It’s that moment that comes every fourth winter: the weeks when you, whether a suburban mom, city dweller, grandpa, teen or whoever, are suddenly an expert on sports you’ve never tried or seen in person.

The Winter Olympics are a time of competition, drama, backstories and more, all centered around not just the familiar (like figure skating), but the more obscure. Your curling prowess (as you watch the TV) is undeniable. The way you’d pace your speed skating lap has been explained ad nauseum. And that huge Nordic jump? Looks scary, but you wonder if you can do it.

There may never be a better time than now to actually explore some of those unique (as well as some classic) winter sports. And in New England proper, you’ve got plenty of opportunity.

Consider taking your Olympic curiosity to places where you can watch and cheer competition up close, just like they are in Italy, or even try them out yourself. Consider these options for some hands-on or at least close up Olympic sport fun.

Master the art of curling: It looks so easy, and finding a perfect spot to play and/or learn about it is easy as well, thanks to Boston’s Liberty Hotel (https://libertyhotel.com/) where they are offering Curling In the Courtyard, a private set up that lets you and friends learn and play the sport while enjoying the bites and sips that make that hotel famous.

Fridays through Sundays from now through the end of March, the hotel’s private patio is transformed into a curling sheet (don’t call it a rink, but do use the word “rink.” In curling, a rink is a team of four players, as is customary). This experience offers a playful, social take on the classic winter sport, pairing independent curling play with curated light bites from CLINK, a dining spot at the hotel.

You’ll need to plan ahead. Group reservations (for up to six people) are $180 and include a 45-minute lane reservation, score card, instructions, and a sweet and savory box of treats to enjoy courtside. Whether you’re a lead, second, third/vice-skip, or skip (you may want to do a little TV watching and studying prior), bragging rights come free with every booking.

Show the world your alpine prowess: New England is dotted with ski trails that have made champions. From the steeps of Cannon where Bode Miller cut his teeth to Waterville Valley where more than a few freestylers came up (and where this year, World Cup had to move to last minute due to Western snow concerns), to Stratton Mountain Resort where snowboarders and freestylers reign, we’ve got the goods.

Sugarloaf Maine (https://www.sugarloaf.com/) is a perfect spot to fly down (or inch your way; there’s no shame in taking it at your level) Narrow Gauge, a trail where the US Championships and World Cups have taken place and where more than a few champions have been made. But be warned: this is no trail for beginners.

Narrow Gauge was cut in 1955 as a racing trail. It was and still is known for its challenging, very steep middle section and typically groomed to a smooth, icy “corduroy” surface, favored for race training. If you ski it, you’ll get a feel for what that surface at the Olympics is meant to be like. If you don’t ski it, you can watch those who know how to do just that: there are often racers training on the course. And a post run or watch burger at The Rack? That’s for every level.

Go ahead and (watch other skiers) jump: That twists the old Van Halen lyrics a bit, but it fits. What could be more fun than watching the wild, dramatic and awe-inspiring Olympic sport of Nordic jumping up close?

Good news: you need only head to Harris Hill Ski Jump (https://harrishillskijump.com/) in Brattleboro, Vermont, where the sport has been practiced and celebrated for 104 years.

The original jump was built in 1922 for $2,200 and gained popularity fast: two years later in 1924 they hosted what would be the first of many national championships.

Today, of course, there’s a modern jump set up, and while it attracts top jumpers world-wide, it’s still run for the most part by a dedicated band of passionate volunteers.

Going to watch isn’t just a lesson in a super classic Olympic sport, it’s a total fan experience; one that’s great for the entire family.

Gates open at 9 a.m. each day and that’s when the tailgaters of all ages arrive to set up elaborate meals, snacks and chairs to watch the ski jump.

Each day has so many Olympic-like touches, like an opening ceremony introducing athletes, a mascot named (of course) Jumper, the national anthem sung live, music and play-by-play announcing. There’s always a huge bonfire to warm up by,  as well as a beer garden, various food trucks and tables featuring local vendors and nonprofit organizations selling delicious treats.