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Utah Mountain Adventures (formerly Exum Utah Mountain Adventures) and Alta Lodge are offering two clinics that include a four-night and two-day Backcountry Clinic. Participants will learn about avalanche awareness, beacon rescue, safe route selection, efficient skinning, and downhill ski technique in the legendary Wasatch backcountry. After a day of skiing in the backcountry, clinic participants will come back to the warmth, convenience, and fine dining of Alta Lodge. The clinic dates are Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 and April 1-5, 2009.

"With the increasing popularity of backcountry skiing, many newcomers to the sport are unfamiliar with the fundamentals of safe skiing in the backcountry," commented Alta Lodge spokesperson Joni Dykstra. "The clinic gives participants first-hand experience as they learn and practice skills during the two days of backcountry skiing."

Alta Lodge provides a convenient launch pad for the seminar. Before the clinic begins, participants will have a day of skiing on their own at Alta Ski Area to practice downhill skiing skills and enjoy the renowned terrain and snow of Alta. The all-inclusive package rate begins at $1,459 per person, double occupancy, or $1,064 per person for a dormitory room; taxes and service charge are included.

The clinic includes: the two-day seminar, one lift ticket for a day of skiing at Alta, four nights of lodging in a standard room, full breakfasts, box lunches on backcountry days, and four-course gourmet dinners. Seminar participants can bring their own backcountry gear or coordinate rentals through Utah Mountain Adventures. Get a complete equipment list and register online.