10 destinations where you can live your Winter Olympic dreams.

After four long years, the Winter Olympics have finally arrived.

Get ready to feel the thrill of victory, the sting of defeat, and all the excitement of fresh events like mixed doubles curling and big air snowboarding making their Olympic debut.

For future Olympians, there's so much to love about the Winter Games—especially when you have the chance to train and compete in these events, sometimes alongside former Olympians.

Here are our top 10 picks for the best North American destinations where aspiring Winter Olympians can take their skills to the next level.

1. Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid, a charming village nestled in New York's Adirondack Mountains, hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. Start your visit at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, where you can explore key events like speed skating and ski jumping, see Team USA's parade uniforms from over the years, and watch original footage from the legendary 1980 'Miracle on Ice' hockey game.

At the Lake Placid Olympic Center, you can skate on the 400-meter speed skating oval or take a lap around the rink that witnessed the iconic 1980 hockey match. For a truly immersive experience, sign up for the Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp, held from March 25 to 29.

Next, head to the Olympic Sports Complex for an action-packed three-hour biathlon lesson, or feel the thrill of a bobsled ride with an expert pilot and brakeman. Don't miss the chance to ski the same trails at Whiteface Lake Placid that Olympic athletes and hopefuls use.

Lake Placid Olympic Museum, 2634 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946, +1 (518) 302-5326

Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp, 2634 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946, +1 (518) 524-3502

Olympic Sports Complex, 220 Bobsled Run Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946, +1 (518) 523-4436

Whiteface Lake Placid, 5021 Route 86, Wilmington, NY 12997, +1 (518) 946-2223

2. Calgary, Alberta

Follow the four-day self-drive itinerary, 'Road to Gold,' from Calgary to Canmore and immerse yourself in the excitement of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Start your journey at WinSport, where you can experience the thrill of the bobsled track with the help of a skilled crew as you tackle 14 exciting turns.

Next, visit Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and relive Olympic glory while exploring the new exhibit 'Pyeongchang 2018: United in Spirit.' The exhibit commemorates the 30th anniversary of Calgary's Winter Olympics and honors five Olympic and four Paralympic athletes competing in the current Winter Games.

For skating enthusiasts, enjoy a leisurely skate at Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary or test your speed on the Olympic Oval, home to the world’s fastest ice. Then, head to Canmore Nordic Centre for an afternoon of cross-country skiing.

WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary, AB T3B 5R5, +1 (403) 247-5452

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, 169 Canada Olympic Rd SW, Calgary, AB T3B 6B7, +1 (403) 776-1040

Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2P 2M5, +1 (403) 268-2489

Olympic Oval, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, +1 (403) 220-7954

Canmore Nordic Centre, 1988 Olympic Way, Canmore, AB T1W 2T6, +1 (403) 678-2400

3. Whistler, British Columbia

Begin your adventure at the Whistler Museum, where you can explore the latest exhibit, 'Hosting the World,' which showcases Whistler's journey through the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Don't forget to snap a photo with the Olympic torch or pose with a ski bib from the Games.

At Four Seasons Whistler, take a ski lesson (or après-ski lesson) with Whistler Olympian Robbie Dixon. Just a short distance away, Whistler Blackcomb also offers private ski and snowboard lessons with Winter Olympians, including gold medalist Ashleigh McIvor, the first athlete to win a medal in the newly introduced ski cross at the 2010 Games.

For thrill-seekers, steer a skeleton or experience the rush of a high-speed bobsled ride at Whistler Sliding Centre, home to the world’s fastest sliding track. If you’re looking for a more relaxed experience, enjoy Friday night skiing at Whistler Olympic Park to celebrate its 10th winter season.

Whistler Museum, 4333 Main Street, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, +1 (604) 932-2019

Four Seasons Whistler, 4591 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, +1 (604) 935-3400

Whistler Blackcomb, 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, +1 (604) 967-8950

Whistler Sliding Centre, 4910 Glacier Ln, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4, +1 (604) 964-0030

Whistler Olympic Park, 5 Callaghan Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B8, +1 (604) 964-0060

4. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Known as Ski Town, USA, Steamboat Springs, Colorado has produced 89 Olympic athletes (and counting). The town also boasts the largest natural ski jumping complex in North America at Howelsen Hill Ski Area, complete with a beginner-friendly 'bump jump.' Plus, there’s a terrain park, and freestyle mogul and aerial complexes.

Don’t miss the iconic 15-foot Steamboat Cauldron, which burns throughout the Winter Games. Then take a stroll down Lincoln Avenue and explore Steamboat’s own 'Walk of Fame,' where you’ll find bronze plaques honoring every hometown Olympian, including medalists Nelson Carmichael and Shannon Dunn-Downing.

Next, head to the Tread of Pioneers Museum to learn about Steamboat Springs' rich skiing history and the local athletes representing the town in the current Winter Games. On select Saturdays during ski season, the museum also hosts a 'Meet an Olympian' talk.

Howelsen Hill Ski Area, 845 Howelsen Pkwy, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, +1 (970) 879-8499

Tread of Pioneers Museum, 800 Oak St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, +1 (970) 879-2214

5. Crested Butte, Colorado

Celebrate the Olympic Opening Ceremonies slopeside at Butte 66 with Olympic-inspired appetizers and drink specials on February 9. Ladies can also join in on ski tip exchanges on the mountain, followed by après ski at Umbrella Bar with a glass of wine every Tuesday afternoon throughout the ski season.

Throughout the 2017-18 season, book a 2.5-hour ski lesson with former Olympic downhill and slalom skier Wendy Fisher at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. As part of the 'Wednesdays with Wendy' ski clinic, she offers guidance to intermediate and advanced skiers looking to refine their technique. Private lessons with Fisher are also available throughout the season.

For younger skiers, Crested Butte hosts the Prater Cup from February 22 to 25. This annual race offers Colorado's 12- and 13-year-olds the opportunity to qualify for the Junior Olympics in events like super G, giant slalom, and slalom.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort, 12 Snowmass Rd, Crested Butte, CO 81225, +1 (970) 349-2222

Butte 66, 10 Crested Butte Way, Crested Butte, CO 81225, +1 (970) 349-2999

6. Park City, Utah

In Park City, stay at the St. Regis Deer Valley, which has teamed up with the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation to offer an exciting bobsledding experience with silver medalists Valerie Fleming or Shauna Rohbock. Hear their inspiring stories and race down the track at speeds up to 70 mph.

While in Park City, take a walk through Olympic history and follow in the footsteps of medalists. Start at Park City Mountain Resort, home to Eagle Race Arena, where Bode Miller made a dramatic comeback to win silver in the 2002 men’s combined alpine skiing event.

St. Regis Deer Valley, 2300 Deer Valley Dr E, Park City, UT 84060, +1 (435) 940-5700

Utah Olympic Park, 3419 Olympic Pkwy, Park City, UT 84098, +1 (435) 658-4200

Utah Olympic Oval, 5662 Cougar Ln, Salt Lake City, UT 84118, +1 (801) 968-6825

Park City Mountain Resort, 1345 Lowell Ave, Park City, UT 84060, +1 (435) 649-8111

7. Northstar (Truckee), California

Get ready to carve up the slopes at Northstar California Resort, Shaun White’s home mountain, known for its multiple award-winning terrain parks and halfpipes. It even features a massive 22-foot superpipe designed by White himself.

After a few days riding at Northstar, you might be well on your way to scoring like White did at the U.S. Grand Prix in Snowmass, Colorado. He's gearing up to compete in Pyeongchang for his third Olympic gold medal.

Northstar California Resort, 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161, +1 (530) 562-2267

8. Stowe, Vermont

Vermont produces more Winter Olympians per capita than any other state. Stowe, in particular, has fostered numerous amateur ski clubs that have helped produce world-class athletes. With Vail Resorts now owning Stowe Mountain Resort, expect this trend to continue as new plans to enhance the resort unfold.

Both Stowe Mountain Resort and nearby Smugglers' Notch Resort have been training grounds for many winter athletes, including snowboarder Ty Walker, who competed in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. These resorts offer a wide range of winter sports, including cross-country skiing, ice skating, downhill skiing, and snowboarding.

When you need a break from the slopes, you can enjoy some other athlete-inspired activities. Hop on a snowmobile to explore miles of snowy trails or join a guided snowshoe tour to relax and refuel before heading back up the mountain for another thrilling run.

Stowe Mountain Resort, 7416 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, +1 (802) 253-3000

Smugglers' Notch Resort, 4323 Vermont 108 S, Jeffersonville, VT 05464, +1 (802) 370-3186

9. Squaw Valley / Lake Tahoe, California

At Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, you can train like an Olympian at one of five official training locations for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team. Hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard, then enjoy activities like snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing when you need a break.

Put your skills to the test on the NASTAR race course for a chance to win medals every weekend. The national championships will take place here from March 21 to 25. While you're on the mountain, book a guided tour with Winter Olympian Errol Kerr, who placed ninth in ski cross at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

At the revamped Olympic Museum, explore newly acquired memorabilia from the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Games. Also visit the Museum of Sierra Ski History for exhibits on the 1960 Olympics. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the original Olympic rings from the Games.

Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows / Olympic Museum, 1960 Squaw Valley Rd, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, +1 (800) 403-0206

Museum of Sierra Ski History, 9480 Crocker Rd, Granite Bay, 95746, +1 (702) 497-4048

10. Mammoth Lakes, California

With ski seasons lasting well into July, it's easy to see why Mammoth Lakes has produced so many Winter Olympians. Spend time here and you're likely to cross paths with one or more Olympians.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is renowned not only for its fantastic snow conditions (with snow lasting into July), but also for its perfectly groomed runs that have exceeded even the expectations of top freeskiers and snowboarders.

New to snowboarding? Mammoth Mountain offers a variety of skill-building classes, including multi-day clinics where you can master the halfpipe, tackle bumps, and navigate moguls. Take a break and enjoy a snowcat ride, a thrilling snowmobile adventure, or even a beginner's lesson in backcountry skiing.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, 1001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, +1 (760) 934-0745