Rating: 4.6/5
  • eSports betting markets
  • Live Casino
  • Mobile apps for Android and iOS
  • Cash out option
New Customers only. Deposit, opt in and place a £5 qualifying bet at odds of 2.00 or greater within 7 days of opening a new account; excludes cashed out bets. Receive 2x £10 Free Sports Bets, valid on set events only at odds 2.00 or greater, expires in 7 days.  Plus a £10 Game Show Bonus, selected games, wager 40x to withdraw a max of £250. PayPal and Card Payments only. Geographical Restrictions and T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Claim Your BonusBetVictor review
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Good bonuses
  • Big range of sports betting options
  • Different casino games
  • Mobile apps
New customers only. Min deposit £10. Money back as bonus if first bet loses. Wagering requirements: sportsbook 3x at min. odds of 1.40 (2/5), casino 50x. Unless forfeited the sportsbook bonus must be wagered before using the casino bonus. Bonus expires 7 days after opt-in. No deposit required for NI customers. Call 08081699314 to claim. Full T&Cs apply | 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your bonusUnibet review
Rating: 4.6/5
  • Huge amount of promotions
  • Live dealer and casino games
  • VIP program
  • Helpful customer support
New Players Only. Free bet is a one-time stake of €/$/£10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake is not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Max conversion: €/$/£20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get €/£/$10 BonusInterbet review
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Many betting markets
  • Cash-out option is active
  • Superb website design
  • Fantastic casino section
New customers only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller, Paypal not eligible. T&Cs apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Get £10 bonusBetRegal review
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Good welcome offer
  • Active cash-out option
  • Plenty of sports
New bettors get 50% of deposit up to £50; Once per household; Min deposit £15 (no Skrill/Neteller); Wager 8 times deposit + bonus, max qualifying bet equal to initial bonus amount; valid for 60 days; Min odds of 4/5 on singles or 2/5 per acca leg; Some bet types excluded; See full terms; 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your Bonus10bet review
Rating: 4.6/5
  • High Odds
  • Good Mobile Apps
  • Reliable Customer Support
  • Quick Payments
18+ New UK+IRE customers. Certain deposits and bet types excl. Min £/€5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x /€5 free bets. Free bets valid available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Rrestrictions + T&Cs apply. | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get your BonusLadbrokes review
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Competitive Odds
  • Great range of betting markets
  • Exclusive Features like Bet.Battle
  • Various Payment Methods
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not Eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your OfferBetTarget review
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Rich Sports betting section
  • High Odds
  • A lot of betting features
  • Mobile apps
18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | Play Responsibly
Get your BonusMoPlay review
Rating: 4.5/5
  • Amazing sportsbook
  • Offers a welcome bonus for new customers
  • Provides applications for iOS and Android
FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. ODDS OF 1/1 OR GREATER. 4 X £5 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £20 bonusSkybet review
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Trusted and Licensed brand
  • Great betting exchange
  • High odds at the Sportsbook
  • Various bonuses
New UK & Eire clients only. 50% cashback on cumulative net losses on qualifying spread bets placed and settled within 7 days of account opening. Fully, partially or reverse closed bets do not qualify. Max cashback £500. Full terms apply. Spread betting involves risk. Losses can exceed deposits. Always bet responsibly | 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim £500 BonusSporting Index review
Rating: 4.4/5
  • Great range of sports betting options
  • Cash out is available
  • Wide array of casino games
New Customers Only. Max one £10 Free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & PayPal not eligible. T&Cs Apply. 18+ begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your BonusLuckster review
Rating: 4.3/5
  • Great Variety of Sports betting options
  • Good Odds
  • Cash out feature is available
  • Different Payments accepted
T&Cs apply. This offer is for new customers only and is available once per household. 18+. Max Free Bet Token amount: £10. Min deposit: £10. Minimum wagering on Sport to activate the Free Bet Token: £15. Restrictions Apply. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your OfferLuckLand review
Rating: 4.3/5
  • Excellent promos
  • Offer quality games and user experience
NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. Promo code YSKA00. Place your FIRST sports bet and if it loses we will refund your stake in cash, up to £/€10. Only deposits made using cards or PayPal qualify. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get Bonus
Rating: 4.3/5
  • Great selection of Sports betting markets
  • Wide range of Casino games
  • Cash out function is available
New customers only. Max one £10 free bet. Qualifying bets must be placed at odds of 1/1 or greater. Paid as bonus token with min 4/5 odds req. Skrill, Neteller & Paypal not eligible. T&C's apply. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Claim your BonusMrRex review
Rating: 4.3/5
  • Offers a real live casino
  • Secured with SSL encryption
  • Proven fair by independent audits
  • Live chat support provided 7 days a week during most hours
18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get Bonus
Rating: 4.2/5
  • Extraordinary website design
  • Great sportsbook
  • Professional and reliable customer support
  • Huge range of casino games
New Players Only. Free bet is a one-time stake of £10, minimum odds of 1.5, stake not returned. 10X wagering the winnings. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering stats from real funds. Max conversion: £20. Valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £10 BonusSwishBet review
Rating: 4.2/5
  • Cash out option is available
  • Modern and stylish approach
  • Huge selection of games from several providers
Bet £10 Get £10 Free Acca Bet | T&Cs apply. New players only. Qualifying bet(s) must have minimum odds of 4.0 and must be settled before triggering free bet. Free Bet must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. 18+ | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £10 BonusMrGreen review
Rating: 4.1/5
  • Variety of sports to bet on
  • Eye-catching design
  • Nice Bonuses
New Players Only. Minimum stake £/€10 minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winnings from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only, wagering starts from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: £/€20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get £/€10 BonusRuby Bet review
Rating: 4.1/5
  • available cash-out option
  • offers live streaming function
  • has apps for iOS and Android
If your account has Sportsbook losses at the end of your first day's betting, QuinnBet will refund 50% of your losses as a Free Bet up to £35 (min 3 bets) Plus 10 Free Spins on Smoking Hot Fruit Stacks. Even if your account is up, you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet Plus 10 Free Spins provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at the minimum odds. T&Cs apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get €/£35 bonusQuinnbet review
Rating: 4.0/5
  • User-friendly design
  • Great sports betting features
  • Nice variety of markets and disciplines
  • Many sports promos for existing players
New Players Only. Minimum €/£/$10 qualifying bets. No cash-outs allowed. Free bet is a one-time stake of €/£/$30, minimum odds of 1,5, stake is not returned, maximum Conversion €/£/$20, 10X wagering the winnings, valid for 7 Days from issue. Excluded Skrill Deposits. Full Terms apply. begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get €/£/$30 Bonus2kBet review
Rating: 3.9/5
  • Cash Out Feature
  • In-Play Section
  • Live Streaming function
  • Virtual Sports
New customers only. First deposit with Debit Card (Wirecard) only. First bet must be accumulator bet, min. 3 Sportsbook events (min. £5) to qualify, must settle within 14 days. Odds of (3/5 / 1.6) or higher for each selection. Free Bet will be 100% matched amount of first bet placed (max. £25). Non-withdrawable and valid for 14 days, T&Cs apply. | 18+| begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk
Claim your bonusBetboro review
Rating: 3.8/5
  • Competitive odds and range of sports markets
  • Welcome bonuses for sports and casino
  • Supportive customer care team
New Players Only. Minimum stake €/£/$10, minimum odds 1.5, stake not refunded. 10X wagering the winning from the free bet. Wagering occurs from real balance first. Wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only wagering stats from real funds. Free bet is valid for 7 Days from issue. Maximum conversion: €/£/$20. Excluded Skrill deposits. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Get €/£/$10 BonusMapleBet review

Show More

The rising popularity of winter sports cannot be overemphasized. With most bookmakers adopting winter sports, locating the best site is anything but a walk in the park.

The key to scoring big in winter sports is to identify a bookmaker with the highest odds. What’s more, it’s always a good idea to have a wide variation of betting markets at hand. So, look out for a winter sports betting site that comprises several variations of each sport and favourable payouts.

Above all, the bookmaker has to be licensed by a reputable jurisdiction, else you risk falling victim to online sharks. If you prefer lucrative contemporary markets like skiing and skating, the winter season is packed with money-spinning entertainment.

Which are the most popular tournaments?

winter sports competition

Technological advancement has been a driving force towards the popularity of winter sports. With this progression, more and more tournaments are brought into the spotlight. Determining the most recompensing tournaments is never a refreshing experience as almost every tournament, no matter how small, is made to appear bigger.

To separate gold from sand, we placed all major tournaments under a microscope and came out with the top 3. These tournaments boast both high payouts and impressive odds. If your goal is to follow the money, here are the top 3 most popular tournaments.

Olympic Games

Dating back to 1924, it was upon the inception of the Olympic Games that winter sports stepped into the sport. Today, the tournament stands taller than any other event in the winter sports games. Another point in its favour, the tournament is also the most highly rewarding, boasting the best odds. Whether you’re looking for the big names like skiing and skating or prefer fancy games such as figure skating, the Olympic Games will always deliver your heart’s desires.

Winter Universiade

Second, to only the Winter Olympics, Winter Universiade is as good as they come. The event hosts over 1,600 athletes competing in more than 10 disciplines. As a member of a supported bookmaker, you can bet on biathlon, cross country skiing, alpine skiing, and ski jumping. Winter Universiade is available in 138 online bookmakers making it almost impossible to miss. Most thrilling is the live stream option that allows you to place bets as the tournament plays out. Other popular games under the Winter Universiade are figure skating, ice hockey, curling, and short track speed skating.

European Winter Games

Fuelled by the uniting spirit of the Olympics, the European Winter Games tournament includes athletes within the European continent and a select few from other nations. While the event is not as big as the other two, it presents multiple winning opportunities. European Winter Games comprise two championships, namely – the Zimmermann Cup and the FMB BAM Trophy. The event hosts close to every winter sport in the world. What’s more, you’ll find winter sports betting tips offered by most online bookmakers. Even more exciting are the lucrative odds available on the game selection.

Short history and facts

Premiered during the 1800s, winter sports are as old as any other traditional sporting event cherished by people around the world. The extreme freezing temperatures paired with long winter seasons have served as transportation and entertainment in some regions.

As people adapted to such punishing environments, a sense of thrill and excitement was injected into an otherwise long and boring season. With this development came winter games like skiing, snowboarding, skating, and many more. However, it wouldn’t be until later that the sports were adopted professionally and enlisted under the Olympics.

An interesting fact unknown to enthusiasts is that winter sports were originally bunched together with summer titles in the 1908 London Summer Games. In 1924, winter sports finally took centre stage in the Winter Olympics. Throughout this period, technology was lagging behind and so betting on world-renowned tournaments was not as popular as seen today.

Fast-forward to the current date, winter sports betting has taken the industry by storm. You’ll find winter sports flamboyantly displayed on multiple bookmakers, even in countries with less severe weather patterns.

Final thoughts

Winter sports betting presents a perfect kick for punters in search of a money-spinning winter buzz. Boasting lavish payouts and juicy odds, it’s almost impossible not to get wrapped up in the thrill of the sport. Winter sports top the charts by hosting multiple betting markets. Ranging from the famed Olympics, European Winter Games, World Winter Games, Winter Universiade to the national tournament, you’ll find winter an exciting season.

Archetypal of modern sports betting, online games are prone to scams. Hence the need to select a winter sports betting site with air-tight security protocols. Apart from licensing, bookmakers that swagger bonuses and promotions prove to be the most attractive and rewarding. Keep in mind that your career depends on the rules attached to the desired betting markets.

So, head over to the respective lobby and thoroughly review the T&Cs before plunging into your favourite winter games. With such lucrative opportunities in your back pocket, winter sports betting is worth every punter’s time.

FAQ

What sport is the easiest winter sport to bet on?

The term ‘easy bet’ does not exist in gambling. Outcomes are based on luck, and there are no proven methods of cheating the machine. However, the most popular winter sports include alpine skiing, cross country, biathlon, and ski-jumping.

How can I learn Winter Sports betting?

Winter sports betting is similar to regular sports betting. The key elements to note are the odds, bookmakers, and deciding which sport to bet on. Not to forget the type of tournament, as it determines your payout rate.

Is betting on Winter Sports legal?

Whether or not the activity is legal depends on the bookmaker. While there are no specific laws that prohibit the sport, bookmakers are required to have a valid license to operate within a country.

What Winter Sports are there?

Winter games tournaments encompass the likes of biathlon, cross country skiing, alpine skiing, ski jumping, figure skating, ice hockey, curling, and short track speed skating, to mention a few.

Is Winter Sports betting fixed?

While there have been speculations about match-fixing in the gaming industry, the allegations are unfounded when it comes to winter sports. Online bookmakers employ state-of-the-art software to ensure a safe and fair gaming experience.

Author
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov
Certified Expert Certified Expert
Kristiyan Kyulyunkov specializes in bookmakers’ analyses. He has years of experience betting online and always keeps an eye on the different operators. His tasks in Nostrabet include writing, editing and publishing expert reviews.