Learn to curl, ski, skate and more right here in the Dayton region
The Winter Olympics may be over, but those who are craving more of that winter sport action can do so right here. Instead of just watching, why not learn how to do it yourself? Local organizations throughout the region 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 Miami Valley. For those who have yet to watch a match, curling has players slide granite stones, called rocks, toward three circles that resemble a bullseye 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. This may 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 are held at the club’s own facility at 5150 Duff Drive in West Chester. Each lesson is $45 per 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.
If you’re looking to for a club closer to home, try Curl Troy or the Centerville Curling Club. Learn to Curl classes for both clubs are closed, but you can still connect with them to learn more.
Ice Skating
The Goggin Ice Center at Miami University offers classes for children and adults that follow the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, which has skaters progress through six levels to master basics like forward and backward skating, and turns. There are also beginner classes for children ages 3 to 5 and an introductory hockey class for children 3 to 9.
If you prefer watching ice skating over participating, make sure to attend the rink’s annual Ice Show April 29 and 30. There, you’ll see local skaters show off their skills.
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 are also offered.
After you’ve picked up some skills, head back to the Miami Valley to try cross-country skiing at Five Rivers Metroparks.
