SALT LAKE CITY — The Winter Olympics arrived in Utah in February of 2002, and never really left. Since 2002, almost on a daily basis in Utah during the colder months, there are bobsleds streaking down the icy track, speed skaters gliding on the oval, stones sliding down the lane, skiers carving turns and snowboarders catching air.

Of the 15 events scheduled for the Sochi Olympics, nine are available to would-be Olympians here in Utah who want a test of "participating" in an Olympic sport.

So, for those wanting to try an Olympic event here’s a list:

Bobsled

The Utah Olympic Park provides the four-person sled and one professional driver for what some have tagged “the ride of a lifetime.’’

The bobsled ride lasts just under one minute, but in that time riders negotiate 15 turns, hit speeds upwards of 80 miles per hour and pull up to 5 G forces. The maximum G force of the space shuttle at liftoff is 3, the driver of a top-fuel dragster hits 4 and on a peak lateral turn a Formula One driver experiences a 5.

The ride itself is noisy, teeth-rattling and visually limiting. But, bragging rights go with the ride and the claim, “I did it.’’

Cost is $200 per person per ride. Reservations are required. Riders must be 16 or older, and anyone with health issues is advised to be a spectator.

For information and reservations call 435-658-4206 or visit www.utaholympiclegacy.com.

Skeleton

This is a one-on-one-on-one event at the Utah Olympic Park. That is, one person on one sled on one track traveling face first. The sled is slightly larger than a serving tray and the view is all white.

From the prone position, because of the G forces, it’s difficult to take the eyes off the ice. Riders take only a section of the track — four turns — but hit speeds upwards of 50 miles per hour.

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Riders must be 14 years and older and, again, those with any health problems are advised to watch. The cost is $50.

For information and reservations call 435-658-4206 or visit utaholympiclegacy.com

Skating

It is possible at the Utah Olympic Oval to try figure skating and speed skating. In order to try speed skating, however, individuals must show their skills on skates.

Neither event is easy and anyone attempting to skate has a much greater appreciation for the Olympic competitors. Spins and jumps are not easy, nor is gliding around the Oval’s speed track, considered to be the “fastest ice in the world.’’

But to reach the next level — speed skating — a person must complete lessons in Skating 1 and 2 ($60 for six lessons) or prove to the instructor their skating skills.

The speed skating class is $50 which covers six sessions and speed skates.

For information and lesson reservations call 435-658-4206 or visit utaholympiclegacy.com

Hockey

It’s probably the most difficult event to get into, simply because it involves a team. But, there are a number of places where hockey can be a learned sport.

The Olympic Oval offers everything from a learn-to-play for kids from ages 4 to 14 to club play for kids and adults as well as adult leagues.

For information and schedules call 435-658-4206 or visit utaholympiclegacy.com

Curling

In 2002, Curling was one of the most watched events, possibly because it is interesting and unique. It involves a four-person team, 10 innings and a 42-pound granite stone sliding along a 150-foot sheet of ice. At each end of the ice is a scoring circle.

Points are based on the stones' proximity to the centermost circle. Team members sweep the ice in front of the stone to adjust speed and direction. Faster sweeps heat up the ice for speed, slower sweeps cool it down to slow it down.

The Ice Sheet at Ogden was the official curling venue, and now the curling responsibilities fall on the Ogden Curling Club. When it can, the Ogden Curling Club rents the Ice Sheet for curling instruction. The next curling day will be Feb. 12. For information visit Ogden Curl Club.

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How you can take your own personal bobsled ride

Until that February day a few years ago, the closest I'd come to Olympic bobsledding was when I manned a doorjamb and helped shoulder my friend's car out of a snow bank, still pushing as he pulled back onto the road, then jumping back in before we lost momentum.

Meanwhile, the Olympic Oval has regular curling instruction. A Learn to Curl class for those 8 and older is available for a fee of $12 on Monday and Friday. Curling equipment — brooms and stone — are provided. Individuals are advised to wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes.

For information call 435-658-4206 or visit www.utaholympiclegacy.com.

Cross-country skiing

Soldier Hollow has kept the nordic dream alive the past 12 years. When snow conditions allow, cross-country tracks are prepared for both skating and classic skiing.

Trails range from easy (a new one was introduced this winter) to challenging.

Classic skiing is relatively easy. The secret is good balance and timing on a very thin platform. Crews imprint two tracks about shoulder width apart so keeping skis inline is easy. Getting the step out and glide rhythm is more challenging.

The second technique is skating and requires more endurance and coordination. Here again, crews groom a wide area to make skating possible.

Soldier Hollow is located in Midway. Call 435-654-2002 for information.

Biathlon

This is a rare opportunity to participate in one of the oldest of Olympic sports. Soldier Hollow, site of the 2002 biathlon, offers the real thing — cross-country skiing combined with shooting.

There are three program options — gold, silver and bronze that include instruction in shooting, either an air rifle or .22-caliber rifle, and the organization of a "mini" fun competition involving both skiing and shooting at five targets.

Programs range from a one-hour introduction to a two-hour session. Reservations are required. Call 435-654-2002 for information

Alpine Skiing

There are a couple of options for this event. Skiers can run gates at Deer Valley or Park City Mountain Resort or ski an Olympic course at Deer Valley, Park City or Snowbasin and even medal.

Deer Valley offers NASTAR skiing, which is the oldest race-for-medals program in the country, started back in 1968 by SKI Magazine. The format is simple — two skiers, side-by-side, step into the starting gate and race — red gate, blue gate, then red, blue, red and so on to the finish.

Times are kept and based on a handicap system set up on a national level, and medals are awarded as platinum, gold, silver, and bronze.

Park City also offers a NASTAR program

If you opt to free ski, try the downhill and super G course at Snowbasin (Grizzly), the slalom course (Know You Don’t) or the mogul course (Champion) at Deer Valley or the giant slalom course at Park City (Eagle Race Arena).

All three courses require at least an intermediate level of skiing ability. The downhill course, which drops 2,900 vertical feet, is the most challenging and the most impressive. The Deer Valley and Park City courses can be seen from ground level without having to put on skis or step on a snowboard.

Each course will give individuals a better appreciation for the skills of the Olympians.

Snowboarding

There are many options throughout Utah for snowboarding as well. Individuals can run a NASTAR course on the board or try the Eagle Superpipe at Park City.

Even if you don’t choose to enter the pipe, a boarder can get a real appreciation for how deep the pipe goes and how high the walls reach. Then picture in the mind getting air and spinning and twisting and flipping and then landing cleanly.

Snowboarders can also try a terrain park in order to get a sample of snowboard cross.

And there you have it. Try one or try them all. It’s possible to sample the Winter Olympics here in Utah.

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