6 Places Where You Can Try Winter Olympic Sports
From Vermont hills to Michigan ice tracks, these places offer a rare chance to step inside Olympic history – no qualifying heats required.
With the Winter Olympics kicking off this week, it’s tempting to cozy up inside and watch athletes like Lindsey Vonn, Jordan Stolz and Chloe Kim dominate the snow and ice. But this year, why not give your own Olympic dreams a shot? Even some of the less common sports have surprisingly long histories in the U.S. – and in unlikely places, too.
In This Article
Skiing: Norwich, Vermont
This tiny Vermont town (population: ~3,628) has some serious Olympic bragging rights. Norwich has produced 11 Olympians and has sent an athlete to all but one Winter Olympics since 1984. Residents also have easy access to some of the best slopes in all of New England. Both the Dartmouth Skiway and the Saskadena Six, one of the oldest ski areas in the country, are within 30 miles of Norwich.
Since 1950, the Ford Sayre Ski Club has worked to make skiing accessible and fun for children and has helped young skiers develop a love for the sport. From childhood, locals flock to nearby Skiway, owned by Dartmouth College, to hone their skills. Two Olympic skiers – Jeff Hastings and Mike Holland – now work as volunteer instructors.
Biathlon: Lake Placid, New York
In this lesser-known, slightly offbeat winter sport, athletes freestyle ski, then pause to shoot their rifles at prescribed targets. Scandinavian countries, where the sport originated, mostly dominate the competition. But Americans curious to try it for themselves can do so in Lake Placid, New York. The Whiteface Lake Placid region is a longtime hub for U.S. biathlon and served as the training ground for Lowell Bailey, who recorded what was then the best individual Olympic biathlon finish by an American with an eighth-place result at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games. That mark was surpassed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, when Deedra Irwin placed seventh in the women’s 15-kilometer individual. Irwin herself was introduced to the sport through the U.S. Biathlon talent ID camp in Lake Placid.
Today, visitors can take a more accessible approach through Whiteface Lake Placid’s “Discover Biathlon” experience at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, which includes instruction, a trail pass, equipment rental and time on the shooting range.
Curling: Cranston, Rhode Island
Cranston residents are passionate about curling. The team sport of curling – or the art of throwing a 40-pound chunk of polished granite across ice – is described as a sport of both skill and tradition with roots tracing back to the 16th century. The Cranston community prides itself on the “Spirit of Curling,” an unofficial code of ethics that emphasizes sportsmanship and post-game camaraderie, with sharing a drink after the game just as important as the final score.
If you want to learn how to throw the rock for yourself, the volunteer-run Ocean State Curling Club in nearby Smithfield is the only curling club in the state and hosts open houses throughout the year. Those interested in the sport can take an introductory class and then participate in one of the club leagues. Once you’ve got your sea legs, participate in a traditional “bonspiel,” or curling tournaments attended by clubs from across the region.
Snowboarding: Truckee, California
Is there anything cooler than California or snowboarding? Truckee is surrounded by several resorts perfect for snowboarders. Just off the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Northstar is one of the country’s top places to snowboard and was long the home resort of Olympian Shaun White, before his retirement. Skiers and snowboarders consider the resort the gold standard for beginners. The destination offers eight terrain parks for all levels as well as the unique Burton Academy, where beginners learn the sport. Once you acclimate to the board, you can try White’s 22-foot superpipe! Other snowboarding spots include the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort and the Boreal Mountain Resort, where visitors receive a free season pass after completing the “Take 3 Ride Free” program.
But because it’s California, novice snowboarders can appreciate the area’s bluebird advantage, making for sunny snow days. On average, Truckee receives 400+ inches of snow annually, providing a soft landing that’s more forgiving for first-timers. And things are definitely more laidback! Truckee has a cool local vibe that isn’t as high-pressure as some of the luxury ski towns, and local shops are staffed by experts who are eager to help you find your perfect board and boots.
Ski Jumping: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Known as “Ski Town, USA,” Steamboat Springs has sent more than 100 athletes to the Winter Olympics, more than any other town in the country. Even though it’s been open since 1915, you’ve likely never heard of Steamboat Springs’ Howelsen Hill Ski Area – unless you’re an avid ski jumper. Founded by Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian circus performer, Howelsen is the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America and the country’s largest natural ski-jumping complex, with jumps ranging from about 60 feet to more than 400 feet. The proximity to downtown Steamboat Springs makes it easy to reach for those who want to add some powder time to an otherwise relaxing winter retreat. And, because Steamboat Springs has a reputation for producing athletes, the City of Steamboat Springs often offers “Ski Free Sundays” at Howelsen Hill, making it more affordable and accessible.
Young jumpers can join the supportive skiing community at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, one of the oldest and most successful winter sports clubs in the country, providing sports and youth development programming to more than 1,200 athletes. The club offers a variety of introductory and advanced classes and hosts a weekly Steamboat Cup Competition Series that introduces young athletes to competition in a fun, low-stress environment.
Luge: Muskegon, Michigan
The high-speed adrenaline rush of luge is hard to come by – there are just 17 luge tracks in the world and only four in the United States. Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is home to one of these, an 850-foot course designed by Frank Masley, the first American competitor in the luge. This is also the only Kunstbahn (artificial) track in the country and is made from natural ice rather than refrigerated pipes.
Even as a beginner, you’re in elite company: five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Mark Grimmette got his start at Muskegon.