Holiday to-dos

Ah, the holidays are here, shopping's done, tree is decorated, sidewalks are shoveled, so it's time to . . .

OK, what to do for the holidays? The holidays are a time when time doesn't seem to be a problem, but finding entertaining activities to fill up the minutes sometimes is.

DOWNHILL SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING. It's been a long time since Utah has had snow conditions equal to what they are now. Nearly 200 inches of snow have fallen since October at some resorts, leaving some a base around 75 inches, which is more than enough for good skiing. There are 13 resorts in Utah, ranging from Brian Head to the south to Beaver Mountain to the north. The introduction of new high-speed ski lifts has minimized crowding and ski-lift lines, even during the holidays. If you're weak in the equipment department, consider renting a pair of the new shaped skis — they're easier to ski, more responsive and turn at the blink of an eye. Call the resort nearest you or one you think you'd like to ski, and ask about ski lessons and lift prices. A half-day lesson followed by an afternoon of skiing is a great way to spend a day. And, if going skiing or snowboarding isn't possible, consider heading for the hills and simply enjoying the altitude. Often, when it's murky in the valley, it's warm and sunny in the mountains. For information on Utah's resorts visit the Ski Utah Web site — www.skiutah.com.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING. Cross-country skiing takes little more energy than does a walk in the park, which makes it ideal for all ages and physical levels. The options are to visit a prepared track or head off into the backcountry. If backcountry skiing interests you, then make sure you "know before you go." This is avalanche season, and knowing avalanche dangers is imperative. There are a number of Nordic centers with prepared tracks for both skaters and classical-style skiing. There are groomed tracks at places like Soldier Hollow, site of the 2002 Olympic Nordic events, and Solitude Nordic Center at the top of Big Cottonwood, Brian Head, Ruby's Inn at Bryce Canyon and in the Park City area. Along with the access to groomed tracks, ski/boot/pole rentals are available. Information on Nordic centers is also available on the Ski Utah Web site.