New skiers, and even some of the more experience participants, find that a good way to get more involved means getting their own equipment. One way to do this is to check out sales of used rental gear at one of the centers.

Along with an increase in skiers at the recreational level, nordic race events are also attracting more people. Race officials report that entries are at an all-time high this winter in the Citizens Series.

Along with that, added Peterson, Utah's ballooning junior ski program is showing results. During the Western Junior Olympics at Soldier Hollow, Utah girls swept podium awards — first, second and third — in two events.

"We get roughly 9,000 first-time visits a year. Some of those continue with the sport. Currently, we have 200 juniors on our local team. It wouldn't surprise me to see one of our young women on the Olympic Ski Team in the near future. We have some very good skiers," he added.

He is also seeing an increase in interest in the biathlon program, boosted some by the appearance of some of the world's top biathlon competitors to Soldier Hollow.

As Rafferty pointed out, there's no reason to stay indoors in the winter — not when it's possible to take a stroll in the mountains, on skis, into some of the most spectacular country in the world.

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E-mail: grass@desnews.com

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