By Sharon Smith
As the Winter Olympics 2026 goes on, excitement around snow and ice sports is high once again. Milano Cortina is packed with activities like skiing, snowboarding, and high-speed ice skating events, reminding the world why winter sports are so intense and fun to watch. Thankfully, there are winter sports video games that are just as exciting as taking part in a real winter sports event.
Winter sports games offer something that real-life sports often cannot. There is no need for expensive gear, perfect weather, or years of training. A player can jump straight onto steep slopes, long downhill runs, and high-risk tricks without fear of injury. These games also grant access to huge mountain spaces that most people would never reach outside their TV screen.
SSX 3
Downhill Racing And Performing Tricks On One Large Interconnected Mountain
- A snowboarding game built around a huge open mountain with peaks, pipes, and courses that flow into each other.
- Combines high-speed downhill racing with flashy tricks and a classic boost system that rewards skill.
SSX 3 stands as one of the most dynamic winter sports games ever made. It’s all about speed, flow, and style. Unlike Steep, the entire game is built around a single massive mountain. Players can start at the highest peak and snowboard all the way down to the base, passing through different racetracks, freestyle zones, and half-pipes along the way. This design helps every run feel connected rather than broken into short levels. The controls in SSX 3 reward both movement and creativity. Players gain speed by riding clean lines and performing tricks. Tricks are not just for show either; they fill a boost meter that allows riders to go even faster. When the meter is full, players can pull off special high-risk tricks that score big points but leave them vulnerable if mistimed.
While the tricks are exaggerated, the mountain layout still feels believable. Slopes curve naturally, snow parks are placed logically, and each section of the mountain has a distinct personality. SSX 3 may not aim for realism, but it captures the excitement and momentum of snowboarding in a way few games have matched.
Steep
Snowboard, Ski, Wingsuit, And Paraglide Down Realistic Mountain Environments
- Skiing, snowboard, wingsuit, and paraglide in an open world.
- Set across large mountain regions inspired by real places such as the Alps and Alaska.
Steep is built around a feeling of freedom on snow-covered mountains. Instead of forcing players onto small tracks or into closed arenas, the game gives them huge outdoor spaces to explore. Players can start from the top of a peak, choose a route, and ride all the way down without interruption. The mountains are not fictional playgrounds; they are based on real regions like the Alps and Alaska, which helps the game feel more realistic.
Steep includes several winter sports: skiing and snowboarding focus on speed, balance, and clean movement, while wingsuit flying and paragliding shift the experience into the air, letting players glide over cliffs and valleys while planning safe landings. These activities are optional, so players are free to mix styles or focus on one discipline as they please. Steep is one of the few extreme sports games that does a good job balancing realism and fun.
Shredders
Performing Tricks On Snowy Slopes
- A third-person snowboarding game with open-mountain exploration and authentic trick execution.
- Includes missions and goals with real-world snowboarding brands for gear and outfits.
Shredders is designed for players who care about how snowboarding actually looks and feels. There are no exaggerated tricks or extreme speed. Shredders is really more about smooth motion, clean landings, and realistic board control. Players explore open mountain areas filled with rails, jumps, and natural features that encourage creative riding rather than strict competition, and the control system gives players a lot of freedom. Tricks in Shredders are performed by combining inputs, allowing for different styles rather than relying on preset animations. This means two players can ride the same slope but come away with very different runs. The game even includes a rewind feature, letting players retry a jump or trick if they want to perfect it.
Shredders also leans heavily into snowboarding culture. Real professional snowboarders appear in the game, and real-world brands are featured on boards and clothing. These details help the game feel connected to the sport rather than just inspired by it.
Riders Republic
Multiplayer Extreme Sports Game Featuring Snowboarding, Skiing, And Large Online Races
- Includes snowboarding and skiing alongside other extreme sports.
- Known for large multiplayer races.
For winter sports fans who want a game with lots of chaos and fun, Riders Republic won’t disappoint. In Riders Republic, snowboarding and skiing are part of a larger package that also includes biking and wingsuit flying. The game world is massive, and players can explore it freely or jump into organized events at the press of a button.
One of the game’s main features is large-scale races. Dozens of players compete simultaneously, often switching sports mid-event. Snow sections are fast and chaotic, filled with jumps, shortcuts, and collisions. While realism is not the goal, the sense of speed and danger is constant. Also, customization options allow players to change outfits and gear, helping them stand out in crowded races and show off their prior victories. Riders Republic focuses on energy rather than strict precision. It captures the excitement of big events and crowded slopes, offering a loud and social version of winter sports that’s not even available in some licensed Olympic video games.
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This article originally appeared on GameRant and is republished here with permission.
