Don't let the cold weather stop you from keeping active this year as there are a whole host of exciting sports to enjoy in the winter months. From ice skating to skiing to snowboarding, you're guaranteed to have some fun in the snow this winter so read on for some sporty inspiration - just remember to wrap up warm!

 Somerset House, London by Uri Baruchin

Ice Skating

Anyone from beginners to experts can have a go at ice skating. As one of the oldest and most popular winter activities in the world, thousands of people enjoy skating around the many ice rinks across the world. You don't have to go far to find some of these magnificent outdoor rinks either and many can be found in the UK. Illuminated at night by a 40ft Tiffany Christmas tree, ice skating at Somerset House in London is one of the most popular places to skate in London, allowing skaters to whizz around in front of this 18th century Neoclassical home.Why not book one of our London hotels and make a night of it at Somerset house? We have hotels with prices starting from £23.13 pppn.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France by Alex Indigo

Skiing

With millions of people seeking out the snow every year, skiing is an incredibly popular winter activity. Whether you've skied before or you're trying it for the first time, there are a number of resorts around Europe that boast perfect skiing conditions. As the host of the world's first ever Winter Olympic Games, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France is one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. Located at the foot of Mont-Blanc, it is the highest peak in the Alps and is a beautiful place to ski.If you're inspired to go skiing we have some wonderful ski hotels in the French Alps starting from £21.28 pppn!

Laax, Switzerland by Phil Hawksworth

Snow Boarding

Known for being that little bit 'cooler' than skiing; there are now numerous snowboarding facilities to be found at many of the top ski resorts around Europe. Snowboarding was once frowned upon at the majority of the top ski resorts but the sport is now welcomed with open arms as it has given snow sports a new lease of life. As one of the most snowboarding-friendly resorts in Europe, Laax in Switzerland hosts many competitions there, with its fantastic range of slopes, off-pistes and parks. The slopes are ideal for beginners and experts alike so anyone can try their hand at this fashionable winter sport.If you fancy hitting the slopes this winter, we've got some great snowboarding and ski hotels, with prices starting from £7.49 pppn in Bulgaria.

Ice Hockey

Canada is frequently associated with the sport of ice hockey can be played in arenas at any time of year. It is associated with being a winter sport though as it has featured in every Winter Olympics since 1924. Watching this action-packed sport is thrilling enough but taking part in it yourself is guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. There are over a hundred free ice rinks around Canada during the winter months, which allow visitors to pick up a stick and have a go at firing the puck around the ice. Played by both men and women, Parc Lafontaine and Parc-Mont Royal are two of the most popular rinks to join in the fun.If you've been inspired to bring your competitive nature out on the ice, take a look at our Canada hotels, starting from £37.74 pppn.

Do you love whizzing along the picturesque slopes in Switzerland or are you more a fan of gliding effortlessly around one of the many ice rinks in the UK? Let us know which winter sports you prefer by leaving us a comment below...