Sports and Recreation

     Year-round recreational opportunities are almost unlimited in the Denver area and include swimming, boating, golf, tennis, riding, climbing, fishing and hunting. Renowned for its winter sports facilities, Denver offers cold season fun either in the city or just a few minutes away; the closest area for snow skiing is within 45 miles.
     The Ski Train provides both transportation and a breathtaking view of the Rockies as it takes skiers from historic Union Station to the Winter Park ski area. The 60-mile trip takes approximately 2 hours. The trains run Thursday through Saturday in Mar. (also on Saturdays early Jan.-Feb. 29 and on Fridays early Feb.-Feb. 29). Holiday trips are offered in late Dec.; phone (303) 296-4754.
     For ice skating enthusiasts the Sun Microsystems Ice Centre, in the Westminster Promenade off US 36 104th Avenue exit in Westminster, offers triple ice sheet facilities. Skate rentals are available. Phone (303) 469-2100 for public skating times.
     Auto racing enthusiasts frequent Rocky Mountain National Speedway in Commerce City, Bandimere Speedway in Morrison and Colorado National Speedway in Erie. Dog races are held at Wembley Park.
     At Denver's Coors Field baseball fans can watch the National League Colorado Rockies. Football season brings the National Football League's Denver Broncos to Invesco Field at Mile High; the stadium also is the home of the Colorado Rapids, a major league soccer team. For basketball fans the Pepsi Center hosts the National Basketball Association Denver Nuggets.
     Hockey enthusiasts cheer on the National Hockey League's Colorado Avalanche, who skate at the Pepsi Center. The center also hosts home games for the Denver Crush arena football team, Major League lacrosse team the Colorado Outlaws and the National Lacrosse League's Colorado Mammoth. College sports fans have the opportunity to watch teams of the universities of Colorado and Denver.