Where to learn Winter Olympic sports in Seattle

Nicole Joraanstad and Natalie Nicholson sweep for Team USA at the Vancouver Olympics. (Photo by Jon Oropeza via Flickr)
Nicole Joraanstad and Natalie Nicholson sweep for Team USA at the Vancouver Olympics. (Photo by Jon Oropeza via Flickr)

As we enter the final days of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, I sometimes find myself daydreaming about how it would feel to experience the rush of competing with the highest tier of athletes in the world, and the triumph and glory of winning a medal for your country.

Maybe you have your own Olympic aspirations of proudly wearing the gold as your national anthem plays for all to hear.

Luckily, Seattle has the means to make that dream a reality. Here are several places around town you can start training for your own future spot at the Winter Olympic games. Or, you know, just for fun.

Curling: Granite Curling Club

All levels and ages are welcome at this curling club, which holds tournaments and leagues year-round. The club also hosts group events, like office and birthday parties. A full bar awaits for post-curling celebrations.

Ice Skating and Ice Dancing: Seattle Skating Club

As an official member club of U.S. Figure Skating, this could be your best ticket to the U.S. Olympic team. In fact, the club has produced some impressive young talents, such as Team USA’s Joylyn Yang and Jean-Luc Baker.

Hockey: Seattle Junior Hockey Association

Did you know Seattle has a Stanley Cup? Our city has a history of hockey greatness, so this hockey association might be a good place to get started. It is, after all, home to TJ Oshie, the U.S. Men’s Hockey hero in last Saturday’s matchup against Russia.

Skiing and snowboarding: Everywhere

With Seattle so close to mountains in all directions, it won’t be very hard to find a slope to start shredding down. The closest would be the Summit at Snoqualmie, a 50 minute drive away, where you can get a three-session skiing or snowboarding lesson for $150.

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