Winter Trails® 2010 Fact Sheet

When: Saturday, January 9, 2010 (Note: The Estes Park, Colo., event date will be posted as soon as it has been announced.)

Program: Winter Trails is an event where children and adults can try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing FREE at locations in the U.S. and Canada. Winter Trails, now in its 15th year, offers entire families or groups of friends, regardless of age, an opportunity to get outside in the winter and enjoy a day on snow. Both snowshoeing and cross country skiing provide exercise, a chance to enjoy nature and they involve a minimal to modest learning curve.  

The size and scope of Winter Trails events vary from location to location. All provide the necessary equipment and assistance and many include short nature hikes and other activities. Most offer both snowshoeing and cross country skiing but a few offer one or the other. The Event Sites section on this site lists details about all Winter Trails locations and is updated weekly up until the January events. (Most 2010 Winter Trails locations will be posted on or about mid November.) However, locations will be added until the date of the event so check back weekly for additions.The site also includes practical information about getting started and how to dress.

Target Audience

• Hikers/Walkers
• Women
• Families/Kids
• Recreational and Active Lifestyle Enthusiasts
• Individuals with no winter sport

Benefits: A major focus of Winter Trails ® is showcasing the health benefits of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as low-impact aerobic activities that incorporate strength and endurance training - especially relevant as obesity rates in the US are reaching epidemic levels.

Calendar of Events: The day-long events are geared toward families, hikers and fitness walkers, recreational enthusiasts, school groups and youth organizations new to snow sports. Events will include:

• Basics of getting started
• How to dress
• Picking the right gear
• Having fun with kids
  

Winter Trails ® Organizers: SnowSports Industries America (www.thesnowtrade.org), American Hiking Society (www.americanhiking.org), Cross Country Ski Areas Association (www.xcski.org)

2010 Winter Trails ® Sponsors: Atlas, MSR, Kahtoola, Tubbs, Leki, Rossignol, Grabber, Whitewoods, and Columbia Sportswear. Media partners are Cross Country Skier magazine, www.snowshoemag.com, OnTheSnow.com, SkiTrax and XCSkiResorts.com.

Press Contacts:

Mary Jo Tarallo, SIA, 703.506.4202,mjtarallo@thesnowtrade.org