Lillehammer 2016 officially began with the Opening Ceremony at the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena ©YIS/IOC

"Photo_Gallery"

The opening section of the ceremony was entitled creation ©YIS/IOC

The unveiling of the Norwegian flag prompted the beginning of the formalities of the Ceremony ©YIS/IOC

IOC President Thomas Bach was joined by athletes from the five different continents ©YIS/IOC

The main segment of the ceremony detailed the journey of a young athlete ©YIS/IOC

A host of skiers slalomed down the famous ski jumping course ©YIS/IOC

Six-time Olympic champion Marit Bjørgen carried the Olympic Torch into the arena ©YIS/IOC

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway lit the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony ©YIS/IOC

A spectacular fireworks display brought the ceremony to an end ©YIS/IOC

The Lillehammer 2016 Opening Ceremony was held at the same venue as at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games ©YIS/IOC