Ralston is featured speaker at Snowbird gala

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Aron Ralston, the outdoorsman who had to cut off part of an arm to free himself from a rock fall in southern Utah, will be the featured speaker Dec. 28 at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort's annual Summit Gala.

Now an engineer and motivational speaker, Ralston became famous after he accidentally dislodged a boulder that pinned his right hand while canyoneering in the redrock country outside of Moab in 2003. He was trapped for five days before using a multi-tool knife to extricate himself.

Besides his speech, the gala will have live and silent auctions. Live auction items include a chair from the original Gad 1 lift, sections of Tram haul rope and a heli-skiing trip to the Ruby Mountains near Elko, Nev.

The gala in the Cliff Lodge costs $250 per person or $2,250 for a table of 10. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. Reservations may be made by calling 801-933-2112.