This crowded winter scene presents a cross-section of Dutch society enjoying a wide range of winters sports, on the frozen waterways. The figures in the foreground with long sticks are playing ‘kolf’, an early form of golf. The walled town in the background was previously thought to be the artist’s native town, Kampen, but is an imaginary site. To the left by the windmill is an inn, indicated by the sign with a white crescent. The brightly coloured figures stand out against the restrained, subtle tones of the landscape.