How to Watch the Colorado Avalanche Without Altitude on DIRECTV
Most Colorado Avalanche games still air on Altitude Sports, but that regional network is only available inside Altitude’s NHL territory. Fans outside that footprint—including many in Utah after the NHL moved Utah out of the Avalanche territory when the Arizona Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City—cannot get live Avalanche games on Altitude through DIRECTV.
If Altitude is missing from your DIRECTV guide, you still have national and out-of-market paths. Here is what Altitude Sports FAQ and DIRECTV’s NHL lineup support as of early October 2026.
Quick answer
- In-market: Altitude Sports is DIRECTV channel 681 with CHOICE or higher, only where DIRECTV carries it for your ZIP.
- Out of market (e.g. Utah): Altitude will not show Avalanche games. Use NHL Center Ice on DIRECTV satellite for out-of-market feeds, ESPN+ / NHL Power Play for streaming out-of-market games, plus national windows on ESPN, TNT/truTV and ABC.
- NHL Network: channel 215 (ULTIMATE / PREMIER and MySports). It carries select games and studio shows; it does not replace a blacked-out local Altitude telecast.
Why some DIRECTV customers lost Altitude Avalanche games
Altitude Sports distributes Avalanche telecasts only inside its NHL territory. Per Altitude’s own FAQ, that territory covers Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas (except Kansas City), Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico and Arizona (Arizona was added by the NHL in 2024; distribution there still depends on providers).
Utah is no longer in that territory. After the Coyotes moved to Salt Lake City in 2024, the NHL removed Utah from the Avalanche/Altitude footprint so the Utah club could claim the market. DIRECTV customers in Utah therefore should not expect Avalanche games on Altitude Sports, even if other Altitude programming appears in a sports pack.
Inside the territory, DIRECTV lists Altitude Sports on CHOICE and above when your ZIP qualifies. Outside it, Altitude may still appear in some regional sports packs, but Avalanche (and Nuggets) games are blacked out.
How to watch the Avalanche without Altitude on DIRECTV
| Option | What you get | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NHL Center Ice (satellite) | Out-of-market regional feeds, up to about 40 games a week | Subject to blackouts; does not include ESPN streaming exclusives. Confirm current season price when you order. |
| NHL Network (ch. 215) | Select nationally distributed games, highlights, analysis | ULTIMATE / PREMIER (and MySports). Home-market blackouts can apply when a local rightsholder has the game. |
| ESPN (206) / ESPN2 (209) | National Avalanche assignments | Some ESPN games stream only in the ESPN app (ESPN Unlimited for eligible DIRECTV plans). |
| TNT (245) / truTV (246) | National Avalanche assignments | Often also stream on HBO Max for the TNT window. |
| Local ABC | Occasional national ABC games | Channel number is your local ABC affiliate. |
| ESPN+ / NHL Power Play | Most out-of-market regional Avalanche broadcasts | Separate streaming subscription; blacked out inside Altitude territory. |
For a full-season map of national vs. regional windows, see our guides to NHL on DIRECTV and how to watch the 2026-27 NHL season on DIRECTV.
Altitude Sports on DIRECTV (in-market only)
When your ZIP is inside Altitude’s territory:
- Channel: Altitude Sports, 681
- Package: CHOICE, ULTIMATE or PREMIER (RSNs are not on ENTERTAINMENT)
- Altitude+: in-market fans who already get Altitude through DIRECTV can often link the Altitude+ streaming app at no extra cost; out-of-market viewers face league blackouts on Altitude+
Streaming customers can also review the MySports Genre Pack for national sports channels and ESPN Unlimited; local RSNs such as Altitude still depend on ZIP and add-ons where DIRECTV offers them.
2026-27 national Avalanche notes
The Avalanche have a slate of U.S. national games this season on TNT/truTV (plus HBO Max), ESPN/ABC (plus the ESPN app) and ESPN+ exclusive windows. Those national telecasts are available on DIRECTV wherever your package includes those networks, regardless of Altitude. Always check the night-of guide—blackouts and exclusives change by game.
Need help matching Center Ice, NHL Network or MySports to your ZIP? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Altitude Sports on DIRECTV?
Channel 681, with CHOICE or higher, only in Altitude’s home territory by ZIP code.
Why can’t I get Avalanche games on Altitude in Utah?
The NHL removed Utah from the Avalanche broadcast territory after the Coyotes relocated to Salt Lake City. Altitude cannot distribute Avalanche games there.
Does NHL Network replace Altitude?
No. NHL Network (channel 215) carries select games and studio coverage. It does not clear every blacked-out Altitude telecast in your market.
Is NHL Center Ice on DIRECTV streaming?
NHL Center Ice is a DIRECTV satellite add-on for out-of-market games. Streaming customers typically use ESPN+/NHL Power Play or national networks instead.
Questions about Avalanche options on your plan? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 5, 2026. Territory rules come from Altitude Sports FAQ; channel numbers from DIRECTV’s verified lineup. Carriage, blackouts and package contents vary by ZIP and can change. Colorado Avalanche, Altitude Sports, NHL, NHL Network, NHL Center Ice, ESPN, TNT, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.