Variety of sports leagues are available

STEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY

Although it's known for its skiing, Steamboat Springs has a range of recreation options for adults that don't involve snow, many of which are sponsored by the city's Parks, Open Space and Recreational Services.

From June through August, adults - or anyone 18 years or older - can choose from softball and soccer leagues.

Softball brings out the competitive spirit and camaraderie of hundreds of Steamboat residents each summer. There are women's, men's and co-ed teams, which play games Monday through Thursday at the fields near Howelsen Hill.

Co-ed soccer games are held every Tuesday and Thursday, and for enthusiastic soccer fans, there is the option of continuing to play indoors during the winter.

Men's flag football is the choice sport of fall, with games on Wednesdays during late August through October.

Once the snow begins to fall in the winter, adult sports teams turn to indoor gyms. There is open gym basketball and volleyball available in a drop-in format.

For more committed players, there is a winter basketball league, with A league and B league games held on Sunday and Monday nights at Steamboat Springs High School. The Co-ed winter volleyball league has games every Wednesday at Steamboat Springs Middle School gym.

These city-sponsored sports leagues require registration by certain dates. For more information, visit the office's online site at www.steamboatsprings.net/recreation or call (970) 879-4300.

The city also sponsors a variety of sports competitions. Snowshoe 5K and 10K runs, Town Challenge mountain bike races, and the Steamboat Pentathlon, which involves alpine skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and running, all challenge Steamboat residents and visitors to perform their best.

Adults can get involved with other recreational teams that aren't sponsored by the city. In summer, rugby practices and Ultimate Frisbee pickup games are open to players of any age and any skill level. These sports are usually advertised in the newspaper and are open to drop-in players.

Adults who enjoy individual sports should check out the Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs and Howelsen Hill Ice Arena, where ice skaters and hockey players stay active throughout the year.