Get a jump on your New Year’s resolutions by burning calories instead of fueling a hangover. Need a little push? Sign up for one of these New Year’s events aimed at active celebrators. Then show up and get swimming, cycling, running, skating, skiing or snowshoeing. Repeat four or more times a week for at least six weeks, and you’ve got yourself a new habit.
Wednesday, New Year’s eve
New Year’s Eve Indoor Cycling Ride,11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Downtown Denver YMCA, 25 E. 16th Ave., Denver; 303-861-8300,
This tradition began on New Year’s Eve 1998, when more than 40 cyclists spent three sweaty hours on stationary bicycles, pedaling fast to nowhere. Several instructors put the riders through their paces in a high- cadence workout similar to riding a real road or mountain bike. Free to YMCA members; nonmembers can ask for a free one-day guest pass at the front desk.
Skate The Lake XII (conditions permitting), 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Evergreen Lake, 29614 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen; 303-512-9300, drivesmarte-c.org
Pay $20 to skate and enjoy a light show, a dance tent with a disc jockey and fireworks at 8 p.m. and midnight. Attendance is limited to 3,000.
Frozen Buns 5K Resolution Run and “Are We There Yet?” 1K children’s run, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Four-Way Stop visitor center, 601 Elk Ave., Crested Butte; 970-641-0798,
Gunnison Valley Health Foundation sponsors the 5K out-and-back run, which features tiki torches, glow sticks and flashlights. Each runner carries a written resolution and places it into a small fire at the halfway point. Hot chocolate, cider, cookies. Registration fee: $25 (adults) and $5 (children 10 and under).
Resolution Run/Walk 5K, 6 p.m. Wednesday, South High School, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave., Denver; online registration through 10 a.m. Wednesday at or in person at Boulder Running Co. (West Bowles Avenue at South Wadsworth Boulevard, Littleton) or Runners Roost (East Arapahoe Road at South Parker Road)
This is the 24th anniversary of the fun run around Washington Park. The top 100 runners are timed and placed. All preregistered entrants receive a long-sleeved T-shirt and admission to an apres-race party. Registration fee: $25.
New Year’s Eve Splash,8 p.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday, Hot Springs Pool, 401 North River Road, Glenwood Springs, 970-945-6571, hotspringspoolcom
This alcohol-free, family- friendly New Year’s celebration offers noisemakers and a countdown to midnight. Dress code: swimming suit. Bring your own towel. Charge: $13.25 (adults), $9.25 (children ages 3-12).
Thursday, New Year’s Day
10K classic Nordic ski race, 10K freestyle ski race, 10 a.m. (classic race), 11 a.m. (freestyle) Thursday, Nordic Center, Eldora Mountain Resort, 2861 Eldora Ski Road, Eldora; 303-440-8700 (ext. 267), ,
Timed cross country ski races on Eldora’s challenging cross country trails. There’s also a 1K race for children. Registration: $25 (before race day), $30 (on race day).
Polar Bear Plunge, 10 a.m. registration, noon plunge Thursday, Boulder Reservoir, 5100 N. 51st St., Boulder; 303-813-1669, /polarplunge.asp
This popular event raised $15,000 — and a lot of goose bumps — last year to help fund Alzheimer’s disease research and education. The $20 registration fee includes warming shelters and a dry T-shirt to wear after shucking your swimsuit.
Evergreen Lake Plunge,noon Thursday, 29614 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen; 303-512-9300, evergreenlake
Dress code: swimsuits, clothing or costumes but no wetsuits or drysuits. Jump into the 10-foot by 10-foot square cut into the lake ice, then hurry out and defrost in a warming shelter. The $25 fee includes a T-shirt; profits go to the Drive Smart Evergreen/ Conifer and Evergreen Parks and Recreation District Special Needs program.
Turquoise Lake 20-Mile Snowshoe Run, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sugar Loafin’ Campground, Turquoise Lake, Leadville; 719-539-4112, salidarec
This demanding ultramarathon features more than 2,700 feet of climbing, with a high point at 11,370 feet. Participants must bring at least 20 ounces of water, 200 calories of food, and snowshoes must be 8 inches by 25 inches or larger. Registration fee: $20.
