Although the Washington area is not exactly considered a hotbed for winter sports, the region does offer plenty of options for those who want to try a new sport for the winter months. Here is a sampling:
CURLING
» Located next to the Gardens Ice House in Laurel, the Potomac Curling Club has several open houses a year and drop-in sessions for those who want to try the popular northern (Canada, Sweden, etc.) sport of curling. The club also offers a “learn to curl” program, which is a three-hour training session. Info: curldc.com.
FIGURE SKATING
» Washington Figure Skating Club. The club instructs all levels of skating, from beginning to advanced, with U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned testing at all levels. The club offers instruction in freestyle, pairs, synchronized, ice dancing and theater on ice. The group practices at Cabin John Ice Rink in Potomac. Info: wfsc.net.
» Skating Club of Northern Virginia. The club offers instruction in freestyle, pairs and synchronized figure skating. The club is based at Fairfax Ice Arena. Info: scnv.org.
» The Gardens Figure Skating Club. This club is based at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel. Info: gardensfsc.org.
ICE HOCKEY
» Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Southeast Washington offers adult ice hockey programs and leagues, including instructional leagues. Info: fdia.org.
» The Ashburn Ice House in Loudoun County offers adult ice hockey leagues, clinics and programs. Info: 703-858-0300.
» The Gardens Ice House in Laurel offers adult ice hockey leagues. Info: thegardensicehouse.com.
SKIING
» The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club offers cross-country skiing. The club has organized group trips, learn-to-ski trips, meetings and other social activities. Info: potomacappalachian.org.
» The Ski Club of Washington, D.C., offers ski trips for downhill and cross-country skiers as well as snowboarders. Info: scwdc.org.
SPEED SKATING
» Leading Edge Short Track Speedskating Club. Members range from age 5 to older than 60, with abilities from beginner to advanced. Contact the club to schedule a time. The club skates at the Rockville Ice Arena. Info: rockvilleicearena.com.
» Potomac Speedskating Club holds practices and classes at the Gardens Ice House in Laurel, the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington and the Wheaton Ice Arena. Members are ages 5 and up. Info: potomacspeedskating.org.
