November 2, 2008 (Boulder, Colorado) – Jonathan Wiesel is the first to admit that he’s a lucky guy. Over the years, he’s visited more than 300 cross-country ski areas, resorts, and groomed trail systems – all in the process of writing one book and more than 1,000 articles on cross-country skiing. And just the other day he was talking skiing with the youngest member of the von Trapp family (of The Sound of Music fame). And now he’s sharing his experiences and information. His new book, Cross-Country Ski Getaways, gives detailed information about nearly 100 of his favorite cross-country ski destinations in the U.S. and Canada – and tells readers why they’re special.

They run the gamut: from budget to luxury – places that work well for families, singles, and honeymooners – destinations that are great for those who’ve never skied to those who’ve been skiing all their lives. Also included is information on other winter activities available at or near the destinations, including snowshoeing, sledding, sleigh rides, and alpine skiing.
Cross-Country Ski Getaways is available online at www.crosscountryskifun.com; the e-book edition – which readers can print or read online – is $9.95 (U.S.). Previous print editions of the book received a lot of acclaim from the Nordic ski world and from the media (read reviews here).

Wiesel has also launched a new web site for those interested in cross-country skiing www.crosscountryskifun.com has:
– An interactive, question-and-answer feature
– A blog that celebrates the joys of cross-country skiing and passes on new information
– Ski area photos and web site links
– Podcasts and interviews about cross-country skiing and ski destinations

The most recent audio interview is with Johannes von Trapp, President/General Manager of the Trapp Family Lodge and youngest member of the original von Trapp family (Maria von Trapp and Captain von Trapp were his parents). He talks about his historic lodge – the first Nordic ski center in the U.S. – and answers the question: What was it like to grow up in a family that’s a household name?

As for author/cross-country ski expert Wiesel, he’s enjoyed all the conversations he’s had and all the traveling he’s done to create this new book and web site. “The simple truth is this: I’m passionate about cross-country skiing,” says Wiesel. “When people ask me what I enjoy about it, I tell them that I have a whole list: being outdoors, the beauty of it, the fact that people of many levels and abilities can enjoy it, the fitness aspect of it – and that, depending on where you go, you can have a gourmet meal at the end of the day, or soak in a hot tub under the stars, or try other winter activities, like snowshoeing.”

To see states/provinces included in Cross-Country Ski Getaways, visit here and scroll down to see the table of contents or to read two of the ski area listings included in the book.

About Jonathan Wiesel
Jonathan Wiesel knows the cross-country ski world inside and out, having worked as a ski instructor and ski school director, backcountry guide, professional trips planner, international trips leader, ski area owner, and writer. He’s also the founder of Nordic Group International, one of North America’s leading recreational trails planning firms. Jonathan is available for and experienced with interviews (radio, TV, newspapers, magazines, and online). For more information about him click here.