January 11, 2007- Today, the Catamount Trail Association (CTA) announced the hiring of Jim Fredericks as its new Executive Director. A native Vermonter, graduate of Johnson State College, and current resident of Underhill Center, VT, Fredericks has worked in the ski industry for the past 35 years and brings a lifetime of experience both as a businessman and a skier to the organization.

Fredericks, who recently left his 20-year position as Director of Nordic Racing for Rossignol Ski Company, was instrumental in initiating the first cross-country ski program at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury Common, VT, where he coached elite skiers and hosted national and regional Nordic events. He was responsible for producing some of the country’s top junior athletes while establishing the first cross-country ski team for the Green Mountain Valley School in Waitsfield, VT. Most recently, Fredericks developed one of the strongest Nordic programs in the US, working with over 60 Olympians and conducting hundreds of Nordic ski related clinics nationwide. Fredericks has competed nationally in Nordic skiing, cycling, and kayaking.

“Jim Fredericks brings a passion for all aspects of Nordic skiing to the Catamount Trail Association,” said Arnold Ziegel, Vice Chair of the CTA. “We’re confident that he’ll increase the visibility and recognition of the Catamount Trail through co-marketing, building CTA membership, and through his love of winter sports. Jim understands that the Catamount Trail can play a major role in Vermont in conservation as well as in the promotion and encouragement of winter sports both for the health of Vermonters and for the economic health of our state.”

“Sometimes you have to create a vision to entice people to take advantage of a unique opportunity,” said Fredericks. “I’m going to do that by bringing the Catamount Trail to Vermonters, Northeasterners, and skiers across the US.”

The Catamount Trail is a 300+ mile conserved public-access ski trail that spans the length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canada. The Catamount Trail and related trail networks are an economic asset for and a partner in conservation with the people and state of Vermont, as well as a unique resource for non-motorized winter recreation.

The Catamount Trail Association (CTA) develops, manages and conserves the Catamount Trail and builds partnerships to support it. Through promotion and use of the trail, CTA fosters awareness and stewardship of Vermont’s diverse landscapes. CTA also advocates backcountry and cross-country skiing for their quality of life, recreational, health, economic and educational benefits. The non-profit, member-driven Catamount Trail Association was founded in 1984.

For more information on the Catamount Trail, or to become a member of the Catamount Trail Association, visit www.catamounttrail.org