The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924, in which city of France?

The inaugural Winter Games took place in the scenic French Alpine town of Chamonix. Interestingly, the 1924 event wasn't officially called the "Olympics" at the time. It was organized by the French Olympic Committee as the "International Winter Sports Week" and was held in association with the 1924 Summer Games in Paris. The idea was to showcase sports like skiing and skating that were impossible to hold during the summer.

The Chamonix games proved to be a resounding success, drawing over 250 athletes from 16 nations to compete in 16 events. The sports on display included bobsleigh, figure skating, ice hockey, curling, and military patrol, which was a precursor to the modern biathlon. The popularity and smooth execution of the event convinced the International Olympic Committee of its potential as a standalone celebration.

Two years later, in 1926, the IOC officially recognized the "International Winter Sports Week" as the I Olympic Winter Games, retroactively bestowing the title. This decision established the Winter Olympics as a separate event on the four-year cycle. Thanks to its pioneering role, the picturesque valley town of Chamonix, nestled at the base of Mont Blanc, secured its permanent place in sporting history.