Which countries have won the most medals in the history of the Winter Olympics?

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will offer more opportunities than ever for athletes to increase their medal tally. More than a century ago, at the first edition in Chamonix 1924, barely 50 medals were awarded. Today, with more sports and events incorporated, the Olympic program exceeds 100 medal events, reflecting the sustained growth of winter Olympism.

Before the start of the Games in Italy, the historical review makes it clear which nations and athletes have dominated the medal table over the decades.

Norway leads the all-time Winter Olympics medal table

No country has been more successful at the Winter Olympics than Norway, which remains the absolute leader in total medals, golds, silvers and bronzes. Since 1924, the Nordic powerhouse has been a constant protagonist and has finished as the most medaled country at each of the last three Winter Olympics.

The United States ranks as the second most successful country, while Germany, Austria and Canada complete the group of historically dominant nations in winter disciplines.

Countries with the most medals in Winter Olympics history

• Norway: 405 medals (148 gold, 134 silver, 123 bronze)
• United States: 330 medals (114 gold, 121 silver, 95 bronze)
• Germany: 267 medals (105 gold, 97 silver, 65 bronze)
• Austria: 250 medals (71 gold, 88 silver, 91 bronze)
• Canada: 225 medals (77 gold, 72 silver, 76 bronze)

Only five countries have surpassed the 200-medal mark, and only Norway and the United States have reached 300. In terms of gold medals, only Norway, the United States and Germany exceed 100.

Marit Bjørgen is the most successful athlete in Winter Olympic history

Individually, Norway's Marit Bjørgen is the biggest medal winner in the history of the Winter Olympics. The cross-country skier accumulated 15 medals, eight of them gold, over five Olympic appearances, establishing herself as a cross-country skiing legend.

In the men's category, Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen leads the way with 14 medals, including eight golds, highlighted by his perfect performance at Salt Lake City 2002.

Athletes with the most medals at the Winter Olympics

• Marit Bjørgen (Norway): 15 medals - cross-country skiing
• Ole Einar Bjørndalen (Norway): 14 medals - biathlon
• Ireen Wüst (Netherlands): 13 medals - speed skating
• Bjørn Dæhlie (Norway): 12 medals - cross-country skiing
• Arianna Fontana (Italy): 11 medals - short track

Five of the ten most successful athletes competed in cross-country skiing, one of the sports with the most events and medal opportunities on the Olympic program.

USA and a curious absence from the individual Top 10

Despite being the second country with the most total medals, no American athlete is among the 10 highest individual winners. The most successful American is Apolo Anton Ohno, with eight medals in short track speed skating.