Learn to Snowshoe or Cross-Country Ski at Winter Trails 2008

December 19, 2007

Winter Trails, an annual international event that introduces newcomers to snow sports, will take place on Saturday, January 12, 2008, at more than 100 locations in the U.S. and Canada. A second event is scheduled for February 16, 2008, at Estes Park, Colorado. Winter Trails day offers free snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing for children and adults new to snow sports. Last year, Winter Trails events took place in 25 states and four Canadian provinces. Overall, more than 12,000 children and adults participated in 2007.

“During the cold months, we slow down and hibernate, adding pounds to the waistline. Winter Trails is a great way to learn winter outdoor activities that are fun and create new accomplishments,” said David Ingemie, president of SIA. “Winter sports burn many calories- about 500 per hour. Participating in sports from cross-country skiing to snowshoeing keeps one fit and active.”

Winter Trails Day is part of the “Winter Feels Good” (www.winterfeelsgood.com) grassroots public awareness campaign that promotes health, fitness, and social benefits of snow sports participation. The events are held at Nordic Centers, U.S. Forest Service and Parks lands, and at selected local ski resorts. Equipment is provided free by venue or product suppliers. Many venues offer educational programs, lessons, clinics and guided tours. In addition, participants can develop lifelong skills and points toward a President’s Challenge Award from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. To learn more about locations and times, visit www.wintertrails.org.

Winter Trails is organized by SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the American Hiking Society (AHS), and the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA). Sponsors in 2008 include: Atlas Snow-shoes, Alpina, Atomic, Columbia Sportswear, Cross Country Skier magazine, Exel, Fischer, Grabber, Kahtoola, Karhu, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Nature Valley, OnTheSnow.com, Pepsi, Redfeather, Rossignol, Salomon, SkiTrax, Sorel, Swix, Tubbs Snowshoes, Turtle Fur, Whitewoods, XCSKIResorts.com, W.L. Gore and Associates, makers of Gore-Tex, and Yukon Charlie’s.

posted December 19, 2007