Just because the Winter Olympics involve the world’s greatest athletes doesn’t mean you can’t try out some of the sports for leisure.

Shredding the slopes or taking to the ice are great ways to have fun and try something new in your free time. They can also help you stay active in the winter months when outdoor activity can be limited.

“I think it’s so important for students to stay active in the winter simply because it’s so easy not to, and unhealthy habits can be formed the longer we stay inactive,” said Zac Brost, associate director of Campus Recreation. “I believe the winter is as good a time as any to try something new, and with the Winter Olympics coming up, there might be new interest and new motivation.”

Here’s how you can try four Winter Olympic sports in Lincoln and surrounding areas:

Ice (or speed) skating

Whether you’re an experienced skater or a beginner, the art of figure skating or the rush of speed skating is surely worth a try. Moves like a glide, simple spin and simple jump can be learned by spending a few hours on the ice. The John Breslow Ice Hockey Center, 433 V St., hosts public skating several times a week for just $6.50 for adults and a $3 skate rental. Campus Recreation hosts free open skating on select Friday and Saturday nights. Check out the Breslow Center’s website for details on open skate times.

Hockey

Although hockey is a high-intensity sport, you can have plenty of laidback fun by trying it with a group of friends. The Breslow Center hosts adult drop-in hockey for $10 per player and no cost for goalies. You can rent all necessary equipment for $5 a piece and skates for $3. Check out the Breslow Center’s website for details on drop-in times.

Curling

Students can also get on the ice sheet, slide some stones, pick up a broom, listen to the skip and slide into some curling — one of the handful of events to get an early start in the 2022 Winter Olympics. The university’s nationally ranked Curling Club takes to the ice at the Breslow Center weekly. Learn more about getting involved with the club.

Skiing and snowboarding

Tear up the slopes by trying skiing or snowboarding this winter. The Outdoor Adventures Center, 930 N. 14th St., offers a cross country ski package, which includes skis, boots and poles, for only $10 for a one-day student rental. Take a weekend road trip to nearby slopes in Colorado and South Dakota, or join the International Student and Scholar Office on Feb. 12 for a day at Mt. Crescent Ski Area in Iowa. Sign up in advance and pay the $40 registration fee to secure your spot.