1. Learn to skate 3
Adult skating classes. Most beginners start here.
AdultAdult Intro (Edge Skating Academy)
Edge Ice Arena (Foothills Park & Recreation) · Littleton, CO
Ages: 15+
Schedule: 30-minute weekly classes; call 303-409-2232 for current sessions
Adult Intro is for adults with no skating experience, then Adult Beginner and Intermediate/Advanced, with Pre-Hockey and Hockey Prep as next steps. Price includes skate rental and a public session practice pass.
Last checked 2026-10-17
AdultAdult Learn to Skate (Adult 1-6)
University of Denver (Ritchie Center) · Denver, CO
Ages: Adults
Price: $200 per eight-class series
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00 PM; Series 3 (Jan 4 - Feb 27) registration opens Oct 30
For adults who have never skated or want to improve, in a workshop style. Learn to Skate USA registration required.
Last checked 2026-10-17
AdultAdult 1
Ice Centre at the Promenade (Hyland Hills) · Westminster, CO
Ages: 15+
Schedule: Year-round sessions; see the rink for current dates
Beginner class for adults who have never had lessons, then Adult 2-6. Adult classes are taught separately.
Last checked 2026-10-17
2. Learn to play 3
Hockey clinics for adults who have never played.
What to expect in a learn-to-play program
AdultAdult Learn to Play Hockey 101
University of Denver (Ritchie Center) · Denver, CO
Ages: Adults
Price: $256 per eight-class series
Schedule: Mondays 8:45 PM (Adult 201 on Wednesdays); Series 3 runs Jan 4 - Feb 27, registration opens Oct 30
Power skating, stickhandling, passing and shooting. Full hockey gear required. DU recommends Adult Learn to Skate first, then Hockey 101, then the Beginner's League.
Last checked 2026-10-17
AdultHockey 101 (DWHL)
Denver Women's Hockey League (Apex Ice Arena) · Arvada, CO
Ages: 18+
Price: Free for prospective members
Schedule: Held before each season (typically May, Aug/Sept and January); the September session was full, more are planned before the spring season
One-night intro: chalk talk, help getting dressed, skating basics, skill stations and a short scrimmage. No hockey or skating experience needed. Loaner gear available (bring or rent skates).
Last checked 2026-10-17
AdultHockey 101
Ice Centre at the Promenade (Hyland Hills) · Westminster, CO
Ages: 18+
Price: $240 (Spring and Summer 2026 sessions)
Schedule: Next session is in the spring
10 weeks of 90-minute sessions for beginner and novice players: an hour of skills and drills plus a 30-minute scrimmage, ending with a full game. Own equipment required; jersey provided.
Last checked 2026-10-17
3. Beginner league 2
Novice, instructional and D-level leagues.
AdultDUAHL Beginner's League (DUAHL-B)
University of Denver (Joy Burns Arena) · Denver, CO
Ages: Adults
Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday nights (plus Fridays in summer), games start 6:30-10:30 PM
For adults with little to no hockey experience who are ready for semi-competitive games: 75-minute games with two officials. New players are assigned to teams. Full equipment required.
Last checked 2026-10-17
AdultICAHL E League (Beginner Draft League)
Ice Centre at the Promenade (Hyland Hills) · Westminster, CO
Ages: Adults
Schedule: Sunday games; next session starts Sun Nov 29, 2026, 8:45-11:30 PM
9-game, four-team draft division designed for beginners, focused on fun, skill development and confidence. Numbered jersey included.
Last checked 2026-10-17
4. Next steps 2
Open hockey once you can play.
AdultDrop-in Stick & Puck
Edge Ice Arena (Foothills Park & Recreation) · Littleton, CO
Ages: All ages
Price: $12 (12-visit card $120)
Schedule: See the Edge drop-in calendar
Registration required; limited to 20 skaters per session.
Last checked 2026-10-17
AdultDrop-in Hockey
Edge Ice Arena (Foothills Park & Recreation) · Littleton, CO
Price: $12
Schedule: See the Edge drop-in calendar
Registration required to guarantee a spot; non-refundable.
Last checked 2026-10-17
For kids 4
Youth learn-to-skate, learn-to-play and intro hockey programs at or near the rinks above.
Learn to skate
YouthYouth Hockey Skating 1 & 2
University of Denver (Ritchie Center) · Denver, CO
Ages: Kids who completed Snowplow Sam 3 or Basic 2
Price: $208 per eight-class series
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays 5:05 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM
Hockey skating without stick or puck. Helmet, hockey skates and neck guard required.
Last checked 2026-10-17
Learn to play
YouthJr. Pioneers Hockey Pre-Team
University of Denver (Ritchie Center) · Denver, CO
Ages: Youth (after Hockey Skating 2)
Price: $411 per eight-class series
Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays 6:30 PM, Saturdays 7:45-8:45 AM
Intro to team play with beginner stickhandling, shooting and passing. Full gear required; hockey skates can be borrowed from DU. Leads to Jr. Pioneers 8U teams.
Last checked 2026-10-17
YouthLearn-to-Play Jags Hockey Lessons
Ice Centre at the Promenade (Hyland Hills) · Westminster, CO
Ages: Youth (after a beginner skating class)
Schedule: September-March within the Learn to Skate program
Hyland Hills Hockey Association lessons on hockey basics. Some loaner equipment available; contact HHHA for sizing.
Last checked 2026-10-17
YouthNHL/NHLPA Learn to Play (Colorado Avalanche)
Avalanche Learn to Play rinks (incl. DU, Edge, Foothills, Ice Centre, Apex, Family Sports Center) · Denver area, CO
Ages: First-time players
Head-to-toe equipment provided; nominal participation fee varies by rink. A learn-to-skate class first is recommended, not required.
Last checked 2026-10-17
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Starter gear
Most programs need full equipment: helmet with cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, shin guards, skates, stick, and a jock or jill.
Starter gear guideRetailer links will go here. No affiliate links yet.
FAQ
I can't skate at all. Where do I start?
Start with an adult learn-to-skate class (step 1). Edge Ice Arena's Adult Intro is for adults with no skating experience, and the University of Denver recommends Adult Learn to Skate before its Hockey 101.
Do I need my own gear?
Usually. DU's Adult Learn to Play Hockey and Ice Centre's Hockey 101 require your own equipment. The Denver Women's Hockey League's free Hockey 101 lends gear for the night (bring or rent skates). See the starter gear guide.
Is there a league for true beginners?
Yes. DU's Beginner's League (DUAHL-B) is for adults with little to no hockey experience, and Ice Centre's E League is a beginner draft league. Ask about the level before you sign up.
Are these details current?
Each card shows the date we last checked it and links to the official source. Schedules and prices change, so confirm with the rink.
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