Has the Winter Olympics put you in a sporty mood?

The Winter Olympics begin this week, and we couldn't be more excited. Not only is it great to watch the pros master their moves, but it also motivates you to get up and try your hand at new things.

Thankfully in Lancashire, there are a number of sports, winter and otherwise, that you can enjoy from beginner level to expert, and plenty of opportunities to watch sports live in person too.

Curling 
Since the last Winter Olympics, Curling has grown in popularity and with it being such an accessible sport, it's easy to understand why. In Lancashire we’re proud to have one of the only Olympic size curling rinks in the country at the Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre, and what's more – you can try the sport with your family and friends during a visit! Newbies can join a taster session or enrol on a beginners course, and those who have tried it before can join one of the venues curling clubs or embark on an intermediate course.

Skiing & Snowboarding
Ever fancied learning snowboarding or skiing but can’t just jump on a plane? Ski Rossendale, home of The Hill is here to help. This outdoor ski slope means you try your hand at skiing and snowboarding, while enjoying the great outdoors. Visitors can find taster sessions, courses to teach those new to the sport and private lessons too. The venue also offers Tubing, a fun way to enjoy the slope and ladies only sessions.

Figure Skating & Ice Hockey

Whilst figure skating is an art that takes a while to finesse, everyone has to start somewhere, and Lancashire offers a few places for you to enjoy the ice. During the festive season the county is home to a number of pop-up ice rinks, but did you know that the fun doesn’t have to stop once the new year begins? The Arena at Pleasure Beach Resort is open year-round and offers public skating sessions, skating training and private lessons. They even have parent and toddler sessions on a Wednesday – its never too early to hit the ice! There's a valentine's special event on Saturday 14^th Feb with live DJ set and romantic lighting too. Planet Ice in Blackburn also offers public skate sessions, lessons and the opportunity to watch the Blackburn Hawks ice hockey team in full swing!

Cycling 

With two years between the Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics, there's sometimes a little bit of a lull on the "off year" but in 2027 things will be different because Lancashire will play host to a section of the Tour De France!

This news, announced just a few weeks ago, has already geared up excitement in the region so if you are looking to get on your bike, look no further. The Lancashire landscape just cries out to be explored by bike, from the quiet country roads that the pros will be whizzing down, to the dedicated routes from Ways Around the Bay.
 

Football
With the World Cup looming, and some shocks coming from this seasons results so far, those who are into sports may want to immerse themselves into football even more! Lancashire is considered to be the birthplace of league football and offers exciting matches from its Premier League and Championship teams: Burnley, Blackburn and Preston North End. Several lower league teams also have a special history too, with Blackpool, Accrington Stanley, Morecambe and more all offering a great football experience.  
If you want to enjoy the spirit of the game between matches, get yourself on a stadium tour at Burnley Football Club or Blackburn’s Ewood Park  where you can find out what goes on behind the scenes and visit exclusive areas of the stadium.

If American Football is more your thing, be sure to check out some of Lancashire's fantastic venues who are hosting some of the big Superbowl celebrations this weekend. Including Hickory's Smokehouse who will once again be running the popular viewing events.

Padel Tennis 
Not a winter sport but one that is fun all year round, Paddel is taking the nation, and indeed the world, by storm. There are brand new courts in place at Mytton Fold in Ribble Valley so now is the time to visit if you want to enjoy something new, what's more the team are hosting introductory sessions with equipment hire in the coming weeks. There are also courts at Fairhaven Lake, Lowther Gardens, Just Padel, Boughton Padel and West View Leisure Centre courts in Preston too!

For more information on other ways to get sporty in the county click here.