Outdoor notes

BIGHORN SHEEP FESTIVAL

November is the best time of the year to see desert bighorn sheep, said Brent Stettler, regional conservation outreach manager for the Division of Wildlife Resources. It's their breeding season, and rams engage in head-butting and other rituals to attract the attention of the ewes.

"The way the rams act this time of the year is fun and exciting to watch," Stettler said.

This year's Bighorn Sheep Festival will be Nov. 20 and 21. The festival will be held in and near Moab.

For more information, contact Stettler at 435-613-3707 or brentstettler@utah.gov.

RESORT OPENINGS

Brighton Ski Resort became the second of Utah's 13 winter resorts to open for the winter season on Wednesday, joining Solitude, which began transporting skiers and boarders up the slopes on Nov. 6.

Here's a rundown of the when Utah's remaining resorts are projected to open, according to Ski Utah: Alta Ski Area, Nov. 20; Beaver Mountain Resort, to be announced; Brian Head Resort, Nov. 21; The Canyons Resort, Nov. 27; Deer Valley Resort, Dec. 5; Park City Mountain Resort, Nov. 21; Powder Mountain, Nov. 28; Snowbasin, Nov. 26; Snowbird, Nov. 21; Sundance, Dec. 11; Wolf Creek Resort, Nov. 27.

Nathan Rafferty, president of Ski Utah, said he is "boldy optimistic" heading into the new season and is projecting a 3 percent rise for the local ski industry this season.

SNOWSHOE 101

The ease of snowshoeing has made it one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Simply strap on a pair and go on a winter hike, backpack or climb.

Those interested can join an REI expert on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at the store's Sandy location (10600 South and 230 West in the northwest corner of the South Towne mall property) for a free "how to" clinic on the basics of snowshoeing. The presentation will also focus on the appropriate selection of gear and the initial skills needed to get outside and on the trails.

AVALANCHE AWARENESS

On Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., the Sandy REI store will be offering a free clinic on avalanche awareness.

The Wasatch Front is home to some of the world's finest winter backcountry terrain, but the rise in popularity of backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling comes with an increased risk in avalanche danger. In this presentation, a local avalanche professional will talk about the destructive power of avalanches and show a narrated video. He will also tell his story about close calls and accidents he has experienced and explain how people can trigger avalanches.

The presentation will then focus on instruction on the basics of how to recognize avalanche terrain and obvious signs of instability, safe travel practices, basics of avalanche rescue equipment and self-rescue procedures, and where to obtain information about current avalanche conditions.

WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING

The Salt Lake City REI (3285 E. 3300 South) is offering a free winter wildlife tracking class on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Join naturalist, educator, author and photographer Bruce Thompson as he uses photographs, graphics and his own insight to discuss regional mammals in the winter environment, the tracks they leave and how they have adapted to what we consider a "harsh" environment.