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Winter Sports: Explainer

Browse SportsMonkie's explainer about winter sports, organized in one crawlable topic hub.

6 articles in this topic.

A hockey player celebrating three goals as fans throw hats onto the ice for a hat trick
Winter Sports

What Is a Hat Trick in Hockey? Rules & Types

A hat trick in hockey is three goals by one player in a single game. Why fans throw hats, the natural and Gordie Howe variations, and how rare it is.

What the hammer is in curling: the last-stone advantage and how it changes each end
Winter Sports

What Is the Hammer in Curling?

The hammer in curling is the last-stone advantage: throwing the final rock of an end. How it's decided, why teams protect it, and how it changes hands.

How much a curling stone weighs: 38 to 44 pounds of Ailsa Craig granite with a handle
Winter Sports

How Much Does a Curling Stone Weigh?

A curling stone weighs between 38 and 44 pounds (17.24 to 19.96 kg), handle included. The granite, the cost and the specs behind the rock, explained.

A beginner skier practising the wedge stance on a gentle snow slope at a ski resort
Winter Sports

Beginner Skiing: Your First Trip, Gear and Costs

Beginner skiing made simple: what your first day looks like, the exact gear you need, real first-trip costs in the US, UK, AU and CA, plus rent-vs-buy advice.

A pair of alpine ski boots being fitted, with a bootfitter checking heel hold and toe room
Winter Sports

Ski Boot Sizing: How to Get the Right Fit

Ski boots are sized in Mondopoint (your foot length in cm). Learn to measure your Mondo size, pick flex and last width, and run the shell fit test.

Beginner skier in a group ski lesson practising the wedge stop on a gentle green run
Winter Sports

Beginner Ski Lessons: Costs and What to Expect

Beginner ski lessons explained: group vs private, real 2026 costs in the US, UK and Australia, what happens on day one, and the gear you need.

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