One reason is that I truly appreciate the technical challenges faced by photographers there – from achieving and maintaining the correct exposure in vast, snow-covered landscapes to the simple necessity of staying warm while remaining still.
However, what truly draws me in – the curling aside – is the drama and palpable danger inherent in the sports themselves, the sheer death-defying nature of the competition. I suspect this visceral appeal is universal.
The images I’ve put together here from the past week perfectly capture this powerful, thrilling attraction.
France’s Nils Allègre cuts an otherworldly figure at the super-G finish line. High contrast strips unneeded details
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
For all our longing for the majesty of success, we must concede that we possess an equal craving for the unscripted chaos of failure. Satisfying our need is Elizabeth Lemley from Team USA, failing during the final of the freestyle skiing, dual moguls
Oliver Weiken/DPA
Forerunners ski the course before the competition begins to test conditions and make sure the pros can do their thing safely. Why am I reminded of a herd of deer?
Ryan Pierse/Getty
Ski jumper Eirin Maria Kvandal appears frozen in space as the background rushes past, a result of panning the camera along
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Michel Cottin/Getty
Speed skating brings to mind sleek, graceful athletes. This photo of Jens van 't Wout captures the final raw, ungainly scramble
Wang Zhao/AFP
Where’s the snow groomer? Landon Wendler of Team USA competes in the rugged freestyle skiing moguls
Michael Reaves/Getty
Russia’s Daria Olesik, participating as an Individual Neutral Athlete, barrels down the track in her luge
Carmen Mandato/Getty
Lewis Irving of Team Canada participates in freestyle skiing aerials training in Livigno
David Ramos/Getty
Kazakhstan trio Nadezhda Morozova, Arina Ilyachshenko and Elizaveta Golubeva compete in their speed skating team pursuit quarter-final against the Netherlands – which they did not finish
Daniel Munoz/AFP via Getty
Athletes react after crossing the finish line following the 7.5km biathlon sprint
Harry How/Getty
Main photograph by Stefano Rellandini/AFP