The 50-minute program begins with a video and is followed by stories of close calls from local winter-sport enthusiasts. The program ends with a presentation to recognize avalanche terrain, obvious signs of instability, safe travel practices, the basics of avalanche rescue equipment and self-rescue and where to gather information on current avalanche conditions.

Cross country ski race on Park City Golf Course

The second event in the Timberland Wasatch Citizens Series cross country ski race series is being held at the White Pine Touring Center on the Park City Golf Course in Park City on Saturday. Registration for the 15K free technique event starts at 8:30 a.m. The kids race starts at 10 a.m., and the adults start at 10:20. Visit www.utahnordic.com for more information.

Ogden events include writing, photo workshops

The Ogden Nature Center, 966 W. 12th St., Ogden, is holding the following events. Call 801-621-7595 or visit www. ogdennaturecenter.org for more information. All events are $5 for members and $6 for others.

Learn the basics of writing nonfiction with an emphasis on nature from naturalists William Pollett and Susan Snyder on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Register by Monday.

A recent study shows the bluehead sucker found in the Weber River is a unique species that could be added to the threatened species list. Aaron Webber, a biologist with the Division of Wildlife Resources, will make a presentation on the bluehead sucker Jan. 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. Call to pre-register by Tuesday.

Buz Marthaler will lead a nature photography class Jan. 12 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn the basics and then practice your new skills at the nature center. Pre-register by Jan. 10.

Birding group plans

outing at Mountain Dell

Great Salt Lake Audubon is holding a trip to the Mountain Dell Recreation Area in Parleys Canyon on Wednesday. Meet at 9 a.m. at the parking lot west of the Salt Lake REI store, 3285 E. 3300 South, East Millcreek. Call Jack (801-255-7989) or Sylvia (801-532-3486) if you plan to attend.

Winter Trails Day event includes instruction

The Alta Nordic Center is hosting a free Winter Trails Day event Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staffers from REI, volunteers from the Utah Nordic Alliance and guides from the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation will be on hand to offer guided snowshoeing, cross country and skate ski instruction and outdoor interpretation. Snowshoe interpretive tours will be held at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 12:30 and 2 p.m. Introductory classes in classic cross country skiing will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; an introduction to skate skiing will be at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Space is limited. Register by calling the REI store at 801-486-2100.

Winter Games ski races start on Saturday

The Utah Winter Games Friends and Family Race Series opens Saturday at Brighton Ski Resort. The series is open to all ages and includes downhill, telemark and snowboarding events. Other events will be Jan. 12 (Alta), Jan. 19 (Snowbasin) and Jan. 26 (Brian Head). The finals will be Feb. 3 at Park City Mountain Resort. To qualify for the race series finals, participants must race in at least two qualifiers, or win one gold medal in a qualifier. Registration is $10 and available the day of the race at the resort. Discount lift tickets are available for participants. Visit utahwintergames .org or call 866-OLYPARKS for more information.

Climbing night at REI

An adult climbing night (16 and older) is Jan. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Salt Lake REI store, 3285 E. 3300 South, East Millcreek. The climbing wall features routes from 5.5 to 5.13 in difficulty. The event is free and climbing harnesses will be provided. Climbing shoes can be rented for $2. No registration is required.

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* 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.