December 14, 2005 – For the first time since its inception 11 years ago, Winter Trails will take place at more than 100 locations in the U.S. and Canada. This international event offers those NEW to snow sports an opportunity to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing free at venues hosting a Winter Trails Day event. January 7, 2006, is the official Winter Trails Day although some venues are hosting programs on a different date and all information is posted at www.wintertrails.org. The largest event – at Estes Park, Co – takes place on February 18, 2006. The majority of events are scheduled at Nordic Centers that are members of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA). Two alpine ski areas – Blue Knob and Liberty Mountain in Pennsylvania – are hosting events and the rest will be located at national, state or local parks.

“Winter Trails is a great example of multiple companies and organizations coming together to stage an event that gives people a chance to sample snow sports and get outdoors in the winter,” said David Ingemie, president of SIA. “We are pleased to see how this program has grown over the years and gratified at the level of cooperation of the companies and individuals who make it happen.”

Venues in 25 states and four Canadian provinces are participating in the Winter Trails program this year. Vermont tops the list with 12 Winter Trails events. New Hampshire is not far behind with eight events. Massachusetts, Michigan, and California each have seven events listed on the www.wintertrails.org Web site as of today. Twenty-one product and media companies in the snow sports industry are sponsoring the program along with Nature Valley granola bars. Winter Trails is organized by SIA in partnership with the CCSAA and the American Hiking Society (AHS) to offer those new to snow sports an opportunity to try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing free. Winter Trails is a part of SIA’s Winter Feels Good program to promote the health, fitness and social benefits of snow sports.

“Winter Trails is a unique event since it offers an opportunity to try two snow sports at so many locations,” said Chris Frado, executive director of CCSAA. “Our Nordic Center members are pleased to welcome newcomers to snow sports through this program.”

Sponsors for Winter Trails 2006 are founding companies Atlas Snowshoe-Company, Mountain Safety Research (MSR), Redfeather Snowshoes and Tubbs Snowshoes along with official outerwear sponsor W.L. Gore and Associates, Columbia Sportswear Company, Sorel boots, Manzella gloves, Alpina, Atomic, Exel, Fischer, Karhu, Rossignol, Salomon, Swix, Whitewoods, Cross Country Skier magazine, Ski Trax magazine, Snowshoe magazine and XCSKIResorts.com.