Utah Outdoors at The Cabins at Bear River Lodge

he Cabins at Bear River Lodge is an outdoor recreation paradise in the heart of the High Uinta mountains. There's something for every kind of adventurer - over 400 miles of ATV trails, unmatched snowmobile terrain, the best of high-mountain fishing and hiking - and its all under 2 hours from Salt Lake City!

Nestled next to the Bear River and the 1.2 million-acre Wasatch National Forest, The Cabins At Bear River Lodge offer an unparalleled cabin recreation experience, with all the comforts, relaxation, and fun you can expect! If you've ever dreamed of having your own cabin, but the high cost and hassle got in the way, Shared Cabin Ownership at The Cabins at Bear River Lodge is your solution!



Snowmobile FAQs
Please note the price does not include gas, oil, gear or damage agreement.

* Oil $8 per day, $4 overnight
* Gas -- based on actual usage
* Helmet $5
* Boots $10
* Snowsuit $15
* Gear Package of Helmet, Boots, Snowsuit $25
* Three seater snowobiles can accommodate up to two adults and a child 10 years and younger

Full day is from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Overnight rental is from 5:00 pm to 8:30 am and must accompany a full day rental. Please allow at least 30 minutes to check out the machines and provide orientation. Snowmobiles are checked out daily on a first-come, first-served basis.

Renters may purchase a Damage Agreement to cover certain costs in the event of an accident. Please ask for details at the time of rental. The Damage Agreement covers costs to the rental machine only. It is not insurance and does not cover costs related to any person or other equipment or property. Renters assume all risk of loss and liability.





Small Cabins:
King log poster bed. Bathroom with a shower. Executive Size Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Gas log fireplace. TV/VCR with Dish Network. Maximum of 2 Guests. Sun - Thurs $129, Fri, Sat, Holidays $149
One Bedroom Cabins:

New Cabins lower level. Walkout patio with a view of the Bear River. Master Bedroom with king log poster bed and large jetted tub. Bathroom with a shower. Living room with two sofa sleepers, Big Screen TV with DVD Player, Dish Network, and gas log fireplace. Full kitchen, dishes and utensils for six. Maximum of 6 Guests. Sun - Thurs $229, Fri, Sat, Holidays $289
Two Bedroom Cabins:

New Cabins main and upper levels. Deck with view of the Bear River. Master Bedroom with king log poster bed and large jetted tub. Bathroom with a shower on main level. Loft bedroom has king log poster bed and full size bed. Private bathroom with shower on loft level. Living room with two sofa sleepers, Big Screen TV with DVD Player, Dish Network, and gas log fireplace. Full kitchen, dishes and utensils for six. Maximum of 8 Guests. Sun - Thurs $369, Fri, Sat, Holidays $429
ALL CABINS

* No smoking. No Pets.
* Check-in is 3:00 PM and checkout is 11:00 AM.
* Reservations require a 50% non-refundable deposit.

SHARED OWNERSHIP CABIN
Cabin Rentals These upgraded cabins can be rented to the general public 30 days prior to arrival. All one and two bedroom cabins have been upgraded to include Big Screen Televisions, DVD players, televisions in the master bedrooms, semi-private outdoor hot-tubs, and new furniture and fixtures.

For full detail on the Bear River Lodge Services visit www.BearRiverLodge.com

UTAH STATE PARKS SNOWMOBILE GROOMING REPORT

Hardware Ranch:
March 11 * No grooming from Hardware Ranch for remainder of season.

Monte Cristo:
March 6 - 53* of snow at Dry Bread Pond and 68* at Monte Cristo Grooming completed:
March 5 - Arb*s Basin, Wasatch Ridge, SR-39 to mile 52, Ant Flat to Sheep Creek March 4 - Wasatch Ridge, Arb*s Basin, Mile 52 on SR 39, Ant Flat to Rocking C March 3rd * Arb*s Basin, SR-39 March 1st * Loop February 28 * Wasatch Ridge, Millies Spring, Ant Flat to Lazy S February 26* Red Spur

Bear Lake / Logan Canyon:
March 11 * Sinks Area groomed, snow is mushy. Grooming season ends April 1 or before if snow melts completely.
Grooming completed:
March 11 * Sinks Trail, Swan Flat
March 10 * Amazon, Beaver Creek
March 5 - Franklin Basin, Tony Grove
Garden City - Done for the year

Wasatch Mountian:
Grooming Completed:
March 1 - Snake Creek, American Fork Canyon from Pole Line Pass February 27 * Cummings Parkway to Cascade Springs Alpine Loop, Cascade Springs Road not groomed due to lack of snow Pine Canyon groomed last week, little snow near trailhead

Mirror Lake / Mill Hollow:
March 2 * Two to four feet at upper elevations. Beware of avalanche danger. Nobletts area groomed Friday and Saturday.

Bear River Service to Whitney:
As nighttime temperatures stay cold enough, groomers will continue to work trails.

Uintah Basin:
Grooming completed:
March 3 * All trails groomed, except 191 to East McKee due to lack of snow. Snow melting rapidly.

Scofield / Joe*s Valley / Skyline Drive:
Grooming completed:
March 13 - North Skyline has 18-24* trailhead at Fairview top, last groomed February 28; Fish Creek Ridge has 18-24* and was last groomed on February 23; Tucker/Starvation/Pondtown has 8-12* at trailheads and 16*on top, last groomed February 28. Pondtown has dangerous hazards about three miles up from trailhead. Parts of Starvation/Tucker not groomed due to lack of snow.
March 15 - Miller*s Flat has 18-24* and last groomed March 7; Joe*s Valley has 10-12* at lower trailhead and 18-24* of Middle Mt., trail last groomed March 7.

Mt Nebo:
New snow up on the very top, but very little after Payson Lake. Nine new inches at the towers and across to the Santaquin Road. Many drifts, but entire trail was groomed this week.

Ephraim / Manti / 12 mile:
February 25 * Two to three inches at trailhead, 10 inches at Bluebell. Heavy drifts - avalanche danger is very high. Please use extreme caution. Twelve-mile is rough.

Fish Lake:
Grooming completed this past week on Fish Lake Mountain, but won*t be groomed again until more snow falls.

Cedar Mountain / East Fork:
March 10 - Midway, Cedar Breaks and Brian Head (no new snow on mountain and existing snow is melting) March 1 - Midway, Sage Valley, and part of Duck Creek (also know as Lava Flow run) were groomed.

Strawberry:
March 9 * Much new snow and ideal snowmobile conditions, but be aware of dangerous avalanche conditions. Grooming ends April 1.

UTAH STATE PARKS SNOWMOBILE GROOMING REPORT, MARCH 5

Due to recent and expected snow, reports change frequently. Please check snowut.com for updated information. Utah State Park Rangers encourage all snowmobile riders to use extreme caution and obtain an avalanche advisory before venturing into the backcountry by calling 1-800-OHV-RIDE. Be prepared with appropriate avalanche gear and training.

Hardware Ranch:
Friday night groomed north from Hardware Ranch to Strawberry Valley to Elk Valley Guard Station and the Sinks turnaround. Trail conditions are great and there is a lot of snow in the Sinks and at the ranch.

Monte Cristo:
As of March 5, 2007 there is 53* of snow at Dry Bread Pond and 68* at Monte Cristo.
Grooming has been done on the following dates and locations:
Sunday, March 5 * Arb*s Basin, Wasatch Ridge, SR-39 to mile 52, Ant Flat to Sheep Creek Saturday, March 4 * Wasatch Ridge, Arb*s Basin, Mile 52 on SR 39, Ant Flat to Rocking C Friday, March 3 * Arb*s Basin, SR-39 Thursday, March 1 * Loop Wednesday, February 28 * Wasatch Ridge, Millies Spring, Ant Flat to Lazy S Monday, February 26 * Red Spur

Bear Lake / Logan Canyon:
Lots of new snow!
Trail*s have been groomed on:
Amazon 3/2/2007
Beaver Creek 3/2/2007
Franklin Basin 3/2/2007
Garden City 3/1/2007 Most the way down
Tony Grove 3/2/2007
Sinks Trail 3/2/2007
Swan Flat 3/2/2007

Wasatch Mountain:
Grooming has been done on the following dates and locations:
Wednesday, February 28 - Snake Creek
Wednesday, February 28 - American Fork Canyon from Pole Line Pass to the narrows Tuesday, February 27 - Cummings Parkway to Cascade Springs Pine Canyon was last groomed last week Cascade Springs Road has not been groomed due to lack of snow

Mirror Lake / Mill Hollow:
Upper elevations have received two to four feet of new snow in the last week or so and the riding conditions are great, however avalanche danger is high so be careful.
March 2 * 3 Nobletts

Bear River Service to Whitney:
Upwards of two feet of snow have fallen in the higher elevations since the early part of the week. Riders using highway 150 are reminded of the posted speed limit signs and the need to stay on the west side of the highway until the Christmas Meadows junction, it is prohibited to ride on the plowed highway.

Uintah Basin:
There has been no grooming done in the last week for the Uintah Basin.
This was due to a lack of snow. With the recent snowfall in the area the grooming operation will resume next week.

Scofield / Joe*s Valley / Skyline Drive:
Grooming occurred February 28 at the following locations:
North Skyline has 18-24* of snow at the trailhead at Fairview top Fish Creek Ridge has 18-24* of snow Tucker/Starvation/Pondtown has 8-12* of snow at the trailheads and 16*of snow on top.
Be advised that Pondtown has some marked dangerous hazards about three miles up from the trailhead. Parts of the Starvation/tucker trails have not been groomed yet due to lack of snow.
Miller*s Flat has 18-24* of snow and was last groomed February 22.
Grooming is scheduled groomed again early March.
Joe*s Valley has 10-12*of snow at the lower trailhead and 18-24* on top of Middle Mt.

Mt Nebo:
Entire trail was groomed March 1. It has been very windy and there are many drifts.

Ephraim / Manti / 12 mile:
Groomed March 2. A lot of drifting and loading on the side hills, so avalanche danger is very high. Please use extreme caution.

Fish Lake:
Monroe and Fishlake mountains were groomed last week, Beaver was not due to lack of snow.

Cedar Mountain / East Fork:
As of March 1, we*ve received about 18* of new snow on the mountain. Grooming conditions are much better.
March 2 Midway, Sage Valley and the Duck Creek run (also know as the Lava Flow run) March 1 Midway, Sage valley and Duck Creek Ridge February 28 Midway, Cedar Breaks, Brian Head and through to Sage Valley West boundary

Strawberry:
Lots of new snow! Avalanche conditions are very high, so be careful and don*t take any unnecessary risks.

Utah State Parks Snowmobile Grooming Report - February 27

Due to recent and expected snow, reports change frequently. Please check snowut.com for updated information. Utah State Park Rangers encourage all snowmobile riders to use extreme caution and obtain an avalanche advisory before venturing into the backcountry by calling 1-800-OHV-RIDE. Be prepared with appropriate avalanche gear and training.

Hardware Ranch
Snow is falling. Conditions improve past Rock Creek and into higher elevations. Bear Lake groomed to Temple Canyon and back on Sinks Trail, and reported new snow.

There is little accumulation from Hardware Ranch to Rock Creek. It has been impossible to get out of the Ranch to groom at high elevations * remain on standby pending snow.

Monte Cristo
No new report

Bear Lake / Logan Canyon
Much new snow and more coming.

Grooming completed:
February 23 * Amazon, Beaver Creek, Garden City (half-way), Sinks Trail, Swan Flat February 21 * Franklin Basin Tony Grove * No Grooming

Grooming schedule:
February 24 * Amazon, Beaver Creek
February 26 - Franklin Basin
February 25 * Sinks Trail, Swan Flat, Garden City (half-way) Tony Grove * No grooming

Wasatch Mountain
No new report

Mirror Lake / Mill Hollow
Three to four feet of new snow and still snowing. Check website for grooming schedule.

Bear River Service to Whitney
Groomers dealing with drifts and new snow. Riding conditions are much improved, however, avalanche hazard has increased dramatically.

Uintah Basin
No new report


Scofield/Joe*s Valley/Skyline Drive
February 24 - North Skyline, 18-24* at trailhead Fairview top. The trail was last groomed February 28 * North Skyline, Fish Creek Ridge with 18-24* of snow, Tucker / Starvation/Pondtown with 8-12* at trailheads and 16* on top. Pondtown has marked dangerous hazards about 3 miles up from the trailhead.
February 22 - Miller*s Flat has 18-24*, Joe*s Valley has 10-12*of snow at the lower trailhead and 18-24*at top of Middle Mt.

Mt. Nebo
Grooming completed February 23 and new snow on the mountain, with at least a foot on top. Grooming completed from Payson side and up to the towers. Be careful around the bend in the road by the towers due to avalanche possibilities.

Ephraim/Manti/12-Mile
No new report

Fish Lake
No new report

Cedar Mountain/East Fork
February 27 - 8* of new snow
Grooming completed February 26 at Midway and Cedar Breaks. High winds and blizzard conditions possible.

Strawberry
No new report

SEVERE AVALANCHE DANGER FOR SNOWMOBILERS

STATE PARKS, AVALANCHE CENTER ISSUE WEEKEND WARNING:
STAY OUT OF AVALANCHE AREAS

Salt Lake City -- Due to recent and continued heavy snowfall, Utah State Parks and Recreation, Utah Avalanche Forecast Center and Utah Snowmobile Association are urging snowmobilers to stay out of avalanche areas, and stay on groomed trails and flat terrain this weekend.

"With the expected heavy snow falling on unstable layers, we are encouraging snowmobilers to call ahead for grooming and avalanche conditions, stay on the trail, and avoid high marking this weekend," said Ann Evans, Utah State Parks off-highway vehicle education coordinator. Evans reported three Utah snowmobilers died in avalanches last weekend.

Snowmobilers venturing out this weekend should follow these lifesaving tips:

Call 1-800-OHV-RIDE for avalanche conditions Avoid highmarking Avoid off-trail use Carry a beacon, probe, shovel, and a first aid kit Share your itinerary with someone not on your trip Call (801) 231-2170 for avalanche training

Utah State Parks and Recreation is the snowmobile recreation authority for the state of Utah. The agency administers the summer and winter off-highway vehicle (OHV) programs including education, user compliance, trail grooming and maintenance, and search and rescue.

UTAH STATE PARKS SNOWMOBILE GROOMING REPORT FEBRUARY 6, 2007

HARDWARE RANCH
There is no new snow at Hardware Ranch and warmer temperatures are eroding existing snow. Bear Lake State Park is grooming once a week from SR 89 in Logan Canyon to the Strawberry Valley, and if possible, into Elk Valley warming hut.

MONTE CRISTO
As of February 5, 2007 there is 32" of snow at Dry Bread Pond and 40" at Monte Cristo.

Grooming completed:
Saturday, February 3 * SR 39
Friday, February 2 * Wasatch Ridge, Arb's Basin Thursday, February 1 * Woodruff, Wasatch Ridge, Sheep Creek Wednesday, January 31 * Red Spur and Baxter's Sunday, January 28 * Arb's Basin, Wasatch Ridge, Ant Flat to Scare Canyon

Grooming schedule:
Sunday * Cleanup and drift cutting on Hwy 39 and Ant Flat Monday * Curtis Creek Loop Tuesday * Snow Cat Maintenance * no grooming Wednesday * Arb's Basin, Millie's Spring and Ant Flat Thursday * Curtis Creek Loop Friday * Arb's Basin and Ant Flat Saturday * Arb's Basin, Wasatch Ridge and Ant Flat


BEAR LAKE/LOGAN CANYON
Higher elevations have good riding.

Grooming completed:

February 2 - Amazon
February 2 - Beaver Creek
January 31 - Franklin Basin
February 2 - Garden City (Halfway down)
January 31 - Tony Grove
February 2 - Sinks Trail
February 1 - Swan Flat

Grooming Schedule:
February 3 * 5
February 3 * 5 Beaver Creek
February 5 Franklin Basin
Garden City * No grooming, lack of snow
Tony Grove * No grooming, lack of snow
February 4 - Sinks Trail
February 4 - Swan Flat

WASATCH MOUNTAIN
No new report

MIRROR LAKE/MILL HOLLOW
Four to eight inches of new snow, trails are in great shape.

Grooming schedule:
Sunday - North Fork Trail, Soapstone Basin Road, Hwy 35 from Nobletts Trailhead to Hanna Trailhead Wednesday - North Fork Trail, Soapstone Basin Road, Hwy 35 From Wolf Creek Summit to Nobletts Trailhead, Mill Hollow to Lake Creek Summit Thursday - North Fork Trail, Hwy 150 to Mirror Lake warming hut Friday - North Fork Trail, Soapstone Basin Road, Hwy 35 To Nobletts Trailhead, Mill Hollow to Lake Creek Trailhead Saturday - North Fork Trail, Soapstone Basin Road, Hwy 35 to Nobletts Trailhead, Mill Hollow to Lake Creek Trailhead

BEAR RIVER SERVICE TO WHITNEY
Six inches of new snow over the last 48 hours at the North Slope Trailhead and more at higher elevations.

UINTAH BASIN
February 1 - Red Cloud Loop, Hwy 191 all the way to Dry Fork, Taylor Mt.
February 2 - Don Hatch Trail including trails to Flaming Gorge and Red Canyon lodges.

SCOFIELD / JOE'S VALLEY/ SKYLINE
NO NEW REPORT

MT. NEBO
Snow conditions are not very good with much pavement showing on Nephi side. No grooming until snow conditions improve. Trail is still in good riding shape besides the bare pavement as of February 3.

EPHRAIM / MANTI / 12-MILE
NO NEW REPORT


FISHLAKE
NO NEW REPORT

CEDAR MOUNTAIN / EAST FORK
No new snow has fallen and temperatures have been unusually warm, causing much of our snow base to melt.

STRAWBERRY
NO NEW REPORT

Snowmobilers Stand Up for Downs, benefit the Utah Downs Syndrome Foundation February 23-24

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A FUN FILLED SNOWMOBILE WEEKEND IN BEAUTIFUL SANPETE COUNTY FOR THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION/FAIRVIEW SKYLINE SNO-RIDERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB
CHARITY RIDE ‘SNOWMOBILERS STAND UP FOR DOWNS’ A RIDE TO BENEFIT THE UTAH DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION

WE WILL BE JOINING WITH FAIRVIEW CITY FOR THEIR ‘ WINTER FESTIVAL’ FEBRUARY 23-24TH, 2007

Friday – 9:00 to Ride at Ephraim Canyon (‘bilers’ will meet at the mouth of Ephraim
2/23 4:00 Canyon – ride will be lead by Glen Zumwalt
Everyone on their own for lunch
6:30 Dinner: $5.00 (pay at door) (Senior Citizens Center---Fairview)
Games and other activities
Saturday: 8:00 - Ride at Fairview Canyon lead by Tom Jensen
2/24 3:00 GPS ‘Dash for Cash’ at 8:00
Charity Ride at 9:00 (Donations appreciated!!) Fairview Club
‘Snack Shack’ will be set up on trail to purchase lunch
6:30-- Dinner, entertainment, activities and FUN!! Fairview Dance Hall
Dinner will be cooked by award winning Dutch Oven Chef)
Cost will be $19.00 per person

If you can’t attend the ride, donations will be gratefully accepted - checks can be made payable to Utah Down Syndrome Foundation (Tax deductable) and sent to U.S.A. Treasurer at P.O.Box 901118, Sandy, UT. 84090-1118. Mastercard & Visa can be accepted by sending your name, credit card number and expiration date to the same address. Thanks for your support. Please check out our website at: www.snowut.com for further information or questions call (801)254-6580

Utah State Parks Snowmobile Grooming Report

Hardware Ranch:

Friday, January 26: North from Ranch into Strawberry Valley and up to Hell's Hollow. From there through to Sinks and made four passes. Conditions at the Sinks are good. Back down through Strawberry and north to Elk Valley Guard Station. Back south through Strawberry to the Ranch. Trail leaving the Ranch has patches of mud for about six miles, but is decent after that. More snow needed.

Monte Cristo:
As of January 24, 2007 there is 32" of snow at Dry Bread Pond and 43" at Monte Cristo.

Grooming completed:
Monday, January 22 * Ant Flat to Sheep Creek, Curtis Creek to Baxter Saw Mill, SR39 to Woodruff Gate and Wasatch Ridge Saturday, January 20 * SR 39 to Little Monte Friday, January 19 * SR 39 to Little Monte Thursday, January 18 * Ant Flat to Scare Canyon, SR-39 to Woodruff Gate Wednesday, January 17 * Arb's Basin, Wasatch Ridge, Ant Flat to Sheep Creek


Bear Lake / Logan Canyon:
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Groomer is down, no grooming last weekend.
Grooming completed:
Amazon - January 24
Beaver Creek - January 24
Franklin Basin * January 22
Garden City
Tony Grove January 22
Sinks Trail January 21
Swan Flat January 25


Wasatch Mountain:
Grooming completed:
January 26 - Snake Creek Canyon to the top of the narrows at Graveyard Flat.
January 24 - Cummings Parkway
January 22 - Alpine Loop to Sundance and Pine Hollow January 22 * Soldier Hollow Snow conditions at Tibble Fork, Pine Hollow, and Soldier Hollow are minimal. Tibble Fork and Silver Lake have not been groomed yet this year due to lack of snow.


Mirror Lake / Mill Hollow:
Snow conditions are poor with no new snow for quite a while. Snow depths range from three feet at high elevations on north facing slopes and no snow at lower elevations and on south facing slopes. Grooming as per schedule and the trails are in great shape. Use caution. No grooming all the way down to Lakecreek due to low snow conditions. If finding a vehicle stuck on the trail, please write down a license plate and call 911. They will then notify us so we can make plans to have it removed. Remember, it is illegal to operate a wheeled vehicle in excess of 800 pounds on a groomed snowmobile trail.

Bear River Service to Whitney:
The last snowstorm dropped anywhere from 6-10" depending on elevation. Despite the dry month of January, riding conditions have remained reasonably good. All trails have been groomed and cold temperatures have helped set a good base. On February 2, the International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race will begin at the North Slope parking lot at 10 am. The race starts at the North Slope gate and ends at Deadhorse Trailhead. The north end of the trailhead will be reserved for the mushers, but plenty of parking is available to the south.

Uintah Basin:
January 18 * Entire Red Cloud Loop Complex, Dry Fork up to Leidy turnaround and out to the yurt at Summit Park, East Park to Hwy 191, other side of the Red Cloud Loop, and Taylor Mountain.
January 19 - Don Hatch Trail to Flaming Gorge Lodge, to Red Canyon Lodge and then to Deep Creek. Snow conditions are good, and better at higher elevations.

Scofield / Joe's Valley / Skyline Drive:
As of Jan 19, current snow conditions and grooming reports are as follows:
Waiting for more snow. The last storm only added two more inches of snow to most places. Depths are 55% of normal snow pack and grooming is suspended until enough snow is available.

North Skyline has 16" of snow at the trailhead at Fairview top, but snow levels are not sufficient enough to groom this trail in its entirety.
Fish Creek Ridge has 15" of snow on top of the junction, but snow levels are not sufficient enough to groom this trail in its entirety.
Tucker/Starvation/Pondtown has 6-8" of snow at the trailheads, and have not been groomed. Miller's Flat has 12" of snow, not groomed yet. Joe's Valley has 8-10" of snow at the lower trailhead and 15" of snow at Middle Mt. The trail is not groomed.

Mt Nebo:
Grooming was started from the Payson side and was completed as far as Devils Kitchen. There is only 3 to 4 inches of new snow from the last storm. The trail is in good shape, but there are a few more places that are starting to show pavement.

Ephraim / Manti / 12 mile:
Grooming Completed:
January 26 - Ephraim and 12-Mile canyons Riders should use extreme caution when leaving the trail as delineator post and trail markers are not covered by snow. Without a new storm 12-Mile canyon will likely not be grooming next Friday. Ephraim Canyon is also questionable due to lack of snow.

Fish Lake:
Monroe and Fishlake mountains were groomed last week. Beaver was not groomed due to lack of snow.

Cedar Mountain / East Fork:
January 27 * Plan to groom Midway, Cedar Breaks and Brian Head. Use caution.
As a reminder, 1.3 miles of snowmobile trail just west of Sage Valley has been plowed. The Dixie National Forest has authorized this to allow loggers in and out. Be aware of logging machinery in this area.

Strawberry:
As of January 20, there is no new snow. Please be aware of others on the trail and trail hazards, as snow levels are low.

Snowmobile Safety

Helmets, Safety, and Education are Topics of Snowmobile Safety Week


Wasatch Mountain State Park - Courtesy Utah State Parks

HELMETS, SAFETY, AND EDUCATION ARE TOPICS OF SNOWMOBILE SAFETY WEEK

Salt Lake -- Utah snowmobilers are anxiously awaiting new snow, but will are observing National Snowmobile Safety Week January 13 through 20, 2007. For this eight-day observance, and throughout Utah's snowmobile season, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education Specialist Ann Evans is stressing helmets, safety, and education.

"We want everyone to ride safely and know the laws and rules before they go. Be educated and be prepared," said Evans. She encourages riders to check avalanche, trail and weather conditions, and share itineraries with family and friends.

Utah law requires children ages eight to 15 to complete the Utah State Parks and Recreation Know Before You Go! OHV education course before operating on public lands, roads or trails. Those 16 or older must have a valid Utah driver's license or a safety certificate to operate snowmobiles on public land. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land.

All youth under age 18 are required by law to wear helmets that are approved by the Department of Transportation while riding. Utah Department of Health (UDOH) and Utah State Parks strongly recommend that all riders wear helmets, especially parents who set the example for children and other riders.

In addition to helmets and education, Evans offers the following safety tips:

- Never ride alone. Always ride with a companion and let others know your plan.

- Watch your fuel supply carefully.

- Check the weather report and check avalanche advisories.

- Dress for changing weather conditions. Wear layered clothing to adjust for changing conditions.

- Never drink and drive.

- Always wear an approved helmet designed for motorized use. It's the law for anyone under 18 to wear their helmet at all times. Utah State Parks encourages everyone to wear a helmet.

- Know basic maintenance procedures. Carry spark plugs, drive belts, tool kit and a survival kit, which contains a map, compass, flashlight, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, and candles or fire starters.

For registration materials, grooming reports, and avalanche conditions, call the OHV Information Center at 1-800-OHV-RIDE or 1-800-648-7433 from outside the Salt Lake area or 538-RIDE / 538-7433.

Utah State Parks Snowmobile Grooming Report

MONTE CRISTO:
As of December 26, 2006 there is 25" of snow at Dry Bread Pond and 38" at Monte Cristo. Snow is very slim at the parking lot, on Ant Flat Road, and on Highway 39.

Grooming was completed on the following dates and locations:

Sunday, December 17 - Wasatch Ridge and Arb's Basin Saturday, December 16 - Wasatch Ridge and Arb's Basin Thursday, December 14 - Red Spur Wednesday, December 13 - Highway 39 to Woodruff Gate, Wasatch Ridge Tuesday, December 12 - Arb's Basin

Upcoming grooming schedule:

Sunday - Cleanup and drift cutting on Highway 39 and Ant Flat Monday - Curtis Creek Loop Tuesday - No grooming / Machine maintenance Wednesday - Arb's Basin, Millies Spring, and Ant Flat Thursday - Curtis Creek Loop Friday - Arb's Basin and Ant Flat Saturday - Arb's Basin, Wasatch Ridge, and Ant Flat (Schedule is subject to change based on needs, snow conditions and equipment condition.)

Fees at Monte Cristo Trailhead remain at $5 per vehicle. Season passes are $50 with a $10 discount offered until December 31. Passes available at trailhead or via phone at (435) 734-9494, leave message for a return call.

MIRROR LAKE / MILL HOLLOW:

Grooming has begun though conditions are fairly poor. Warmer temperatures make it difficult to leave a nice trail. Mirror Lake Highway and Soapstone have been groomed and should be in good shape for the weekend. There is not enough snow on Highway 35 to allow grooming at Mill Hollow or Lakecreek areas.

MT. NEBO:
The trail was groomed Wednesday, December 13. There is great snow at the highest levels of the loop road, but very little down at the bottom on the Payson and the Nephi side. Snow on the south facing spots has melted a bit. Grooming is planned for Thursday, December 21 if more snow falls.

No other areas have been groomed at this time.