The annual nation-wide event – Winter Trails Day – is scheduled for this Saturday, January 7th, 2012 at over 80 locations nationwide. Despite a few locations reporting lower snowpack levels, excellent snowshoeing and cross country skiing conditions remain across the country. In fact, snowshoeing and cross country skiing both require less snow than most other winter activities.
Winter Trails offers children, adults and anyone new to snow sports, a chance to try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing FREE at venues throughout North America. During Winter Trails Day there is no charge for the use of equipment or trails. Most locations offer snowshoeing AND cross country skiing, however, some locations offer only snowshoeing demos. Current alpine skiers and/or snowboarders are also encouraged to try an alternative snow sport.
To find a Winter Trails event in your region go to: WinterTrails.org. Winter Trails locations, hours and offerings will be updated frequently at WinterTrails.org. Venues include alpine resorts, Nordic centers, state parks, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service land. Details accompany each event listing on the Winter Trails website. Registration is also available on-site at each location. For locations that have received absolutely no snow this season, events will be rescheduled for later in the year – be sure to check your local venue for specifics.
Most Winter Trails events take place on this weekend’s official Winter Trails Day, however others are held on alternative dates. One of the largest – at Estes Park, Colorado – is being held on Saturday, January 14th, 2012.
“In 2011, we had more than 11,000 people participate in Winter Trails events and we’re hoping to get even more people out this year,” commented Reese Brown, Winter Trails organizer. “With obesity rates in the U.S. at an all time high, Winter Trails introduces people to two classic winter sports. There’s really no excuse; everyone can enjoy being outdoors during the winter months,” added Brown.
SnowSports Industries America (SIA), a national, non-profit trade association for snow sports suppliers, manages Winter Trails. Winter Trails sponsors and media partners include: Alpina Sports, Atlas Snowshoes, Backpacker Magazine, Crescent Moon Snowshoes, Cross Country Skier Magazine, Fischer Skis, Madshus, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Rossignol, Salomon, SkiTrax Magazine, Snowshoe Magazine, Swix, Tubbs, Whitewoods and XCSkiresorts.com.
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