One of the worst snowstorms to hit Colorado in three years forced the Avalanche to postpone their Thursday night home game in Denver against the Calgary Flames.

No makeup date has been set.

"We have been in close consultation with the National Hockey League and the city of Denver, and all parties realized that this was the best course of action given the current conditions," said Paul Andrews, executive vice-president of Kroenke Sports, owner of the Avalanche.

"The safety of our season ticket holders and all our fans and employees was the primary concern."

Wednesday night's NBA game in Denver between the Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns was also postponed because of the storm that dumped more than half a metre of snow on Colorado, bringing much of the state to a halt.

Schools, malls and offices were closed Thursday, the governor declared a state of emergency and 4,700 travellers spent the night at Denver International Airport after flights were cancelled.

Colorado is scheduled to host Chicago on Saturday, while the Flames wrap up their six-game road trip against the San Jose Sharks (CBC, 10 p.m. ET).