January 06, 2011 – Winter Trails takes place this Saturday, January 8, 2011 at over 80 locations nationwide. Winter Trails offers children and adults, new to snow sports, a chance to try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing FREE at venues throughout North America. There is no charge for the use of equipment or trails. Most locations offer snowshoeing AND cross country skiing. Some locations only offer snowshoeing. Current alpine skiers and/or snowboarders are also encouraged to try an alternative snow sport.

Winter Trails locations, hours and offerings are posted at www.wintertrails.org as they are announced. Venues include alpine resorts, Nordic centers, state parks, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service land. Details accompany each event’s listing on the Winter Trails website. Registration is also available on-site at each location.

There is no charge for equipment or trail fees. While most events take place on the “official date,” some are held on alternative dates. One of the largest – at Estes Park, Colorado – is being held on January 15, 2011 and is part of the Estes Park Winter Festival.

Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are winter outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by individuals, groups of friends and family members,” said Reese Brown, a Winter Trails organizer. “They are affordable, easy to learn and provide moderate to vigorous exercise, depending on an individual’s effort. With obesity rates in the U.S. at an all time high, Winter Trails can introduce active and not so active children and adults to sports that provide winter outdoor recreation.”

SnowSports Industries America (SIA), a national, non-profit trade association for snow sports suppliers, manages Winter Trails. Winter Trails sponsors and media partners included: Atlas, Backpacker Magazine, Crescent Moon Snowshoes, Cross Country Skier Magazine, MSR, Rossignol, SkiTrax, Snowshoe Magazine, Tubbs, Whitewoods, XCSkiresorts.com.