Four Winter Cleveland Activities That Capture Spirit of the Winter Olympics

Get Swept Up

It’s easy to get hooked on curling. Maybe it’s the calm intensity of the stone thrower or the frenetic motion of the broom. Mayfield Curling Club has been building a community around the sport, known as chess on ice for its mix of strategy and ethical play. With open-house opportunities and curler clinics, the club helps newcomers rock the ice in no time. “Sometimes you have good days, some bad days,” says Mayfield Curling Club vice president Ashley Lowry, “but something that keeps you coming back for more is when you make that awesome shot.” mayfieldcurling.com

Fill Your Need for Speed

While racing through the turns of an Olympic bobsled run may not be an option, tobogganing at the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation is the next best thing. The twin, 700-foot-long chutes operate on a system that requires no snow and allows thrill-seekers to reach speeds up to 50 mph. “People want to have their kids experience it for the first time,” says Chalet’s Amy McRitchie, “because they got to do it when they were a kid.” Be sure to dress in layers for the trek up the hill, where your four-person sled awaits. clevelandmetroparks.com

Hit the Slopes

If “pizza” and “french fry” make you think of the slopes rather than a restaurant, Alpine Valley can help. Teaching newbie skiers how to snowplow (“pizza”) and parallel turn (“french fry”) since 1965, the scenic Chesterland resort features slopes with long runs and low pitch. “Once you get out there on the snow, you’re kind of hooked,” says general manager Tony Pearman. Alpine Valley offers lessons for everyone and an after-school program. “This is our passion, and we want to share that passion with as many folks as possible,” says Pearman. alpinevalleyohio.com

Twist and Turn

 If you have ever dreamed of lacing up your skates and learning to land an axel, the Cleveland Skating Club can help you sharpen your skills. Committed to fostering a community around skating since 1936, the Shaker Heights club allows members and non-members the chance to skate the same rink as former Olympians through its learn-to-skate program. “I crave that feeling of moving across the ice,” says Kathryn Duvall, Cleveland Skating Club’s board president. “The sounds of the ice as your blade moves over it are something special.” clevelandskatingclub.org

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