The Winter Olympics on Campus

By Rachel

Ah yes, the Winter Olympics. I’ve had the pleasure of being on campus during the last Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It was my first year and I quickly learned how distracting laptops are when they are open with things other than notes — namely, sports.

While it’s a load of fun (albeit distracting) to spend nearly every minute watching the Olympics, it’s also fun to try out the sports themselves or to watch them in person! We have some great athletic talent here at the U of A, and it’s never too late to start a new sport.

Also, your ONEcard gives you access to all regular season conference Bears and Pandas games here on campus, along with access to the Van Vliet facilities on North Campus.

Here’s a rundown of all the Winter Olympic sports you can watch or do right here on campus while you’re inspired:

Curling

Our Bears and Pandas Curling teams are hosting the USPORTS/Curling Canada Championship on March 24–28 in Leduc. You can take curling lessons or simply practice at the Saville Community Centre (South Campus).

Figure Skating

Did you know you could do drop-in skating right on North Campus in the Clare Drake Arena? Check out the schedule as times vary but are abundant.

U of A Recreation is also hosting an Olde Tyme Skating Party on March 11 from 3PM-4:45PM. It’s completely free and includes live music from the University of Alberta Concert Band.

Hockey

Who doesn’t love a good hockey game? The Pandas have games on Feb. 9–10 at Clare Drake Arena, and both the Canada West Quarter-, Semifinals, and finals are between Feb. 16 and March 4. You can try your own hand at hockey during a Stick and Skate drop-in.

On a related note: every time the Olympic Games roll around, I’m reminded that this is ice hockey, specifically. I guess being Canadian means you automatically forget that floor hockey even exists.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Unfortunately, the U of A North Campus does not have a ski hill hidden somewhere secret. What it does have, however, is the University of Alberta Ski and Snowboard Club, who host some skiing and snowboarding trips. Their next trip is during Reading Week and — guess what? It’s Olympic-themed!

Luge

Grab a blanket and luge down your stairs! Just kidding, don’t do that.