In some cases, winter fishing is even more rewarding. Where a boat or float tube is needed to get away from shore in the summer, a good, solid ice covering allows anglers to go when and where they want — on foot.

Winter tackle is a little lighter than summer gear. And because fish are a little more lethargic, it's more of a waiting game. The catch rate can be as good and, in some cases, better than in the summer.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources offers a weekly report on fishing and ice conditions statewide. The Web address is www.wildlife.utah.gov/fishing.

Bird-watching. Winter is an excellent time to take a ride or simply stay at home and watch birds in flight.

A great place to catch a look at some of the country's most majestic birds, bald and golden eagles, is along the eastern shores of the Great Salt Lake, which would include Bear River, Farmington Bay and Ogden bird refuges.

Hundreds of eagles arrive at the bird refuges about the same time as the snow. They come to feed on fish and waterfowl.

As many as 40 eagles have been counted perched in an old, dead tree at Farmington Bay. Others were out flying and feeding.

Wildlife viewing. Many of the big-game animals, such as deer, elk and moose, are pushed down to lower elevations in the winter and are therefore much easier to see.

One of the very best viewing areas is Hardware Ranch east of Hyrum. There, in the winter, hundreds of elk gather on open feeding areas. The managing agency, the DWR, offers sleigh rids out into the midst of the gathered elk.

December and January are excellent times to view elk since many of the larger bulls still retain their antlers.

Ice skating. There are a number of ice skating rinks scattered about the state, ranging from the Olympic oval in Kearns to the smaller rinks at Park City Mountain Resort and Snowbird.

Check in the local phone book for directions to the nearest rink. All offer skate rentals and even lessons for those hoping to stop the ankles from bending.

Less appealing are the frozen lakes and ponds. Since the surface is never cleaned or smoothed, skating can be difficult. It is also advisable for skaters to check to make sure the ice is thick enough to hold a skater or two or three.

Other suggestions: The Utah Olympic Park at Kimball Junction offers some unusual winter activities, such as bobsled rides and ski jumping opportunities.

The Ogden center and the Olympic oval offer opportunities to try or become more proficient at curling.

There are, in fact, a lot of things to do here in Utah when the weather turns cold. And it can be something you regularly get involved with or something completely new.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com