December 15, 2004 – W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of
Gore-Tex and Windstopper fabrics, will again sponsor Winter Trails, a
free national program that introduces the public to snowshoeing and, new
this year, cross country skiing. The program celebrates its 10th
anniversary on January 8, 2005, with approximately 100 locations across
North America hosting Winter Trails events. W.L. Gore joins SnowSports
Industries America (SIA), the American Hiking Society (AHS), the Cross
Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) and other industry leaders in
supporting Winter Trails. This is W.L. Gore’s second year as an event
sponsor. Program details are available at www.wintertrails.org.

W.L. Gore is working with SIA to provide tips to Winter Trails participants
on “how to dress for outdoor winter activities” at selected venues. Gore
is also helping raise awareness for the American Heart Association’s Go Red
for Women, a campaign to inform and educate the public about the threat of
women’s heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among
women in the U.S. Regular indoor and outdoor exercise is one important way
to lower the risk of heart disease. Gore has provided several red GORE-TEXÆ
jackets for a give-away promotion at selected Winter TrailsÆ venues to draw
attention to the growing epidemic and the need to stay active throughout
the year.

“W.L. Gore & Associates, through its research and product development, has
developed fabric technologies that protect consumers from Mother Nature’s
winter moods,” said Cynthia Amon, Gore public relations. “Winter Trails
venues provide consumers a great way to experience our products such as
Windstopper N2S and Soft Shell garments and gloves, as well as Gore-Tex
XCR gloves and footwear. These products are comfortable and lightweight,
ideal for the aerobic activity in snowshoeing and cross country skiing.”

Nordic Centers that are members of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association
(CCSAA) will host the majority of sites for Winter Trails. Participating
centers will offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing demos on a
time-limited basis on their respective cross country ski trail networks in
various locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Nordic Center sites
join 11 additional Winter Trails venues that will host day-long programs.
Details about Winter Trails venues can be found at www.wintertrails.org.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Winter Trails again this year and
particularly pleased that some of our members will be involved with the Go
Red movement,” said Chris Frado, president of the CCSSA. “We look forward
to seeing a lot of people new to snow sports on the trail January 8th.”

Winter TrailsÆ is a free one-day event geared towards families, hikers and
fitness walkers, recreational enthusiasts, school groups and youth
organizations who are interested in learning more about the sport of
snowshoeing. Programs and activities will include the basics on getting
started, how to dress, picking the right shoe, kids activities and more.
Free guided hikes, tours and seminars will occur throughout the day at
every event site location. Winter Trails events will take place in the
following states, as well as Eastern and Western Canada:

-California
-Colorado
-Maine
-Maryland
-Massachusetts
-Michigan
-Montana
-New Jersey
-New Hampshire
-New York
-Oregon
-Pennsylvania
-Utah
-Vermont
-Washington
-W. Virginia