I was emailed the following brochure, and I wanted to share it with the Colorado Community. It sounds like a great day of "playing" in the snow!


CELEBRATE NATIONAL WINTER TRAILSÒ
on SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2008
Estes Park, Colorado

EXPERIENCE A FREE DAY OF SNOWSHOEING AND CROSS COUNTRY SKIING EVENTS AT MORE THAN 100 LOCATIONS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA

WHAT: The 13th annual Winter Trails® event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and/ or cross-country skiing free at more than 100 locations in 25 states and four Canadian provinces. Through these easy-to-learn activities, participants can have fun and discover the health and fitness benefits of snow sports. Most Winter Trails venues are located at Nordic Centers while others are on National Forest and Park Service land and at snow resorts. Equipment is provided free by venue or product suppliers. Many venues offer educational programs, lessons, clinics and guided tours.

WHO: Winter Trails is presented through a partnership between SnowSports Industries America, the not-for-profit member-owned trade association representing snow and winter sports companies, American Hiking Society, a recreation –based conservation organization that promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience, and Cross Country Ski Areas Association, a national organization representing Nordic Centers across North America. .

WHERE: More than 100 venues across North America. Visit www.wintertrails.org for updates on locations and event details

WHEN: National Event on Saturday, January 12, 2008; Final Event at Estes Park, CO on Saturday, February, 16, 2008. Visit www.wintertrails.org for hours.

WHY: Winter Trails is a great way to learn winter outdoor activities that are fun and easy to do with friends and family. Snowshoeing is similar to walking and has the shortest learning curve, while cross country skiing offers total body aerobic exercise. Learning either sport can earn points towards a President’s Challenge for Active Lifestyle Award. In 2006, more than 12,000 people partook in Winter Trails and together burned 6 million calories per hour. The average person can burn 500 calories per hour by snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing.