When the Greeks competed for Olympic laurels thousands of years ago, they didn't have to contend with snow or clothes – indeed, they competed naked, outdoors. Things have certainly changed since then – and not just in the clothing department. Since the Winter Olympic Games were officially launched in Chamonix in 1924, hundreds of global competitors have hit the slopes, the rink, and icy tracks in the hopes of taking home the gold. Our list of top winter sports destinations honors the Olympic competitions. Some of the sports are so unusual – i.e., bobsledding, luging, freestyle skiing –that it's rare to see them in action outside of a televised event, but you can try your hand at these and other more common winter activities, like snowboarding and cross-country skiing, at first-rate sites across North America and beyond. Not surprisingly, some of the best sites to test your prowess once hosted Winter Olympic Games themselves – namely, Lake Placid, Calgary, Salt Lake City/Park City – but you may be surprised that you can learn how to figure skate in Florida, practice the biathlon in Germany, speed-skate in Holland, and try curling in Minnesota. See you on the Luge Rocket!
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