The Winter Olympic Games are just around the corner. Does watching triple axels make you dream of gliding across the ice? Do you think you might be a snowboarder-in-the-making? Wishing you could show your prowess as a curler? While there are many opportunities for kids, these local venues also offer adults the opportunity to try a few of these sports or watch the experts put on a show.
Cross-Country Skiing
Great Brook Farm Ski Touring Center
Northwest of Boston, Great Brook offers a 10-mile network of machine-groomed trails for cross-country skiers of all levels. Paths take you through views of farmland and forests, ponds, and streams in this stunning state park. In addition to ski tracks, a skating lane is available, and night skiing by lantern light is offered on certain evenings. Visitors can rent equipment on site. While lessons are not offered, the beginner trails are great for first-time skiers.
Great Brook Ski Touring Center, 1018 Lowell St., Carlisle
978-369-7486
greatbrookski.com
Weston Ski Track
Never been on skis? Head out to Weston, where the ski track’s ski school has lessons for adults. Their staff say that classic cross-country skiing is the easiest style for beginners. A single 75-minute lesson (or two 1.5-hour sessions for a more gradual introduction) will get you out on the track.
Already know the basics but interested in a little more speed? The venue also offers skate-ski lessons.
Weston Ski Track, 190 Park Road, Weston
617-965-5110
skiboston.com
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
Blue Hills Ski Area
This ski area was one of the first in New England to use artificial snowmaking and was the home ski area of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Famers, Dan and John Egan. Day and evening hours make this site appealing for skiers and snowboarders alike. Adult lessons (group and private) are offered on a daily basis for beginners as well as seasoned skiers and riders.
Blue Hills Ski Area, 4001 Washington St, Canton
bluehillsboston.com
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
This family-friendly location opened in 1964 with rope tows and was one of the first in the country to allow snowboarding. Now a full-service ski area, their lessons, rentals, skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing keep the spot hopping. Adult beginner lessons are available in both one-day and weekly formats. Already have some ski experience? Try their Adult Team Racing League with a weekly dual Giant Slalom competition format.
Nashoba Valley Ski Area, 79 Powers Rd, Westford
978-692-3033
skinashoba.com
Ski Bradford
For more than 75 years, Haverhill has been home to a popular ski venue. The 15 trails range from beginner to advanced, attracting skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Rentals are available as well as night skiing.
Are you a snowboarder looking to try new skills? Ski Bradford Terrain Park offers jumps, rails, and boxes.
Ski Bradford, 60 S Cross Rd., Haverhill
978-373-0071
skibradford.com
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
While this site is a little further from Boston, it’s well-worth the trip. Skiers and snowboarders can grab the commuter rail from North Station to the Wachusett Rail Station on the Fitchburg line with shuttles offered to the mountain. Once there, visitors will find 27 trails from green circle to black diamond, as well as a terrain park and racing venue. Private lessons for adults are popular.
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd, Princeton
978-464-2300
www.wachusett.com
Prefer to Be a Spectator?
Watch Snowboarding in Downtown Boston
On Feb. 21, the Red Bull Heavy Metal Finals snowboarding contest will feature rail riding on Boston’s City Hall Plaza. This showcase focuses on street snowboarding and will treat spectators to some creative boarding from emerging talent. More than 300 tons of snow will be trucked in from New Hampshire to create the courses.
Take a Road Trip to Watch Ski Jumping
On February 14-15, take a trip to Harris Hill Ski Jump in Brattleboro, Vermont and watch 40 up-and-coming jumpers soaring more than 300 feet at speeds approaching 60 miles per hour. This is the only Olympic-size jump hill in New England. The February event includes the Junior World Qualifiers and is a stop on the United States American Ski Jumping tour.
Figure Skating, Synchronized Skating, and Speed Skating
Bay State Speedskating Club
With sites in Walpole and Wellesley, this short track speedskating club is for beginning to advanced skaters throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Bay State Speedskating Club, Cadillac Ice Arena in Walpole and Boston Sports Institute in Wellesley
baystatespeedskating.org
The Skating Academy
The Skating Academy offers small group lessons for adults at seven campuses throughout eastern Massachusetts. The program follows the official Learn to Skate USA® curriculum that is endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and U.S. Speedskating.
The Skating Academy, Various locations
617-787-5283
skatingacademy.org
The Skating Club of Boston
This is New England’s most comprehensive skating facility, including figure skating, synchronized skating, and Theatre on Ice teams for beginners through advanced learners.
The Skating Club of Boston, 750 University Avenue, Norwood
617-782-5900
scboston.org
Interested in a place to skate on your own? Here are a few options to get you started.
- Agganis Arena at Boston University: Day passes are available for skating with limited skate rentals
- The Boston Common Frog Pond, Boston: Open skate and skate rentals
- Kirrane Ice Skating Rink, Brookline: Public skate, private rentals, and adult drop-in hockey
- Skate Canal District Kendall, Boston: Public skating and skate rentals, group outings, private rink rentals, and group and private lessons
- Steriti Memorial Rink, Boston: Public skating and hockey in the North End
Check out this link for other state-operated facilities in Boston and beyond.
Ice Hockey
StinkySocks Hockey
This adult hockey program has been operating for 20 years, offering inclusive and flexible opportunities to play. Players can get into games right away through the no-commitment hockey program, enter “Bring Your Own Team” leagues, or join a draft league for the season. Adult clinics and skills programs are offered.
StinkySocks Hockey, 369 Congress St., Boston
617-440-PUCK
stinkysocks.net
Warrior Ice Arena
Looking to skate on the same ice as the Boston Bruins? This arena offers a variety of adult skating and hockey programs for all levels of play. This facility has opportunities whether you are just learning to skate or brushing up on hockey skills.
Feeling more confident on the ice? Adult leagues are available for both men and women.
Public sessions are available daily, including hockey, skating, and freestyle.
Warriors Ice Arena, 90 Guest St, Boston
617-927-7467
warrioricearena.com
More Fun for Spectators
Don’t Miss These Stellar Skating Shows
From Jan. 29-31, The Skating Club of Boston hosts the 2026 U.S. Synchronized International Classic.
Then, check out Ice Chips, the longest running club-produced ice show in the world. This year’s event, Ice Chips: A World Journey, is scheduled for Feb. 28 and March 1 and will feature World Champion and 2026 Olympic Team member Alysa Liu.
Want to Watch Some Serious Hockey?
While Boston Bruins’ gear is everywhere in the city, it’s time to pick up some Boston Fleet merch, the new women’s professional hockey team. Their home ice is in Lowell at the Tsongas Center, but they will also be playing a special game at TD Garden on April 11. You’ll also be able to see some of the Fleet players in the upcoming Olympic Games.
College hockey is another great option for spectators. Each year, Boston’s four major college hockey programs — Boston University, Boston College, Harvard University, and Northeastern University — battle for the Beanpot title The women’s tournament will be held on January 20 and the men’s tournament is coming up February 2 and 3 at TD Garden.
Want a sneak peek at the Boston Bruins? The Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton is the Bruins’ practice facility. Their practices are open to the public and free of charge. Visit their site for more info.
Curling
Broomstones Curling Club
This inclusive member-run club in Wayland is one of the largest clubs in the U.S. and has fostered the success of Olympic competitors, World Champions, and everyday curlers. There is daily league play from October to April and a variety of programs for curlers from beginners to experienced.
Broomstones Curling Club, 1 Curling Lane, Wayland
broomstones.com
North End Curling Club
Join the North End Curling Club for programs at rinks in the North End and in Somerville. Learn to Curl programsare available throughout the year as ice time is available. Leagues and programs are offered on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday evenings.
North End Curling Club, Steriti Memorial Rink in Boston (winter) and Veterans Memorial Rink in Somerville (summer)
northendcurling.club
South Shore Curling Club
This Bridgewater-based club is the oldest arena curling club in the Commonwealth. Learn-to-Curl sessions are offered several times a year. Learn how to deliver the stone and sweep as well as the rules, strategy, and scoring.
South Shore Curling Club, Bridgewater Ice Arena, 20 Bedford Park, Bridgewater
southshorecurling.com
Snowport Curling Lanes
Reserve an iceless curling lane at Snowport until February 28. One lane can accommodate up to 8 people for a 30-minute session.
Snowport Curling Lanes, Harbor Way, Boston
bostonseaport.xyz/event/snowport-curling
Luge/Bobsled/Skeleton
Luge Slider Search for Young Athletes
This event is for the younger crowd. Have a 10 to 13-year-old who might be interested in luge? USA Luge will be holding a search for athletes from May 16-17 in Medway. Participants learn the basics, take some practice runs down a paved course on wheeled sleds, and then participate in fitness tests. Promising athletes may be invited to one of the USA Luge sanctioned training sites.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Lake Placid, NY
Trying these sports will require a bit of a journey, but it will certainly be an unforgettable experience. The Skeleton Experience offers a training lesson and will then send you head first down a track at 30mph. This is not for the faint of heart! The Bobsled Experience is not happening this season, but check out the website for announcements for next winter. Luge tours and rides are offered on a regular basis.
Olympics enthusiasts will find so much to love about a trip to Lake Placid. Not far from Mt. Van Hoevenberg, visitors can experience the Olympic Museum, see the rink where the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” took place, watch events at the Olympic Jumping Complex, ski the alpine slopes, or try out the speed skating oval.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg, 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY
518-523-2811
lakeplacid.com/attractions-entertainment
