October 1, 2003 (McLean, VA) – SnowSports Industries America (SIA) announced today that Winter Trails, a free program that introduces the public to snowshoeing, will expand this year to potentially 100 Nordic Centers that are members of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA). SIA and the American Hiking Society (AHS) have organized Winter Trails for eight consecutive years. This year's event, which takes place on January 17, 2004, gives individuals the opportunity to experience the benefits of snowshoeing at a convenient venue. Winter Trails is the newest addition to the Winter Feels Good (WFG) program, a public awareness campaign developed by SIA that encourages health and fitness through winter sports participation.

“This is an opportunity to introduce a wider scope of people to snowshoeing at Nordic Centers,” said Karen Righthand, marketing director of Atlas Snow-Shoe Co. and chairman of Winter Trails Task Force. “Winter Trails has been a popular event for several years and we are thrilled to be partnering this year with the Cross Country Ski Areas Association. The combined efforts of SIA, AHS and CCSAA will make Winter Trails bigger and better than ever.”

WFG is a nationwide public awareness campaign that promotes the health, fitness and social aspects as benefits of snow sports participation. This initiative, which is part of SIA's national consumer program Project Kids, includes: an educational component through its website, www.winterfeelsgood.com, information and statistics, a community outreach program and a media relations component.

“We are pleased to be working more closely with SIA,” said Chris Frado, president of CCSAA. “This partnership will enable us to educate more people about the benefits of winter sports, in general. This collaboration will also provide more information about snow sports and, most importantly, that participating in winter sports is an excellent way to stay healthy.”

Locations for the expansion of Winter Trails will be announced shortly.

CCSAA encourages participation in snow sports for many reasons. For more information on the CCSAA, visit www.xcski.org. For more information on WINTER TRAILS, visit www.wintertrails.org and for information about WFG, visit, www.winterfeelsgood.com.