Five North American spots to experience Winter Olympic sports

Can’t make it to the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, which begin Feb. 6 and have sold more than one million tickets? North American destinations from Colorado to British Columbia offer fans ways to watch high-level events, try Olympic disciplines and visit venues that have hosted or will host Games.

In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Howelsen Hill — Colorado’s oldest continuously operated public ski area — has more Nordic jumps than any complex in North America, from an eight-meter beginner jump to a 127-meter Olympic-size jump; Steamboat has produced about 100 Winter Olympians, and local events include a winter Steamboat Cup for children and an Olympic celebration with a Jan.

31 cauldron-lighting and athlete appearances. Sun Valley, Idaho, which counts 56 former and current Olympians in the region, names runs for hometown medalists, hosts U.S. Alpine championships and offers a near-Olympic outdoor rink where anyone can rent skates or take a lesson. Lake Placid’s four legacy sites let visitors skate at the Speed Skating Oval, ride a gondola to the base of the jumping towers or try skeleton at Mt.

Van Hoevenberg; the jumping complex will host back-to-back FIS Freestyle Aerials competitions on Jan. 11 and 12.

Key Topics

Sports, Winter Olympics, Howelsen Hill, Sun Valley, Lake Placid, Steamboat Springs