SNOWBIRD AWARENESS PROGRAM

Snowbird will hold the fifth annual Backcountry Awareness Week, Feb. 4-10.

The event features snow safety clinics, on-snow demonstrations, avalanche transceiver drills and an evening fundraiser.

David Oliver Relin, author of the New York Times bestseller "Three Cups of Tea," is the keynote speaker at the fundraising evening Feb. 8.

The benefit dinner will take place in the Cliff Lodge Ballroom from 5:30-9 p.m. A ticket to the event is $75, and tables of eight are available for $700. For reservations call 801-933-2147.

Three Backcountry Awareness Week clinics will be held at Snowbird Feb. 9-10. A snow safety clinic with Exum Utah's Tyson Bradley will be offered from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, and will include an all-day Tram ticket and lunch for $59. From 1-3 p.m. Saturday Eric Murakami of Backcountry Access will lead a free advanced beacon course. Wasatch Backcountry Rescue president Dean Cardinale will conduct a hasty search clinic from 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, that will include an all-day Tram ticket and lunch for $59.

For further information, visit www.snowbirdrc.org. To register for Backcountry Awareness Week clinics or the evening fundraiser, contact Snowbird's Activity Center at 801-933-2147.

SHORT TRACK EVENT

The Utah Olympic Oval will host the world's top short track speed skaters for the 2008 Samsung World Cup Short Track event. More than 160 athletes from 24 countries — including Apolo Anton Ohno — are expected to compete Feb. 8-10.

Officials anticipate several record-breaking performances during the three-day event. Tickets are available at the Utah Olympic Oval or at www.olyparks.com. For event and ticket information please call 801-968-OVAL or visit www.olyparks.com.

DOG SLED RACE

The 2008 International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race, which races from Wyoming to Utah, will feature 19 teams. Teams will have up to 16 dogs.

The event will start Friday and end Feb. 2 in Park City.

Under the "stage stop" format, the race stops in a different town every night, allowing teams to rest. The format also allows host communities to show their hospitality to mushers and spectators with a variety of family-friendly events, including fireworks, dog shows, torchlight parades and pancake breakfasts.