There are 351 metropolitan areas in the U.S. and Canada, and a recent edition of the "Places Rated Almanac" ranks Milwaukee fifth in recreational opportunities. That means we have more to do than 346 other cities across North America. Although we have no mountains and Colorado is a long hike, especially in winter, Milwaukee is hard to beat when it comes to winter sports.

The great outdoors offers downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, outdoor climbing and a virtual buffet of other activities. But Milwaukee offers a bevy of indoor winter sports, too. Here's a sampling of options you have as the temperature plummets and Summerfest is but a distant memory.

Ice-related sports

Pettit National Ice Center
500 S. 84th St. at I-94
(414) 266-0100
thepettit.com

At the home of the U.S.Olympic speed skating team, you can enjoy the country's premier 400-meter oval, two full-size hockey rinks and a running track encircling the whole thing. Lessons are offered in hockey, figure skating and speed skating and there are yoga classes. Public skating is $7 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. Group rates are available. Skate rentals cost $3.

Public skating hours: Monday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7:10 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. and 7:10 to 9 p.m.

Wauwatosa Curling Club
Hart Park
7300 Chestnut St., Wauwatosa
(414) 453-2875
Wauwatosa Curling Club

Curling is a popular sport in the Great Lakes and Canada (as well as Scotland and Scandanavia). Somewhat like lawn bowling on ice, players maneuver a 40-pound stone toward a target. Teammates use brooms as competitors come at them with their brooms. Sound interesting? It is! Check it out. The Tosa club hosts a number of tournaments and serves as the home of curling in the Milwaukee area. They'll even let you try it. Call for details.

Wilson Park Ice Arena
4001 S. 20th St. (just south of Howard Avenue)
(414) 281-4610

The Milwaukee Admirals called this home before moving to the Bradley Center, and today a number of amateur and youth hockey leagues play here. The amateur Badger speed-skating club practices here. You can come and skate, too, during open skating. Admission: $5.50 adults, $3.75 for individuals 11-17 and senior citizens, $3.25 for those 10 and under. Skate rental is $2.50.

Eble Ice Arena
19400 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield
(262) 784-5155
Eble Ice Area

For western suburban dwellers, Eble offers numerous youth and adult hockey leagues and hosts the greater Milwaukee Figure Skating Club. Daily open skating sessions are also scheduled. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for juniors under 18 and senior citizens. You can rent skates for $2.50.

Open skating hours: Monday through Friday, 12 to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 3 p.m.

Climbing

REI
13100 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield
(262) 783-6150
REI.com

REI, the giant sports outfitter, offers indoor climbing for its co-op members. They have a climbing wall and equipment for sale and rental. You can become a lifetime member for $15.

Adventure Rock
21250 W. Capitol Dr., Pewaukee
(262) 790-6800
adventurerock.com

It's snowing and 20 below. We're not in Colorado, but go rock climbing anyway! Adventure Rock offers 9,500-sq. ft. of climbing space, 35 top ropes, lots of lead climbing, and a bouldering cave. The daily admission fee is $12 with equipment available for rent for varying fees. In addition to classes and clinics, Adventure Rock also offers shower facilities and a full pro shop. Call for class and clinic schedules.