Bogley

[Iceaxe]

Activities going on at Snowbird for backcountry safety

Climbing feats, backcountry smarts Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center and Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort are hosting a week of activities Monday-Feb. 5. The events range from ultralight backcountry travel to wilderness first-aid courses to free demonstrations of backcountry equipment. All events are designed to encourage families to become educated about safe and efficient ways to travel on snow and to raise money for the Utah Avalanche Center. The main event is a dinner Feb. 3, with guest speakers Conrad Anker and Apa Sherpa. In addition to being one of the world's most recognized climbers, Anker co-authored The Lost Explorer: Finding Mallory on Mount Everest. Apa holds the record for the most summits of Mount Everest at 15. The evening starts at 6 p.m. The cost is $50 per person, with all proceeds going to the Know Before You Go avalanche awareness program for young adults. The event sold out last year. Call 801-933-2147 to book a spot or visit http://www.backcountryawareness.com for more information.