PREPARING FOR SPRING AT WASATCH MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Midway -- Wasatch Mountain State Park campgrounds open for reservations beginning April 15. Cottonwood Campground is currently open on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities include drinking water, restrooms, hot water showers, barbeque grills, and fire pits. Hookups are available depending on campground and sites. Little Deer Creek primitive campground will open at a later date depending on weather conditions.

Cross-country ski trails are now closed for the season. The park is preparing for spring and summer recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, camping, and golf at all four courses: Silver and Gold at Soldier Hollow, and Lake and Mountain. For more information, please call (435) 654-1791.

CROSS-COUNTRY TRAILS CLOSE AT WASATCH MOUNTAIN, PREP FOR EARLY SEASON GOLF

Midway - Due to lack of snow and warm temperatures, cross-country ski trails at Wasatch Mountain State Park are closed for the season. Ski areas at Soldier Hollow and along Mirror Lake Highway remain open.

Because of the mild winter, park managers are hoping for an early spring opening at Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses. Wasatch Mountain State Park hosts many events throughout the year, including naturalist programs and Junior Ranger activities. For more information, please call (435) 654-1791.

Snow Cave Class at Wasatch Mountain

Midway - Wasatch Mountain State Park hosts a Snow Cave Class at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 27. Learn the basics of building a snow cave, which is not only fun, but also vital in any winter survival situation. Participants should dress in layers with a waterproof shell, and meet at the Wasatch Mountain Educational Yurt. For more information or to register, please call (435) 654-1791.

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.

Wasatch Mountain Golf Course Passes Available

Midway * Season golf passes are now available for Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses. The pass is $1,000 and covers green fees, but cart rental is not included. Passes are currently available for purchase at the Wasatch Mountain State Park Visitor Center seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In spring, passes will be available at both Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses.

The pass is valid at Wasatch Mountain Golf Course Monday through Friday, and at Soldier Hollow Golf Course seven days a week. The pass expires one year from the month issued.
Green fees for the 2006-2007 season are $12.50 weekdays for nine holes and $13.50 weekends; $11 weekdays for juniors and seniors; and $6 cart fee for nine holes. For more information, please call (435) 654-1791.

Winter Fun, Safety at Wasatch Mountain State Park

Midway * Wasatch Mountain State Park offers great activities for the entire family this winter, from cross-country skiing to free safety clinics.

Six miles of groomed cross-country ski trails are now open. Skiers will find flat, easy terrain on the Lake Course, and a more advanced route on the Mountain Course. Trail passes are $5 per day, with rental equipment available for an additional $5.

January is Winter Recreation and Safety Month at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Every Saturday throughout January, park staff host free events designed to get visitors out and experiencing winter in new, safe ways.

Saturday, January 5 and 13: This snowshoe clinic is held two consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Explore snowshoeing, health benefits, and techniques. Each day begins with indoor discussion followed by practical experience on snowshoes. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair from the park.

Saturday, January 20: Join park staff for an avalanche safety class from 9 a.m. to noon and learn how to recognize and avoid potential slide areas, and how to use basic safety equipment.
Saturday, January 27: Build a basic snow cave at 10 a.m. This fun winter activity is also a life saving skill.

Each event begins at the Educational Yurt at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Registration for each event is required by calling (435) 654-1791.