Author: Jenny Willden

Despite the warming temperatures and melting snow, it’s hard to believe this is our final winter issue of the year. Soon we’ll swap our boards for bikes and boots for flip flops, but we can’t say goodbye just yet! Savor the end of the season reading this issue’s stories on ski mountaineering, winter running, hometown Winter Olympic hopefuls, and more.

Sharpen your skills or gain new ones at local ski resort camps, clinics, and classes. Only a few clinics are highlighted here, but for full listings (including children’s classes) visit the resorts’ websites.

‘Tis the season for snowball fights, powder days, festive foods, and what many of us dread… holiday shopping. Escape crowded stores and get onto the slopes faster with the help of our annual holiday shopping guide on page 20. It’s categorized by price and hobbies so you can select perfect presents in a flash! If you’re not eager to ski or ride in Utah’s winter wonderland, we have five ideas for enjoying the season without buying a single lift ticket (pg.10). Stay healthy through the holidays by making delicious dishes using seasonal superfoods (pg.18) and hitting the trails safely with…

Bring your bells and antlers to this run or walk for arthritis on Saturday, December 7 at the Gateway Mall in Salt Lake City. Racers are invited to wear festive costumes and don jingle bells on shoes or clothing. Create a team and get your friends to join you! Prizes for top fundraisers! arthritis.org/utah

TUNA (The Utah Nordic Alliance) hosts their popular five nordic race series again this year at major cross country ski areas along the Wasatch. Two classical technique and three free technique races are offered to provide the balance local athletes need to prepare for national and international competition. The first race is December 14 and the last on February 23, 2014. There are categories for age, gender, and ability level, so all can participate. Points are accumulated over the entire season, and special prizes are awarded to the top three skiers in each class. utahnordic.com

Resolutions are words without a personal commitment. Sign up and start your year off with a commitment to fitness by running a 5K, 10K, or 1K Kids Race. Held January 4, 2014 at Boondocks in Kaysville. The run benefits the Hess Cancer Foundation. Overall winners of the 10K and 5K receive prizes from Boondocks Fun Center. Race won’t be canceled due to weather. utahenduranceevents.com

Olympic ski legends are paired with television and film celebrities at this annual invitational ski event to fundraise for the environmental group Waterkeeper Alliance, which supports and empowers Waterkeeper member organizations to protect communities, ecosystems, and water quality. The public is welcome to watch the giant slalom ski races on December 7–8 on Deer Valley’s Birdseye ski run. dvskifest.com

This winter racing series is not for the snow averse. Held snow or shine, there are three run offered, 5K, 10K, and 15K, but you’ll only receive a medal if you complete all of them. Each race is at the Great Saltair in Magna, Utah at 10:00 a.m. Races on January 25, February 8, and February 22. slctrackclub.org

Support the Road Home Shelter as you dash around Sugarhouse Park at this winter 5K on Saturday, December 21. Registration is $20 and can be done in advance or at the event. Santa hats and post-race cocoa are provided by The Dodo. Course is two laps around park. Costumes for the best dressed. Families welcome. flashdashseries.com

Watch athletes from around the world compete in moguls, dual moguls, and aerials at this annual freestyle championship at Deer Valley on January 8-11, 2014. The fun begins with a FREE live concert on lower Main Street in Park City at 7:00 p.m. on January 8 and continues nightly with events followed by fireworks. Free and open to the public. Hob knob with athletes and enjoy Deer Valley’s famous cuisine by purchasing VIP Freestyle Fest tickets that include a buffet and beverages inside a heated tent. deervalley.com