Details surrounding Winter Trails Day, SnowSports Industries America’s (SIA) nationwide demo day, have been released. Scheduled for Saturday, January 11, 2014, Winter Trails Days provides children and adults a chance to try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing free at venues throughout North America.
More than 11,000 adults and children participated in last year’s Winter Trails Day and this year’s program includes eight Anchor Sites, hosting larger regional events with a full day of activities including guided tours, educational clinics, animal tracking and family fun. Winter Trails programs will be held at 100 locations across the country from Massachusetts to Washington State. Go to WinterTrails.org for current information on all 2014 Winter Trails Day events.
“Snowpack and trail conditions are looking really good across the country and all the Winter Trails locations have fantastic programs in place, “commented Reese Brown, Winter Trails program organizer. “Winter Trails Day is just one of those rare opportunities to get the whole family outside having fun in the middle of winte.”
“When people take their first cross country ski lesson they get hooked on the fresh outdoor winter experience. They stay warmer than they ever thought and are amazed how much fun it is to glide in the groomed tracks,” added Lynne Frye, Instructor at Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon, Mich.
There is no charge for the use of equipment or trails on Winter Trails Day and most locations offer snowshoeing and cross country skiing, however, some offer only snowshoeing. Alpine skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to come out and try an alternative snow sport for the day.
2014 Anchor Sites:
Weston, MA – Great urban location at junction of Mass Pike and Route 495 close to Boston. This is a snowshoe only Winter Trails event, but also offers cross-country skiing at the location.
Ski Liberty, PA – Beautifully situated at a downhill ski area with full amenities, this is a snowshoe only event.
Fort Snelling State Park, MN – Cross-country skiing will be added to this annual snowshoe program. Other activities include geocaching, naturalist-guided hike, build a quinzee, learn about skijoring and dogsledding, keeping warm in winter, cold weather camping, and more.
Soldier Hollow, UT – Site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. After cruising the trails you can settle in at the lodge for hot cocoa by a cozy fireplace.
Tahoe Donner, CA – New Winter Trails location with over 200 km of trails, learn cross country skiing and snowshoe skills with REI’s Outdoor School plus family-friendly activities.
White River Sno Park, OR – A winter wonderland for the seasoned and first-time winter outdoorsman, guided tours will be available from Adventures Without Limits.
Snoqualmie Lodge, WA – Located near Snoqualmie pass, this is a snowshoe only event with educational clinics.
Winter Trails locations, hours, offerings and updates are posted at WinterTrails.org. 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. Advanced registration is suggested, but many sites also offer on-site registration. While most events take place on the “official” Winter Trails Day of January 11, 2014, some are held on alternative dates. Check location listings for specific information.
