Winter Skillcations: How travelers can use their winter getaways to level up
Photo © Milo Zanecchia / Ascent Xmedia
This article features activities covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance for US residents. Coverage may differ for residents in other regions. For non US residents, please refer to the policy documents relevant to your location.
All that flipping, racing, double axel-ing, and sledding have you amped up for winter sports this year? Sure, the Olympics are fun to watch but imagine getting out there and doing it yourself! The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional to dabble in some of the most popular Olympic sports. You just need a weekend lesson.
‘Skillcations’ - a combination between a vacation and personal development - are on the rise across the globe, and especially in the US. According to 2025 travel trend report, more than half of respondents said they wanted to take a trip centered around a passion (hobbies, learning, adventure). So why not get out there and learn a new winter sport? You’ll be in good company.
While there are countless places to take a ski lesson or play ice hockey in the United States, we’ve put together some recommendations for where trying that new sport will be extra special. Make a trip out of it and experience a little Olympic magic for yourself.
1. Bobsledding
Sport: Bobsled
Bobsledding is one of winter’s purest adrenaline hits. You load into a streamlined sled, grip tight, and launch down an icy track that twists and drops at speeds that feel wildly unreal. Even with a pro pilot at the controls, every turn delivers a jolt of G-force that reminds you why this sport is an Olympic classic.
Where: Park City, Utah. Just 35–45 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City’s Utah Olympic Park makes it easy to try bobsledding for yourself. Direct flights into SLC from across the U.S. keep travel simple, and shuttles run regularly up to the resort town. Once you’re there, the Olympic Park sits right on the edge of town—close enough to fold into any winter adventure.
How: At Utah Olympic Park, beginners don’t need any experience to take a ride. The Comet Bobsled experience pairs you with a trained pilot and a professional brakeman, so you can focus on the ride while they handle the skill. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, you’ll load into a four-person sled and fly down the Olympic track at speeds that may reach 60–70 mph in winter. It's fast, safe, and one of the most accessible ways for a novice to experience a real bobsled run in the U.S.
Why Here: This track isn’t a replica—it’s the real deal from the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today it still trains world-class athletes, so when you climb into a sled, you’re experiencing the same ice that Olympians push off on. Between the training facilities, the stories told in the on-site museums, and the sheer sense of history, it’s one of the most iconic places in the U.S. to give bobsledding a go.
Make a trip out of it: Park City is built for winter explorers. Spend a day skiing legendary terrain at Park City Mountain or Deer Valley, take a snowshoe trail deep into the pines, or wander Main Street’s cafés and indie shops. At the Olympic Park, you can keep the adrenaline going with tubing, zip lines, or freestyle ski demos. When you’re ready to slow down, warm up with a local whiskey or settle into a fireside lounge with mountain views.
2. Ice Hockey
Sport: Ice Hockey
Ice hockey blends speed, precision, and just enough chaos to make it addictive from the moment you step on the ice. Players glide, pivot, and chase pucks across a slick sheet where every move demands balance and quick reflexes. Even at a beginner level, there’s something electric about hearing your skates cut into the ice inside a real Olympic arena.
Where:
Lake Placid, New York. Tucked in the Adirondacks, it’s about a two-hour drive from Albany International Airport or roughly three hours from Burlington or Montreal. Once you reach the village, the Olympic Center sits right in town, surrounded by mountain views and an easy walk from cafés, shops, and lodging.
How:
Lake Placid makes it surprisingly easy for first-timers to learn the basics. The 1932 & 1980 Olympic Center offers beginner-friendly skating and hockey clinics, stick-and-puck sessions, and public skate times where you can ease into the sport at your own pace. Instructors can walk you through fundamental skills like skating strides, passing, and basic stick handling so you get a feel for the game—even if you’ve never held a hockey stick before.
Why Here:
Lake Placid is one of the most storied places in winter sports history. This is where the U.S. pulled off the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, defeating the Soviet team in one of the most legendary hockey games ever played. Training still happens here today, which gives the rinks a sense of living history. Skating on the same ice where Olympic athletes competed adds an unmistakable thrill to even the most basic practice session.
Make a trip out of it:
Beyond the rink, Lake Placid is a winter playground. Try cross-country skiing at Mount Van Hoevenberg, ride the Skyride gondola for panoramic mountain views, or lace up your boots for snowy lakeside hikes. Wander the village for hot chocolate, local brews, and cozy Adirondack restaurants. If you want more Olympic vibes, tour the ski jumps or visit the museum that brings decades of winter-sports stories to life.
3. Cross-Country Skiing
Sport: Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a full-body workout that blends endurance, rhythm, and a sense of quiet exploration through snow-covered landscapes. Unlike downhill skiing, it moves at your pace, letting you glide across groomed trails while soaking in the surrounding mountains. Even beginners quickly feel a sense of flow as skis carve through powder and the crisp winter air fills your lungs.
Where:
Sun Valley, Idaho. Flights into Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey connect from major U.S. hubs, and the scenic drive into Sun Valley takes about 20 minutes. The Nordic Center sits conveniently near town, making it easy to pair skiing with shopping, dining, or spa stops in the charming mountain village.
How:
At Sun Valley Nordic Center, novices can take lessons tailored to first-timers or intermediate skiers. Instructors guide you through basic strides, turning techniques, and how to navigate flat and rolling terrain. Rentals are available on-site, so you can just show up and start exploring miles of well-maintained trails without needing your own gear.
Why Here:
Sun Valley has been a hub for winter sports since the 1930s and is known for its world-class Nordic skiing terrain. The trails here are groomed to Olympic standards and have trained elite skiers for decades, so even as a beginner, you’re skiing on legendary snow. Combine that with the iconic old-Hollywood ski town vibe and pristine mountain scenery, and it’s easy to see why Sun Valley is a cross-country skier’s dream.
Make a trip out of it:
After skiing, explore Sun Valley’s Main Street for cozy cafés, art galleries, and boutique shops. Try snowshoeing in the surrounding trails, or take a scenic gondola ride at Bald Mountain for panoramic winter views. Evenings are perfect for warming up by a lodge fire, enjoying local craft cocktails, or planning your next day of mountain adventure.
4. Speed Skating
Sport: Long-Track or Short-Track Speed Skating
Speed skating is all about power, precision, and rhythm as you glide around an oval at speeds that feel exhilarating even for first-timers. Whether you’re on a long-track or short-track course, every push of the blade propels you forward with a rush of adrenaline. Beginners quickly get hooked by the thrill of moving fast on ice while learning to control your balance and stride.
Where:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Pettit National Ice Center sits about 15–20 minutes from downtown Milwaukee and is accessible from Mitchell International Airport. Its location on the city’s south side makes it easy to pair skating with urban winter exploration, dining, and local culture.
How:
At the Pettit National Ice Center, public lessons make it easy for novices to try speed skating. Coaches guide you through proper technique, cornering, and stride mechanics so you can safely build speed and confidence. Skate rentals are available on-site, meaning you can show up ready to experience the same ice where Olympians train.
Why Here:
The Pettit National Ice Center is one of only a handful of indoor long-track ovals in the world, and it’s a training ground for Olympic athletes year-round. Skating here gives beginners the chance to experience world-class facilities while feeling the energy of elite-level ice beneath their feet. The venue’s combination of history, training excellence, and public accessibility makes it uniquely inspiring.
Make a trip out of it:
After your session, explore Milwaukee’s vibrant beer scene, food culture, and lakefront architecture. Take a stroll along the shores of Lake Michigan or check out seasonal winter events downtown. Whether you’re warming up with a craft brew or exploring quirky local neighborhoods, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
5. Snowboardcross or Alpine Racing
Sport: Snowboardcross or Ski Racing
Snowboardcross and alpine racing are all about speed, strategy, and precision as you navigate gates, rollers, and banked turns down a snowy course. Whether on skis or a snowboard, it’s a rush of adrenaline that challenges your balance, reflexes, and focus. Even as a beginner, learning to carve clean lines and manage terrain changes gives a real taste of what competitive racers experience.
Where:
Mt. Hood, Oregon. Just over an hour from Portland, the mountain is accessible via car or shuttle from the city, which makes it an easy winter getaway. Both Meadows and Timberline are located on the slopes of Mt. Hood itself, offering immediate access to world-class terrain and training facilities.
How:
At Mt. Hood Meadows or Timberline Lodge, lessons and race programs are designed for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Professional instructors guide you through gate technique, course reading, and progression drills so you can safely gain confidence at your own pace. Rentals are available on-site, making it easy to step into the sport without owning specialized racing gear.
Why Here:
Mt. Hood’s long season and varied terrain make it a training ground for elite athletes while still welcoming beginners. The mountain has respected race programs and progressive terrain, meaning you’re learning on slopes designed to build skill safely. Add in the glacier views and iconic volcanic scenery, and it’s one of the most memorable places in the U.S. to practice competitive winter sports.
Make a trip out of it:
Beyond racing, explore Portland’s food scene, craft breweries, and beautiful parks before heading up the mountain. Take scenic hikes, try snowshoeing, or simply soak in the glacier-backed vistas from Timberline Lodge. Evenings can be spent by the fire in a mountain lodge, planning your next day of high-speed winter fun.
6. Ice Skating
Sport: Ice Hockey
Sport: Figure Skating
Figure skating blends grace, strength, and technique on ice, whether you’re gliding across the rink or learning your first spins and jumps. Even as a beginner, there’s a thrill in moving with precision while imagining the champions who once trained on the same ice. The sport challenges balance, focus, and rhythm which makes every lesson a small victory.
Where:
Colorado Springs, Colorado. The arena is just a short drive from downtown and about 90 minutes from Denver International Airport. If you wanted to combine figure skating with other winter sports, like skiing, there are a number of resorts, including Breckenridge, within three hours driving distance.
How:
The Broadmoor World Arena offers programs for skaters of all levels, from absolute beginners to more advanced students. Adult and youth Learn to Skate USA sessions give step-by-step instruction in skating basics, spins, and footwork. Skates are available for rental, so you can arrive ready to experience figure skating in a legendary environment.
Why Here:
This rink is considered the birthplace of U.S. figure skating excellence and is a rare opportunity to skate where American legends trained. From 1930 to 1994, the original Broadmoor rink produced dozens of champions, and today the arena continues that legacy. Colorado Springs is also home to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
Make a trip out of it:
Beyond the rink, explore Colorado Springs’ outdoor beauty with a hike in Garden of the Gods or a scenic drive up Pikes Peak. Wander the city’s charming streets, enjoy local dining, or check out winter events and ice festivals. Be sure to get a tour at the US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center, too.
Why Travel Insurance Matters for a Winter Skillcation
Trying a new winter sport is exhilarating, but it also comes with a few more moving parts—icy trails, fast-paced activities, and gear that doesn’t always behave. A travel insurance plan may help if an unexpected fall leads to a medical issue, if weather delays your trip, or if an airline loses your bags along the way. It’s a simple way to stay focused on learning something new while knowing you’re covered if the unexpected happens.
Travel insurance doesn't cover everything, and coverage may differ depending on the country of residence, state or province. Carefully read the policy wording for a full description of coverage, including the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described.
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