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Show ' Outdoor Wisdom day's modern enthusiast has the world at his feet. Utah has come into its own, a "sleeper," the tourist magazines used to call it. But we have gone far beyond that now, and it is safe to say no area offers a greater variety varie-ty of runs, powder snow, facilities, and equipment available to Beehive State skiers. by Hartt Wixom It goes without saying that you can avoid the longer lift lines by getting out, if possible, possi-ble, during week days and early in the morning. You always have to be careful , about avalanche possibility in the Wasatch Mountains, and especially after new snow. Be adventurous and creative, avoiding the more crowded slopes, but observe warning signs. The cross-country skier is finding the field wide open as to where he can go, especailly with more designated areas. Dress for the occasion. Don't try to tackle more than you can handle, know the terrain, have maps to boot, and tell someone where you are going. The accounts you read concerning hypothermia can happen to anyone who gets lost or careless. But if you do become stranded at night away from conven: tional shelter, utilize everything about you. It is warmer in close to tree trunks and ledges than in the open, and it wouldn't hurt a thing to have some dry clothes and food in your pocket. iniiui.LU.il. .ill. .yjlMiwiiLl li-M Not all sportsmen ski, but it is a good sport to take up. You will remain in better shape for the fishing-hunting-camping season, see more of the outdoors in the so-called "Off-season" and enjoy the action. If you do not own skis, many resorts and ski supply shops will rent them by the day. You choose: downhill or Alpine speed supplied by gravity (and back up the lift) or your own energy via the lighter cross-country Nordic approach. The latter is perfect for getting a better look at the winter wonder land around you, wildlife photography, and developing develop-ing the same muscles so welcome next summer. If you are particularly hardy har-dy you might try the art of ski jumping, although this is something most experts begin when small. The almost lost art of hunting on skis, a throwback to the mountain fighting of Europe, is also a challenge open to those seeking snowshoe or cottontail rabbits. rab-bits. But most of us simply prefer to ride the lifts and let 'er slide, in an adaptation from Powder River, let 'er Buck, or in short, just let nature take its course. But if a beginner, be careful not to overdo. Most accidents statistically come at the end of the day when tired muscles don't respond. Keep your " speed under control. One thing I learned was very helpful on steep slope turns was to dig in the top edge. Weight the inside of your foot. When you want to sideslip, just quit weighting, and allow enough speed to get the turn completed. com-pleted. No advice here is meant to replace a ski instructor. in-structor. By all means, especially if a novice, utilize the help of an expert. I'm sure I would have been much better off with more such ac-vice, ac-vice, having to later undo many bad habits when assigned for several years to cover ski meets for a large newspaper. To get ardund on the hill I had to learn to ski, but I soon learned (as in fly fishing) you can't do it without the proper equipment. I do not advocate ad-vocate spending a king's ransom ran-som for the latter, especially in the clothing department. But you shouldn't try to start without bindings and boots, . in particular, which are right for you. Most pros at the shops will level with you about what you really do and do not need. , While my own beginning was on a golf course hill, to- ' ((llUlittlllUi |