Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
6 ways to experience the Winter Olympics from Alabama
Reading time: 5 minutes
The Winter Olympics usually feel a world away from Alabama.
Snow, mountains, and frozen lakes are not exactly part of everyday life in the South but that does not mean the Olympic spirit skips the state entirely.
From ice skating and curling to watch parties and endurance training, there are real ways Alabamians can experience the same sports, preparation, and excitement seen on the world stage. Here are 10 ways to connect with the Winter Olympics without leaving the region.
Cloudmont Ski Resort | Mentone
Located atop Lookout Mountain, Cloudmont is Alabama’s only ski resort and one of the few places in the state where visitors can try true Winter Olympic sports like skiing and snowboarding. The small, beginner-friendly slopes rely on snowmaking and typically operate only during colder stretches of winter, but when conditions allow, it offers a rare on-snow experience in the Deep South.
- What to do: Skiing, snowboarding, and equipment rentals
- Where: 721 Co Rd 614, Mentone, AL 35984
- Learn more
Huntsville Ice Sports Center | Huntsville
Alabama’s only professional hockey team brings fast-paced, high-energy competition to the ice at the Pelham Civic Complex. In addition to attending Bulls games, visitors can also learn to ice skate at the same complex, making it possible to both watch the sport and try it firsthand. Special promotions, giveaways and themed nights are common during home games, adding to the game-day atmosphere and making it an easy group outing during Olympic season.
- What to do: Public skating, hockey, broomball, curling programs, Olympic viewing
- Tavern hours: Open daily from 5PM to close
- Where: 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd., Huntsville
- Learn more
Rocket City Curling Club | Huntsville
Alabama’s first club dedicated to the Olympic sport of curling gives residents a rare chance to experience one of the Winter Games’ most recognizable events close to home. In addition to learn-to-curl classes and league play throughout the year, the club is also hosting local Olympic watch gatherings during this season’s curling competitions, helping introduce more North Alabamians to the sport.
- What to do: Attend Olympic curling watch events, take learn-to-curl classes, or join a league
- Where: 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd., Huntsville
- Learn more
Birmingham Bulls Hockey | Pelham
Alabama’s only professional hockey team brings fast-paced, high-energy competition to the ice at the Pelham Civic Complex. Bulls games run throughout the winter season, giving fans a chance to experience the speed, physical play, and crowd excitement that make Olympic hockey one of the most watched events of the Games.
Special promotions, giveaways, and themed nights are common during home games, adding to the game-day atmosphere and making it an easy group outing during Olympic season.
- What to do: Watch live professional hockey, attend themed promotions, and participate in public skating or skating lessons
- Season: Winter schedule with regular home games in Pelham
- Where: 500 Amphitheater Rd., Pelham
- Learn more
Lakeshore Foundation | Birmingham
Birmingham is home to one of the most significant Olympic-connected training sites in the country. The Lakeshore Foundation is an official U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site, where elite athletes train in adaptive sports, strength and conditioning, sports science, and performance programming year-round.
Beyond elite competition, Lakeshore also serves as a community hub offering fitness, recreation, aquatics, and athletic programs for people of all abilities. Visitors can explore public programs, attend events, or simply experience a facility that plays a real role in developing Paralympic-level athletes.
- What to do: Explore fitness and recreation programs, adaptive sports, and community events
- Hours: Weekdays 5:30AM–7:30PM; Saturday 7AM–3PM; closed Sunday
- Where: 4000 Ridgeway Dr., Birmingham
- Learn more
The Frozen Frontier | Montgomery
If you want to feel the “cool runnings,” Montgomery Whitewater just added a massive ice skating rink to its park. While the summer is for rafting, the winter conversion gives Central Alabama a high-energy spot to practice those figure skating edges or short-track speed skating vibes. Plus, it’s got that “Olympic Village” atmosphere with fire pits and hot cocoa.
- What to do: Outdoor ice skating and winter park vibes.
- Where: 1100 Maxwell Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36104
- Learn more
How are you celebrating the Winter Olympics from Alabama? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, Facebook + LinkedIn.
