Learn to curl, ski, skate and more right here in the Tristate
The Super Bowl is over, but we’re still in the midst of another great sporting event, the Winter Olympics. Most of us are less familiar with winter sports than we are with football, but those looking to learn more can do so right here in Greater Cincinnati. These local organizations are ready to help people of all ages and skill levels learn a new sport or activity.
Curling
Yes, you can learn to play this strange sport right here in the Tristate. For those who have yet to watch a match, curling has players slide granite stones, called rocks, toward three circles that resemble a bull’s-eye on the other side of the ice. At the end of each round, the team with the rock closest to the center scores a point. That might seem simple enough, but the sport gets more complex as teams strategize to score multiple points in a round and players use curling brooms to help rocks curl, or move in a curved line.
The Cincinnati Curling Club is offering lessons for those who have caught the curling bug and want to learn more. Lessons are two hours long and occur at the club’s own facility at 5150 Duff Drive in West Chester. Each lesson is $45 a person, and all participants must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Check the club’s website for the most up-to-date schedule and to register.
Ice Skating
Multiple rinks throughout the region offer ice skating classes for adults and children. The Northland Ice Center, Indian Hill Winter Club and Sports Plus Ohio all offer classes that follow the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, which has skaters progress through six levels to master the basics, such as forward and backward skating and turns.
Skiing & Snowboarding
At Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, adults and children 9 and up can learn the basics (and later the next steps) of both skiing and snowboarding. Each day, introductory group lessons are offered. At just $10 a person, the lessons teach participants to control their speed as well as some basic techniques. Lessons are 50 minutes each and are taught on the hour from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Special children’s lessons and one-on-one instructor classes also are offered.
