December 17, 2013 (Washington, D.C.) – Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are great exercise options for shedding those extra pounds from overindulgences during the holidays. And the 19th annual Winter Trails day on January 11, 2014 offers children and adults an opportunity to try both activities for FREE at participating locations throughout the U.S. Check for venues in your region at WinterTrails.org.

Winter Trails Day 2014 © Winter Trails

“Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are excellent aerobic activities,” said Reese Brown, director of the Winter Trails program. “They are fun to learn and appeal to the entire family. Plus, they offer a great way to keep the weight down after an overindulgent holiday.”

According to data compiled on the Fitness page on Snowlink.com, an adult can burn up to 550 calories per hour with a moderate snowshoe pace and about 700 calories per hour with a moderate cross country pace. A youth weighing 70 pounds can burn more than 240 calories per hour snowshoeing at a moderate pace and more than 200 calories per hour cross country skiing moderately.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than a third of the adult population in the U.S. 20 years of age and older are considered overweight or obese as are nearly one-third of children between the ages of two and 19.

Jessie Diggins, a Nordic athlete with the U.S. Ski Team, invites everyone to see for themselves the health benefits of cross country skiing. “You should come and join everyone out on the trails having fun. Learn about a healthy, really active, fun family sport. It is for all ages and all abilities. It’s a day to try it out, try equipment and take a lesson for free and get hooked on a great lifestyle.”

Participating Winter Trails Day locations provide FREE use of equipment or trails. Most locations offer snowshoeing AND cross country skiing, however, some offer only snowshoeing. Alpine skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to come out and try an alternative snow sport for the day. Register for a Winter Trails Day event near you.