The Xterra Winter World Championship returns to Snowbasin Resort and Ogden on March 7-8 with an event that combines mountain biking, running, snowshoeing and ski mountaineering. Brian Smith (Gunnison, Colo.) and Sari Anderson (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) will attempt to defend their titles from last year to win their share of a total purse of $10,000.

The event also features snowshoe, skate ski and ski mountaineering races, and a snowboard dash-for-cash with a first prize award of $500 for male and female winners. Registration is $120 for two-, three-, and four-person teams, $60 for individuals (discounted prices are available for multiple events). Racers will receive lift tickets, an event T-shirt and refreshments, in addition to awards to the top three in each division.

To register, or for a full list of prizes and schedules, visit xterrawinter.com.

Condors released

Four California condors will be released in the Vermilion Cliffs Monument in northern Arizona on March 7 at 11 a.m. The public is welcome to observe the release from a viewing area outfitted with spotting scopes. This will be the 14th release of condor chicks in Arizona since the Peregrine Fund began its recovery program in 1996. Currently, there are 67 condors flying free in Arizona, including two wild-hatched chicks that left their nests in the Grand Canyon in December. The world's total population of endangered condors flying free in the wild is 169 birds in Arizona, California and Mexico. If you plan to attend, bring binoculars, sunscreen, water, and snacks.

Great Salt Lake Audubon outings

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.

Feb. 25 » Join leaders Bob Huntington and Deedee O'Brien for the monthly half-day of birding at Farmington Bay. Meet inside Centerville McDonald's (I-15 exit 319), at 8:30 a.m., or in the parking for a 9 a.m. departure. Call Deedee at 801-272-8060 if you plan to attend.

March 7 » Jeanne LeBer and Ray Smith will lead a group to Gunnison Bend Reservoir near Delta where 20,000 snow geese are visible on the water or in adjacent fields. Meet in southeast corner of the Sugar House Shopko parking lot. Call Jeanne or Ray at 801-532-7384 if you plan to attend.

Gather shed antlers

Every year, deer, elk and moose shed antlers in the winter and grow new ones in the spring. Gathering those shed antlers is a popular family activity. But if you plan to gather antlers before April 15, you must complete an online course and print a course completion certificate at www.wildlife.utah.gov/shedantler. The certificate will cover your children. No certificate is required for gathering shed antlers after April 15. Antlers can be gathered throughout the state, including northern Utah. For more information about the new gathering rules, call the nearest DWR office or the DWR's Salt Lake City office at 801-538-4700.

REI classes

The following presentations are free at the Sandy City REI store, 10600 S. and 230 West. For more information, call 801-501-0850 or visit www.rei.com.

Feb. 26, 7 p.m. » Global Positioning System expert Nick Fraust talks about different types of receivers and their common use, and basic GPS functions at 7 p.m.

March 5, 7 p.m. » Andrew Taylor will show images and share experiences from his five years in the rapidly growing ecotourism industry.

The following presentations are free at the Salt Lake City REI store, 3285 E. and 3300 South. For more information, call 801-501-0850 or visit www.rei.com.

March 3, 7 p.m. » Dane Rauschenberg explains how he went from a relative novice in marathon running to one of the more recognized names in the sport in one year. While working a full-time job, Dane ran 52 consecutive weekly marathons, all to benefit the Mobile, Ala., chapter of L'Arche, an organization that helps the mentally and physically handicapped.

March 4, 7 p.m. » Wayne Whaley, professor of zoology at Utah Valley University and a member of the Utah Lepidopterists Society, talks about his research on the Indra swallowtail butterfly.

Powder Mountain fundraiser

Bring a package of new socks to Powder Mountain on Feb. 26 and receive a $16 discount towards an all access day pass (regularly $56). Powder Mountain is collaborating with Stoked On Socks, which will distribute the socks to The Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, Road Home Homeless Shelter, Volunteers of America, and Wasatch Homeless Healthcare. For more information, call 801-745-3772 or visit www.powdermountain.com.

Get fit at Dimple Dell

Dimple Dell Fitness and Recreation Center, 10670 S. 1000 East in Sandy, has opened registration for spring leagues and classes. For more information or to register, call 801-495-1480 ext. 7 or e-mail lhenderson@slco.org.

Adult coed volleyball » Thursday nights beginning March 5; team fee is $210. League is limited to the first 10 teams registered.

Youth Indoor Soccer League (ages 4-9) » Begins March 7 with games played at Dimple Dell Fitness Center, Oak Hollow Elementary, and Mount Jordan middle school on Saturdays. The $46 fee includes jersey, eight games, and trophy.

Non-contact football program » Teams will play twice a week beginning with an organization day for coaches and all teams on April 18. Games will be played at Dimple Dell and South Mountain Park (sites are subject to change). Fee is $36. Registration deadline is March 30. Volunteer coaches are needed.

Table tennis » Dimple Dell will provide a paddle if needed. Classes are Fridays from 5-6 p.m. at the center. Fee is $15 a month.

2009 Ping Pong Tournament »March 7 starting at 10:15 a.m. at the center. Fee is $10 per person which guarantees two matches and a T-shirt.

Redwood Recreation Center leagues

Adult softball » Registration is underway for men's, women's and co-ed spring leagues. Team registration fee is $465; play begins the week of April 13. For more information, call Amelia at 801-974-6923. To register, go to the Redwood Recreation Center, 3060 Lester Ave. (1575 W.) or www.recreation.slco.org/redwood.

10U, 12U, 14U division teams » Registration is $375. All entries must be submitted before March 16. Games begin the week of March 30. For more information, contact Amelia at 801-974-6923.

Utah State parks events

Feb. 26, 7 p.m. » Join Brett Beingham, president of the Utah Sailing Association and owner of Icarus Sports USA, for a presentation on fiberglass boat repair at the Utah Lake State Park conference room in Provo. For more information, call 801-375-0731.

Feb. 26-27 » Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding is offering a workshop on Hopi braided sash belt weaving with Clotilde Barrett. Class size is limited to eight and tuition is $100, which covers all materials. Registration is required by calling 435-678-2238.

Feb. 28, 10 a.m. » Join Antelope Island State Park naturalist for a look into the diversity of the island. Meet at the visitor center. For more information, call 801-721-9569.

Feb. 28, 3 p.m. » Join the park naturalist on a tracking adventure at Antelope Island State Park. Meet at the visitor center. Participants should dress for the weather conditions, bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. This activity is intended for children ages six to 12, but everyone is welcome. Call 801-721-9569 with any further questions.

Feb. 28 » Associate professor of art and design Arlene Braithwaite explores the fun of nature sketching on a 1.5 mile round trip hike at Snow Canyon-Ivins. Space is limited and registration is required by calling 435-628-2255.

Wasatch Mountain Club Activities

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

Feb. 22 » Snowshoeing in Big Cottonwood area, tba. Call Knick at 801-272-2485.

Feb. 24 » Snowshoe at Park City Environs, tba. Contact Vince at 801-435-649-6805 or vincedesimoney@yahoo.com.

Feb. 24 » Backcountry ski tour, tba. Contact Chris at 801-485-1543 or proctorgtr@aol.com.

Feb. 26 » Snowshoe hike in the Cottonwoods, tba. Call Norm at 801-266-3703.

Feb. 26 » Thursday Gym Climbing Night at Momentum Climbing Gym. Call Peter at 801-733-0313 for more information.

Feb. 28 » Backcountry ski tour, tba. Contact Karen at 801-272-2225 or karenp@xmission.com.

Feb. 28 » Snowshoe, organizers choice. Contact Liz at 801-486-0909.

Feb. 28 » Backcountry ski tour, tba. Contact Mark at 801-205-5758 or mborges@xmission.com.

March 1 » Snowshoe at Pine Hollow, American Fork Canyon. Call Cynthia at 801-530-7331.

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.