POWDER MOUNTAIN'S KIDS EVENT

Powder Mountain will host a competition, nicknamed "Groms," for youths aged 10 and younger on Saturday.

Skiers and boarders will be able to show off their skills on courses specially set up for their age group. Events include mini-downhill races and a mini-slopestyle competition. A separate age class will be set up for competitors 5 years old and younger.

The $5 registration fee includes a hot dog lunch and a prize. Registration will begin at the Sundown Lodge at 9:30 a.m.

The resort plans to make the competition an annual event in order to encourage youths to try winter sports and to groom future competitors.

Powder Mountain reactivated its Alpine Race Team this season.

FREE DIGITAL CAMERA WORKSHOP

The Layton Wild Bird Center will hold a free digital camera nature photography workshop on Jan. 18.

The workshop will begin at 7 p.m. at the center, located in the Layton Market Center, 1860 N. 1000 West in Layton.

Brian Currie, a published local nature photographer, will be conducting the workshop. He will cover the latest in digital cameras, lenses and accessories, as well as showing a variety of photographs illustrating composition and photo shop techniques.

To register call 801-525-8400.

ALTA FIRESIDE CHATS

The winter Alta Fireside Chats, started last year and sponsored by the Alta Historical

Society, will be held again in 2008.

The programs will be presented by some of Alta's most noted personalities and guests. Fireside Chats will be held most weeks throughout the ski season at REI and various lodges in Alta during apres ski hours.

Events at REI will be sponsored by AHS and the Alf Engen Ski Museum Foundation. The public is welcome and events are free.

Events in January will be:

Jan. 15 — Alta Ski Patrollers introduce Alta's avalanche dogs and discuss their role in

avalanche work. Held at REI, 3285 E. 3300 South at 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 — Alan Schoenberger presents "A Retrospective on Freestyle Skiing." A former world champion freestyle skier, his performances have combined the magic and beauty of skiing with circus theater and dance. He has performed live on stage, on skis, without a single flake of snow. It will be at Alta Peruvian Lodge at 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 — Alexis Kelner presents "A History of Skiing in Utah." He is a noted ski historian and one of the modern pioneers of backcountry skiing in Utah. Held at Rustler Lodge at 4 p.m.