The opportunity for consumers to experience cross country skiing will be added to the 2005 Winter Trails program organized by SIA and the American Hiking Society. Historically a snowshoe event, Winter Trails celebrates its tenth anniversary next year. Since the inception of the program, snowshoe companies that are members of SIA have created venues that allow consumers to try snowshoeing free of charge. Winter Trails® is a component of SIA's Winter Feels Good public awareness campaign to promote the health, fitness and social benefits of snow sports.
“Winter Trails® has a great track record and is an ideal way to introduce people to snow sports. Including cross country skiing adds another terrific aerobic sport to the mix,” said Karen Righthand, marketing manager of Atlas Snow-Shoe Company and chairman of the Winter Trails® Task Force.
Last year, SIA and AHS partnered with the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA) to expand the program from 11 locations to an additional 68 Nordic Centers that are members of CCSAA. Participation grew 15 percent.
“We were very pleased to be involved with Winter Trails last year and we look forward to making snow sports even more accessible to more people during the 2005 Winter Trails,” said Chris Frado, executive director of CCSAA. “Since we represent Nordic Centers and cross country product suppliers, we are in a position to bring a lot of assets to the program.”
In 2005, Winter Trails® organizers hope to expand the program even further by including 100 Nordic Centers. Nearly all Nordic Centers that are members of CCSAA offer both snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Cross country ski suppliers are supporting the program along with snowshoe suppliers and members of CCSAA. Only a few Winter Trail® venues in 2005 will be snowshoe-only events.
“This is a great opportunity for us to offer more than one snow experience to consumers,” said Steve Kvinlaug, vice president of sales for Alpina Sports Corporation and chairman of SIA's cross country skiing committee. Participating cross country suppliers will be announced shortly.
“Winter Trails is a terrific way to start the new year out-of-doors and get active on trails people otherwise might not use in the winter,” states Mary Margaret Sloan, president of American Hiking Society. “We've always considered hiking a year-round activity no matter what region of the country you live in; however, traversing snow-covered trails is made easier on snowshoes or cross-country skis. We are excited to see the increased popularity of winter trail sports over the last ten years.”
Sponsors for the 2004 Winter Trails® were Atlas Snow-Shoe Company, Mountain Safety Research, Redfeather Snowshoes, Tubbs Snowshoes, Backpacker Magazine, Clif Bar and W.L. Gore and Associates.
