People who show up dressed in a full Santa costume will ski and snowboard for free on Dec. 20 at the Canyons Resort in Park City. The first 50 people to arrive in a complete Santa outfit will get a pass for the day. Registration will take place at the Cabriolet in the Resort Village starting at 8 a.m. Those in partial costume will not be considered for the free pass. Skiers at the Canyons may see Santa on the slopes any time from Dec. 23-25 handing out treats.

Glen Canyon announces draft plan

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is soliciting public comment on the proposed 2008 Uplake Development Concept Plan/Environmental Assessment, which covers planned changes for areas that include Bullfrog, Halls Crossing and Hite marinas, and the shoreline camping area in Farley Canyon. Comments are due by Jan. 5, and may be posted on the NPS Web site at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/glca, or by mail to: 2008 Uplake DCP/EA, Glen Canyon NRA, P.O. Box 1507, Page, AZ 86040. Comments may also be faxed to 928-608-6259.

Spring artist residence at Zions

Zions National Park is accepting applications for its spring Artist in Residence program. The four-week program starts in mid-March and is open to all professional writers, composers, and visual artists. Selected artists will have the opportunity to translate the desert landscape into work that brings new insight and understanding of its uniqueness. Applications must be received by Jan. 15. Notification of selection will be made by Feb. 1. Selections will be made on the basis of merit and how a candidate's work can advance the mission of Zion National Park and the National Park Service as well as enhance growth of the artist. Applications and more information can be found at www.nps.gov/zion/supportyourpark/.

Local trail advocates honored

Utah State Parks trails coordinator John Knudson, and Utah residents and trail advocates Sandy and Geoff Freethey, were recognized for their dedication last month at the annual National Trails Symposium in Little Rock, Ark. Knudson received the State Trail Worker Award for his contributions and consistent support of trail planning, development, and maintenance in Utah. The Freetheys earned the State Trail Advocacy award for their efforts regarding public policy on trail recreation, planning, protection, development, and maintenance. They serve as chairperson and hiking representative on the Trail Mix trails group and were instrumental in getting approval of the Master Trail Plan for Grand County and have donated hundreds of volunteer hours to develop and improve trails near Moab.

State parks seeking four representatives

Utah State Parks and Recreation is seeking four representatives to serve on the Utah Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Council to represent the interests of four-wheelers, vehicle dealers, safety and education, and youth riders. The 11-member council works with state agencies including USDA Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the School Institutional Trust Land Administration. Council members generally meet on a quarterly basis for approximately three hours within the Salt Lake/Provo area to discuss current issues and make recommendations. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 26. To apply or for more information, contact OHV Program Coordinator Fred Hayes at 801- 538-7435, or by e-mail at fredhayes@utah.gov.

Deer Valley announces holiday events

To celebrate the holiday season, Deer Valley Resort will host a number of events. Santa Claus will make a visit to the Snow Park area on Dec. 24 from 9-11 a.m., and the Silver Lake area from noon to 1:30 p.m. Guests are invited to bring cameras to have pictures taken with Santa.

The annual torchlight parade on Dec. 30 will start at dusk (6 p.m.) on Big Stick ski run on Bald Eagle Mountain. Hot cider and cookies will be served at Snow Park Lodge during the parade.

Bird identification

Join the park naturalist from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 20 at the Rock Cliff Nature Center at Jordanelle State Park in Heber for a class on basic bird identification. No experience is necessary. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them and dress appropriately. Snowshoes will be available. Day use fee applies. For more information or to RSVP, call 435-782-3030 or 435-649-9540.

Ogden Nature Center

The Ogden Nature Center is hosting holiday events at 966 W. 12th Street, Ogden. For more information and to register for classes, call 801-621-7595.

Great Salt Lake Audubon birding trips

Beginning birders are always welcome and carpooling is encouraged. Suggested contributions are $5 per person for round trips less than 50 miles, and $10 per person for round trips over 50 miles.? Be sure to call the field trip leader to confirm that arrangements are still as published.

Dec. 31 » Bob Huntington and Deedee O'Brien will lead the monthly visit to Farmington Bay for an easy drive and bird-viewing experience. Join the group for breakfast at the Centerville McDonald's (exit 319 on I-15), at 8:30 a.m., or by 9 a.m. to carpool. Call Deedee at 801-272-8060 if you plan to attend.

Jan. 5 » Tim Avery will conduct the first meeting of the Utah Birding Series at 9 a.m. Topics will include winter gulls, sea ducks, and birds of Southern Utah; admission is $5. Meet at Sugar House Garden Center, 1602 E. 2100 South, in Sugar House Park.

Jan. 7 » Jack Clark and Sylvia Gray will lead a group through Mountain Dell Recreation Area in Parley's Canyon to discover new birds. Meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot west of REI, 3285 E. 3300 South, Millcreek. Call Jack 801-255-7989 or Sylvia 801-532-3486 if you plan to attend.

Free seminars on avalanches and snowshoeing

The following presentations are offered free of charge at the Millcreek REI store, 3285 E. 3300 South. For more information, call 801-486-2100 or visit www.rei.com and use the store locator feature.

Professional avalanche course » Students will learn basic information about weather, snowpack, and terrain factors that contribute to avalanche hazard. Level one courses begin with either one or two evening sessions, and then two full days with emphasis on field work. Level two courses follow guidelines presented by the American Association of Avalanche Professionals. Tuition is $185. Please register by phone at 801-486-2100, or online at www.avalanchecourse.com. Courses will be held Dec. 19-21.

Snowshoe ambassador » Danelle Ballengee will provide tips on gear and clothing in an introductory look at the basics of snowshoeing on Dec. 16, 7 p.m. Learn the proper gear, clothing, and basic snowshoeing skills.

Learn about raptors » and how HawkWatch International studies them in an insightful and entertaining presentation on Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Guests will meet a live bird and learn about raptor identification. For ages 12 and up.

Wasatch Mountain Club outings

The club offers weekly events. Visit www.wasatchmountainclub.org for more information.

Dec. 14 » Snowshoe at Green's Basin. Contact Robert at 801-466-3292 or by e-mail , robert@icon-remodeling.com.

Dec. 14 » Snowshoe in Big Cottonwood Canyon, time to be announced. Contact Holly at 801-272-5358.

Dec. 14 » Afternoon snowshoe hike in the Cottonwood canyons. Contact Robert at 801-497-1129.

Dec. 16 » Backcountry skiing tour. Call Walter at 801-534-1262 or e-mail him at haas@xmission.com.

Dec. 16 » Snowshoe in Park City Environs, time to be announced. Contact Vince at 435-649-6805 or by e-mail at vincedesimone@yahoo.com.

Dec. 18 » Climbing nightly at Momentum Climbing Gym. Contact Peter at 801-733-0313 or via e-mail at wmc-alpinist@hotmail.com.

Dec. 18 » Snowshoe hike through the Cottonwoods. Call Norm at 801-266-3703.

Dec. 20 » Day yak tracks hike at Grandeur Peak. Contact Julie at 801-572-9838 or via e-mail at jk@wasatch-environmental.com.

Dec. 20 » Snowshoe hike. Call Heidi at 801-942-8088.

Dec. 20 » Backcountry skiing, Yo-Yo Tour. Contact Karen at 801-272-2225 or by e-mail at karenp@xmission.com.

Dec. 20 » Backcountry skiing advanced tour, location time to be announced. Contact Mark at 801-363-4504 or e-mail at mborges@xmission.com.

Dec. 21» Ski tour, North Fork of the Provo Uintas. Call Michael at 801-583-4721 for more information.

Dec. 21 » Snowshoe through Lambs Canyon. Call Clayton at 801-897-8911.

Dec. 21 » Afternoon snowshoe in Millcreek Canyon, time to be announced. Contact Cathy at 801-486-9200, or e-mail, cathy@cathymooney.com.

Dec. 21 » Backcountry ski tour, time to be announced. Contact Carol at 801-466-5729, or e-mail, carol_masheter@hotmail.com.

Jordanelle State Park activities

Jan. 3 » To learn about nature's engineers and how they're changing the landscape, join park naturalists for "Track Me if You Can Series" from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. Pre-registration is required. Day use fee is $7 per vehicle (up to eight people) or free to Utah State Park pass holders. Call 435-782-3030 or 435-649-9540 for more information.

Jan. 10 » Join park staff on Jan. 10 for a Moonlight snowshoe hike. Meet at Hailstone Visitor Center at 7 p.m. For more information, call 435-649-9540 or 435-782-3030.

Jan. 17 » To learn more about Cougars, join park naturalists from 10 a.m., to noon. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. Pre-registration is required, with a $7 day use fee per vehicle (up to eight people) or free to Utah State Park pass holders. Call 435-782-3030 or 435-649-9540 for more information.

Antelope Island events

Dec. 26 » Antelope Island in Syracuse is hosting Friends of Great Salt Lake's film "Lake Affect," which provides an in-depth look at Great Salt Lake's ecosystem. Meet at the visitor center at 2 p.m.

Dec. 27 » Park naturalists will teach different adaptations, techniques, and behaviors that heighten animal senses. Meet at the visitor center at 11 a.m.

Dec. 28 »Naturalists will lead a four-mile hike to learn more about the Great Salt Lake's unique ecology. Meet at the Lakeside Trailhead in White Rock Bay at 11 a.m. For more information, call 801-721-9569.

Scofield tourney

The third annual Scofield Fishing Tournament is Dec. 27, with prizes being awarded for the five largest tiger trout and five largest rainbow/cutthroat trout. Pre-registration is required and the cost is $13 per entrant. To register or for more information, call 435-687-2491.

» To get your event listed, e-mail the information to brettp@ sltrib.com or by mail to Brett Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.