Before venturing out, however, it would be wise to check with the Utah Avalanche Center for information on current conditions. The number is 888-999-4019.

Tubing. There are three tubing centers in Utah — Soldier Hollow in Heber, Gorgoza across from Jeremy Ranch and the hill at Brian Head.

All three are lift-served, which means the tubes and riders are pulled up the hill, where, once sitting comfortably inside the tube, they slide down sectioned-off lanes.

Prices for a two-hour session for adults range from $19 at Gorgoza to $18 at Soldier Hollow to $12 at Brian Head.

Those who prefer to pull their own sleds or tubes need only find a slope only slightly longer than the radius of a tube.

Here again, before venturing on very steep slopes in the backcountry, it would be wise to check on avalanche conditions.

Snowshoeing. This is one of the fastest growing winter activities. Some people like it more than cross country skiing because the platform, or snowshoes, have a wider base than the skis, therefore there's a little more stability.

Most of the snowshoeing occurs in areas where snow conditions are not controlled. It is therefore important to stay off slopes between 30 and 45 degrees.

One option, if being passed by an occasional snowmobile isn't a problem, are the hundreds of miles of groomed trails.

The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation offers a series of maps showing the various trail systems.

If nothing else, the trailheads can be a starting point, and the expeditions from there can lead into the forest where people and machines can't go.

Snowmobiling. As noted, the DPR offers a series of 17 maps depicting groomed trails. The maps are free. The new maps show the 1,200 miles of state-groomed trails, along with some of the trails being groomed by others, such as the U.S. Forest Service.

For those without ownership of a machine, there are a number of rental operations scattered around the state. Some even offer guide service to novice riders and those unfamiliar with the area. The yellow pages are a great place to start looking for snowmobile operations.

It should be noted that all snowmobile drivers must be at least 8 years old. And those between 8 and 16 must have completed a training class in order to operate a machine. Those 16 and older must have a valid driver's license.

All riders and drivers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when riding.

For information call 800-OHV-RIDE.

Ice fishing. Fishing in the winter is very different from casting lines in the summer, but it is no less rewarding.