Winter games near Salt Lake - Utah Winter Games

Sunset, Jan, 1989

We can dream of being Wayne Gretzky, but we rarely get to try. At the third annual Utah Winter Games, though, amateurs can vie for glory in 10 winter sports. Competitions range ftom sanctioned U.S. Ski Association (USSA) contests to events for recreational and disabled competitors. And watchingfree, except for opening ceremonies-is nearly as much fun as participating.

The games run from December 31 through January 15. Most take place at major ski areas near Salt Lake City. Here, we list a sampling of USSAsanctioned events. For a schedule and entry details, visit Utah Winter Games headquarters, open 11 to 6 during the games, at the Marriott Hotel, 75 S. West Temple Street, Salt Lake City. Or write to the games, Box 93, Park City 84060, or call (801) 645-8824.

Opening ceremonies January 7: 7 PM. at Huntsman Center, University of Utah, with concert by Kenny Loggins. For tickets ($15), call 467-5996 or (800) 888-8499.

Alpine skiing. January 3: men's super-giant slalom, 10 A.M. at Snowbasin (near Ogden). January 6 and 7: men's downhill, 10 A.M. at Snowbasin. January 8: women's slalom, 10 A.M. at Park City.

Cross-country skiing. January 7: 3.5- to 20-kilometer races, 10 A.M. at Jeremy Ranch Cross Country Ski Area, 15 miles east of Salt Lake City on I-15. January 8: marathon, 10 A.M. at Jeremy Ranch.

Figure skating. January 12: 5 to 9 PM. at Bountiful Recreation Center, 150 W. 600 North Street, Bountiful; 298-6120.

Hockey. January 14: Utah Winter Games high school championships, 8:15 PM. at Cottonwood Heights Auditorium, 7500 S. 2700 East Street, Salt Lake City.