When it comes to the Summer Olympics, the undisputed dominator is undoubtedly the United States, which nearly dominates the medal table, including the gold medal tally, in almost every edition.

However, on the Winter Olympics stage, the top powerhouse title belongs to the small Nordic country of Norway.

This narrow and elongated nation from the Scandinavian Peninsula has participated in all 23 editions of the Winter Olympics so far, clinching the top spot in the medal tally on 8 occasions. Norway has amassed 368 medals, including 132 gold, 125 silver, and 111 bronze, firmly occupying the top of both the gold medal and overall medal tables at the Winter Olympics.

It is worth noting that Norway is one of only three countries that have won more medals in the Winter Olympics than in the Summer Olympics.

Regarding Norway's prowess in winter sports, there's a saying from its neighbor Sweden: "Norwegians win gold medals while sleeping, wake up to more gold medals, dine with gold medals, and blink to find Norwegians have won more gold medals."

Looking at the map, Norway is indeed a "tiny spot" with a land area of only 385,000 square kilometers and a population of just 5.375 million. However, its ability to dominate winter sports is inseparable from its advantageous geographical environment.

There's a saying: "Norway is one giant ski resort." In Northern Europe, one-third of Norway's land lies within the Arctic Circle, resulting in long winters. From October to February, the entire country is covered in snow. Moreover, the Scandinavian Mountains running through the country provide numerous mountainous and wilderness areas, essential prerequisites for snow sports.

However, Norway's success is not solely attributed to its geographical location and natural conditions; its profound ice and snow culture are the cornerstone.

Norway has a long history of ice and snow culture. Ancient rock carvings in the Nordland county of Leknes dating back 4,000 years depict Norwegians engaging in snow sports using skis. Over millennia, this love for ice and snow has become ingrained in the Norwegian psyche.

"There are Norwegians born with skis on their feet," goes a common saying, reflecting the Norwegians' love for skiing.

In Norway, skiing is an everyday activity for people of all ages, from 70 to 80-year-old seniors to 3 to 5-year-old children. Even young couples skiing will place their infants under one year old in a ski carrier behind them.

Every first Saturday in March, Norwegians celebrate their unique "Oslo Ski Festival," the second grandest national festival after National Day. Today, people of all ages participate in skiing activities, joining in the nationwide celebration of ice and snow.

Here are three of Norway's best skiing destinations:

Geilo is one of Norway's finest skiing destinations, located on the remote northwest border of the former Buskerud county. Access to the mountaintops is convenient from any direction. The picturesque scenery makes it perfect for hiking in the summer, making it suitable for visits in any season. The town has numerous hotels, with bed capacity almost as abundant as its residents.

Covering all the slopes in the area, this family-friendly skiing destination ensures skiers don't have to worry about crowded slopes or queueing for lifts. The skiing trails are grouped by difficulty, making them beginner-friendly.

2. Lillehammer:

Lillehammer is a skiing resort with legendary status in Norwegian winter sports, having hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics. It comprises five skiing destinations, with Hafjell being the largest. The Olympic Park is the resort's focal point, boasting numerous world-class facilities.

All the necessary facilities can be found within the resort for those who prefer cross-country skiing over alpine skiing. Accommodation options range from luxurious to budget-friendly, catering to various preferences.

3. Trysil:

Trysil Ski Resort is located in the vast forests of eastern Norway and is renowned for its world-class downhill skiing facilities.

With over 80 slopes of varying difficulty, visitors constantly face new challenges, allowing them to explore their skiing potential. After a day of challenging alpine skiing, visitors can look forward to delicious food and drinks or join social gatherings.

Norway's success seems straightforward, from its natural advantages to its deeply rooted skiing culture. However, behind this success lies the government and sports departments' long-term vision and comprehensive planning for sports development. Ensuring people enjoy happiness in ice and snow and fostering harmony between humans and nature might be the real reasons for Norway's winter sports dominance.