Winter Safety Reminders from National Forests

Salt Lake City, Utah, February 2, 2010 – Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest officials would like to remind all winter recreationists to have a safe, fun-filled season and to be extra careful while out in the woods. Snowmobilers, skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and dog sleds all share the same trails at some point in time, so it is extremely important that all users respect each others rights to enjoy their recreation activity of choice.

Snowmobile users should always proper trail etiquette such as: Obey all trail signs. Slow down when meeting other users and oncoming snowmobile traffic. Pull to the right ride or just off the trail if you meet oncoming dog sleds. Stop before crossing highways. Stay to the right on curves and slow down. Make sure your snowmobile is legally registered. Never snowmobile in wilderness areas. Make sure you are riding on trails, roads or areas that are open to snowmobiles. Maps are available to identify routes open to motorized and non-motorized uses. These routes do not include adjacent, surrounding lands or private property. Please leave gates open or closed, as you found them. Respect private property. You can pick up Winter Travel Maps at local Forest Service offices that will show you what trails, roads and areas are open for snowmobile use.

Skiers and snowshoers should always move to the side of the trail or just off the trail when you hear snowmobilers approaching. Please do not insist on the right-of-way, you are no match for a snowmobile. Remember you are responsible for your own safety.

Be informed about avalanche dangers. Carry safety equipment such as avalanche beacons, shovels and probes. Take an avalanche awareness class. Call the Avalanche Forecast Center for the most current and update information at 801-524-5304 or http://www.utahavalanchecenter/ . Here are a few safety tips to practice this winter:

 Call ahead for current conditions

 Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition and contains an adequate level of fuel and have properly fitting tire chains and know how to install them

 Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member

 Never travel alone and take along your cell phone and a map
 Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

 Always carry extra clothing, food, water, flashlight, first aid kit, matches, and a small shovel

 If you become injured or lost, stay calm and seek shelter from the elements, but do not stray from your planned route

BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING! Always stay alert on trails, know your limits for whatever form of winter recreation you choose to enjoy. Respect the rights of other users and the National Forest you are recreating on.

Make Tracks and Find Tracks at Jordanelle State Park

Francis – Make tracks on a guided snowshoe hike at Jordanelle State Park’s Rock Cliff Recreation Area on Saturday morning, February 26. (Participants are given exact meeting place and time when they register.)

Hike with the park naturalist and learn about animals living in the park. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. Learn how to identify animal tracks, and snowshoe through the park practicing the art of animal tracking. Pre-registration is required and the hike is limited to 25 participants. Registration for this activity is $10 per family or group with up to eight people. Sign up by calling 801-537-3123 or email rockin@utah.gov .

Rockin’ Utah creates opportunities for families to explore the outdoors and learn skills to build their own connections with nature.

Free Full Moon Snowshoe Outings in a Winter Wonderland!

Clear skies or cloudy, nothing beats snowshoeing under a full moon with fresh snow in the mountains. Join the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation for a free evening, learn about the nocturnal residents of the mountains in winter. This is a great way to spend a night wandering around on snowshoes!

Upcoming scheduled dates include--

•January 21st, Friday 2011 7:00PM Spruces Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon
•February 18th, Friday 2011 7:00PM Alta
•March 19th, Saturday 2011 8:00PM Spruces Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon
•April 16th, Saturday 2011 8:00PM Alta

How to make a reservation:
•To make a free reservation, call (801) 466-6411
•Reservations can be made up to 2 weeks in advance
•We can take reservations for groups up to 6 people

Outings will be cancelled in case of inclement weather.

Winter Trails Day scheduled January 8th, 2011

Free Skate Clinic
Free Ice Skating Clinic for all ages Jan. 8 from 2-4pm. Ice skating, lessons, prizes, and a fun ice skating exhibition starring our own local CHRC skaters--- all free. Bring all your friends and family to this exciting event.


Quick Stats
Date: Jan. 8 Time: 2-4pm


Free Cross Country and Snowshoeing

Soldier Hollow
2002 Soldier Hollow Lane
Midway, UT 84049
(435) 654-2002
info@soldierhollow.com
http://www.soldierhollow.com/
Date: 1/8/11  Time: 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Soldier Hollow will be offering free trail passes, equipment, and mini lessons to all first time skiers.


Soldier Hollow is named one of the top four Nordic ski resorts in America, by Outside Magazine, and features premier cross country facilities including the award winning Olympic Lodge. Soldier Hollow will be offering free trail passes, equipment, and mini lessons to all first time skiers. You will have the opportunity to ski on 33 kilometers of groomed trails that offer every skier ample choices. As Outside Magazine said” You’ll find trails for everyone…” A first time skier will have a great time peacefully gliding right from the lodge to our beginner trail “City Slicker”. After cruising the trails one can settle in at the lodge for hot cocoa and a warm fireplace. Soldier Hollow will also be offering free snowshoeing on marked and mapped trails that are gentle and exhilarating. Schedule: 12:30- 4:00 Cross Country Ski Lessons: 1:00-3:30, starting every half hour on the half hour. (example: 1:00, 1:30, ect.)


Snowbasin Resort

3925 Snowbasin Road
Huntsville, UT 84317
(801) 620-1000
info@snowbasin.com
http://www.snowbasin.com/
Date: 1/8/11
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM


This is a day devoted to introducing adults and children to the sports of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Come try our trails and use our rental equipment at no cost.


This is a day devoted to introducing adults and children to the sports of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Come try our trails and use our rental equipment at no cost.


Mountain Dell Golf Course
Looking to try out snowshoes for the first time? Want some instruction on how to kick and glide on Nordic skis? Fascinated by winter ecology? Winter Trails Day at Mountain Dell is your chance to get out there with some help from the experts! If you are a beginner or first timer on snow, come join the staff of REI, the cross country ski experts from the Utah Nordic Alliance and the knowledgeable guides from Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. This day of guided snowshoeing, cross country & skate ski instruction and outdoor interpretation is not to be missed! Already know how to ski or snowshoe? Come try out the latest and greatest gear. Demo equipment will be provided at no charge by local retailer Wild Rose, plus the top brands in the snow sports industry. Activities include hour long snowshoe interpretive tours, 40 minute introductory classes to cross country skiing and beginning skate ski lessons. Best of all, it’s FREE!



Guided Snowshoe Hikes!
Join us for a peek into the winter wonderland of the Wasatch Mountains! The Cottonwood Canyons Foundation will provide basic snowshoeing instruction and insight into winter ecology and watersheds. A beginner and family friendly event! FREE snowshoe rentals for each participant. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Introduction to Cross Country Skiing
This is a great way to experience cross country skiing for the first time and to get instruction while exploring Mountain Dells's beautiful groomed track. Taught by the experts from REI and the Utah Nordic Alliance.FREE rental gear is included. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Introduction to Skate Skiing
You've always admired those skiers who wiz by on skinny skis-now is your chance to enjoy the fun. Take an introductory skate ski lesson with the instructors from REI and the Utah Nordic Alliance. FREE rental gear is included. Classes are limited to 25 participants. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

Gear Demo
Try out the newest in snowshoes, Nordic skis boots & poles from the leading manufacturers of snow sport technology. Tubbs, MSR, Atomic, Rossignol, & Swix will be on hand with the latest & greatest all day long. Sponsored by retailer Wild Rose.

Schedule
Activities begin at 10am and will run through 2pm on Saturday, January 8th 2011. Lessons & hikes generally begin on the hour & half hour. The last tour leaves at 1PM. Participants will be served on a first come first served basis. No advance registration is required. Please allow ample time for registration and equipment fitting.

Directions
Mountain Dell Golf course is located in lower Parley’s Canyon on I-80 east of Salt Lake City at exit 134 (6.5 miles from the mouth of the canyon).

Disclaimer: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and in good physical health. All participants must sign a waiver before participating in any activity or using demo gear. Any participants under the age of 18 must have a parent/legal guardian present. Mountain Dell is located in a protected watershed area. Sorry, dogs or other pets are not permitted by law.

Upcoming Utah State Parks Events

Photo: Snowshoeing at Wasatch Mountain State Park

February 26 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Full Moon Snowshoe Hike- Join Friends of Wasatch Mountain at 7 p.m. for the annual snowshoe hike under the light of the full moon. Hikes are available for all ability levels. Cost is $5 per person. Snowshoe rentals are also available for $5/pair for non-members/free for members of Friends of Wasatch Mountain. Registration is required. (435) 654-6608


February 26 Snow Canyon State Park - Ivins
Under a Desert Moon- Expand your lunar knowledge and enjoy an evening of moon gazing beginning at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required. (435) 628-2255

February 27 Antelope Island State Park – Syracuse
Utah’s Raptors - Join staff from Utah’s Hogle Zoo at 2 p.m., and be introduced to a few high-flying friends that live on Antelope Island. (801) 725-9263

February 27 Wasatch Mountain State Park - Midway
Birds in Winter- Join park staff from 10 a.m. to noon for a snowshoe bird walk. Learn how area birds live during the winter months and some amazing adaptations to survive the cold. Bring your own snowshoes, or rent some from the park. (435) 654-1791.


February 27 Jordanelle State Park - Heber
Moonlight Snowshoe Hike- Join park staff at the Hailstone Event Center for a moonlight snowshoe hike beginning at 7 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required. (435) 649-9540 or (435) 782-3030

Wasatch Mountain State Park hosts a Full Moon Snow Shoe Hike

The Friends of Wasatch Mountain State Park is again hosting the popular Full Moon Snowshoe Hike on Friday, January 29, 2009. The tour begins at the State Parkls Visitors Center, 1281 Warm Springs Road, in Midway at 7 pm.

Participants are to meet at the Visitor Center for registration, snowshoe check out, and to meet the trail guides. No experience is required.

There are three experience levels. Beginner tours last about 90 minutes, while intermediate and advanced tours may run 2 to 2 ½ hours.

Snowshoers must be 12 years or older and can bring their own equipment, or can rent snowshoes for the evening.

Boots are not available. Be sure your foot is warm and water proof. Bring a flashlight, water, and dress warmly. Pets are not permitted.

Refreshments will be served after the tour's end. Cost is $5 for snowshoe rental and $5 event participation fee. Reservations are required no later than January 8th. Call Lucille Tuttle at 435-654-5150 to register. Additional snowshoe hikes are scheduled for February 6th and March 13th at the Visitors Center.

Celebrate National Winter Trails Saturday January 9 at Soldier Hollow

EXPERIENCE A FREE AND FUN DAY OF SNOWSHOEING DEMOS

WHAT: The 15th annual Winter Trails® event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and free at Soldier Hollow, UT. Through these easy-to-learn activities, participants can have fun and discover the health and fitness benefits of snow sports. Equipment is provided free by venue or product suppliers and will offer educational programs, clinics and guided tours.

WHO: Winter Trails is presented through a partnership between SnowSports Industries America, the not-for-profit member-owned trade association representing snow and winter sports companies, American Hiking Society, a recreation –based conservation organization that promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience, and Cross Country Ski Areas Association, a national organization representing Nordic Centers across North America.

WHERE: Soldier Hollow, 2002 Soldier Hollow Lane, Midway, UT  84049. Directions from Salt Lake City, take I-80 East to Silver Creek Junction (exit 146). Go east on U.S. 40 past Jordanelle Reservoir toward Heber City. Take right turn on State Road 113 (100 South) to Midway. Take a left on 113 in Midway, and travel two miles. Turn right just before the railroad tracks and follow signs to Soldier Hollow. Located in Wasatch Mountain State Park, Soldier Hollow is about 53 miles from downtown Salt Lake City.

WHEN: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 12:30pm – 4pm; Visit http://www.wintertrails.org/  for more information or contact 435-654-2002 e-mail:  info@soldierhollow.com .

WHY: Winter Trails is a great way to learn winter outdoor activities that are fun and easy to do with friends and family. Snowshoeing is similar to walking and has the shortest learning curve. Learning the sport can earn points towards a President’s Challenge for Active Lifestyle Award. In 2008, more than 11,000 people participated in Winter Trails and together burned 6 million calories per hour. The average person can burn 500 calories per hour by snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing.

2010 SPONSORS:

Atlas, Columbia, Cross Country Skier Magazine, Grabber, Kahtoola, Leki, MSR, OnTheSnow.com, Rossignol, SkiTrax, Snowshoe Magazine, Tubbs, Whitewoods and XCSkiresorts.com.