Curling in Alpe d'Huez
Follow in the footsteps of the British Olympic medallists
If like me you watched the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and saw our intrepid curling teams pick up medals and you fancy yourself as a David Murdoch (Silver Medal) or Eve Muirhead (Bronze Medal) then get yourself along to the ice rink here in resort and “brush” up on your curling skills.
The ice rink (Patinoire) is located right in the middle of town on the “Main Street” (Avenue Les Jeux, and is easily found – simply look out for the floodlight pylons, you really can't miss it.
“Discover Curling” sessions take place at the ice rink every Tuesday and Friday at 2.30pm and are free to Carte Premium Holders and 11€ for those without a Carte Premium. Sessions are 1 hour 15 minutes in length. Booking at the rink in advance is advisable, particularly in busy periods in resort (Christmas, New Year, February, etc).
All equipment and tuition is provided at the rink, so you don't even need to go to the local B&Q for a broom!!! You have one shoe a “gripper” and the other a “slider” and given that the game is on ice, I won't patronise you by telling what each of these shoes does!
The aim of the game is to get as many scoring “stones” in the “house” (the target area) with the ultimate aim to get your “stone” on the “button” (the dead centre of the “house”), the game involves touch, finesse and a fair share of tactics to boot – but really is great fun!.
Curling is referred to as the “roaring game” which comes from the roar of the “stones” as they pass along the ice. Dating back to 16th Century curling is thought to have originated in Scotland on the frozen Lochs in wintertime – it is one of the worlds oldest team games. Curling is depicted in the 16th Century paintings of Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel, with the earliest written records of curling being the notes of a Scottish Notary, John McQuhin , when in 1540 he recorded a game between a local monk John Sclater and a representative of the Abbot, Gavin Hamilton – I’m not sure who won!
What started off as a Northern European winter game has gained in popularity over the years with increasing numbers participating after its inclusion in the 1988 Winter Olympics.
Curling really is great fun and is something great to do if you are a non-skier or just fancy something different away from the slopes for an afternoon.
It's a game that can be played by all ages and athletic abilities and the rules are pretty simple, so there isn't any need for a domestic “world war 3” type fall out either!
Before you know where you are you will be “throwing rocks”, “curling” them in and “sweeping” like a pro.
Best look out David Murdoch and Eve Muirhead et al - PyeongChang 2018 (South Korea) Winter Olympics here we come...!
