by Mike Morris, editor
If the 2010 Winter Olympics has inspired you to go for the gold, get off the couch and into the game. The closing ceremonies may have signaled the end of this round of Olympic Games, but the fun could just be beginning for you and your friends.
The best part is that you don't need any experience, and don't have to live near a bobsled run or a speedskating oval to give your favorite Olympic winter sports a try. Many communities offer facilities, equipment and training so you can try out the Winter Games without making a huge financial investment. . Here are some suggestions on where to find everything you need to feed your Olympic aspirations.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Some of the most breathtaking moments of the Olympics have happened on the ski slopes. If you're ready for some heart-pounding exhilaration, head to the nearest ski resort where you can ski or snowboard. All ski resorts have rental equipment, lessons and beginner hills for both sports.
If you enjoy sledding and have never been skiing or snowboarding, you're in for a real treat. You move faster, have more control and once you're more experienced, you can throw in some tricks and jumps.
Cross-Country Skiing
If flying down a crowded hill sounds too risky and dangerous for your taste, try cross-country skiing. The commitment level is lower and the skill set is much less demanding. Plus, it's an excellent cardiovascular workout that uses every major muscle group and will help you lose some of those extra winter pounds.
You can rent cross-country skis, poles and boots at park districts, recreation centers, sporting goods stores and ski shops. Many places that rent equipment also offer lessons, outings and cross-country skiing clubs you can join. Dress in layers so you can adjust your dress as your body temperature rises. You don't have to live in the wilderness to enjoy beautiful scenery and snow-covered trails. Local forest preserves, golf courses and bike trails offer both flat and hilly terrain, so do your homework if you want to avoid the added exertion of trekking up moguls.
Bobsledding, Luge and Skeleton
The closest you'll probably come to any of these sports is hitting a local sledding hill with your favorite apparatus. These days, sled types are too numerous to name. If you're into speed, many sledding hills have toboggan runs and rent toboggans by either the hour or day. Some hills rent tubes, which also reach higher speeds than traditional sleds.
Dress warm and wear water-resistant clothing, including snow boots and scarves to cover your face. You're bound to get covered in snow, which will melt and soak you if you're not prepared. On top of the fun, you get the added benefit of exercise from hauling your sled up the hill time after time, so dress in layers.
Figure and Speed Skating
You don't have to be able to jump, spin or skate backward to enjoy a little ice time on blades. Lace up your skates and go to your local rink or frozen pond for a fun family outing and some great aerobic exercise.
All skating rinks rent skates, but you'll need to provide everything else. Wear thick socks and dress in layers. Even indoor arenas are chilly. Sign up for lessons if it's your first time, and you'll get the hang of it quickly. During the Olympics, many rinks even offer speed skating classes.
Ice Hockey
This is one Olympic sport that's a bit more difficult to try. First, learn how to skate. Next, you need to find a bunch of other players.
Luckily, most ice rinks have open hockey times when you can get into a pickup game. Often they're late at night, when ice time is available. If you're a goaltender, you'll be especially welcome because of the specialized equipment and skills needed.
Warm Weather Locales
If you live in an area that doesn't have snow, you'll only miss the cold, not the action. You can still visit ice skating rinks but you'll have to adapt other sports for warmer weather. Substitutes for winter sports include roller blading, roller skiing, grass sledding and grass boarding (yes they exist; you can Google it!) and, of course, shuffleboard — curling's distant cousin.
Mike Morris, bad knees and all, took his first ski lesson at the ripe old age of 44 and lived to write this story.
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