20th Annual Winter Trails Day takes place January 10 nationwide

Discover the fitness and social benefits of cross country skiing and snowshoeing

The 20th annual Winter Trails Day is on January 10, 2015 and involves almost 100 resorts and Nordic Centers nationwide, and gets 11,000 kids and adults on the snow each year.

Winter Trails Day offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for free, and to discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter sports.

Winter Trails programs and activities vary in size and scope, as each venue chooses a program that will introduce these sports to their communities. Each Winter Trails event is run by a local organization or business. Most Winter Trails events are located at Nordic centers or on public lands operated by the U.S. Forest Service or the National Parks Service. Many locations offer education programs and trail tours. Equipment and trail fees are free.

For a complete nationwide listing, visit wintertrails.org. Participating California venues are listed below. For information about Winter Trails, please contact Reese Brown (rbrown@snowsports.org) 802-236-3021.

Winter Trails Day – California Venues

Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area
925 Country Club Drive
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 583-5475
ski@tahoexc.org
www.tahoexc.org
Date: 1/10/15
Time: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Advance registration required
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing

A great opportunity to get started cross country skiing or snowshoeing! Free Trail Pass and Snowshoe or Cross Country Ski Rental for first-time participants. Free Beginning XC Ski Lessons available at 1pm, 2pm
Trailhead BBQ at the base lodge 11:30am to 2pm.

Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Resort
15275 Alder Creek Road
Truckee, CA 96161
(916) 641-7470
eharrin@rei.com
www.REI.com/Sacramento
Date: 1/10/15
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
This event is SOLD OUT
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing

REI and Tahoe Donner invite you to join in this national winter celebration at Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area in Truckee, CA. Winter Trails Day offers those new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for free, and discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter activities.

Kirkwood Cross Country and Snowshoe Center
Highway 88
Kirkwood, CA 96120
(209) 258-7248
debbiwaldear@gmail.com
www.kirkwood.com
Date: 1/10/15
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Advance registration required
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing

Kirkwood Cross Country will be offering FREE mini beginning ski lessons, this free package will include lesson and equipment rental, there will be a discounted trail pass charge for those that wish to ski after the lesson. The lessons will be on the hour every hour starting at 10am through 2pm, reservations are required. Call 209-258-7248 for more information. FREE snowshoes demos will also be offered from 10am to 2pm, please check in at the front desk on event to sign up.

Lassen Volcanic National Park
Mineral, Mill Creek and Chester, CA
(530) 595-4480
lavo_information@nps.gov
www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/ranger_led_programs.htm
Date: 1/10/15
Time: 1:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Advance registration required for organization groups, but not for families or individuals. A $1 donation is requested to cover maintenance costs.
Snowshoeing

Lassen Volcanic National Park invites visitors to participate in free, ranger-led snowshoe walks. (Snowshoes are provided.) Ranger-led snowshoe walks are an excellent way to learn or practice snowshoeing techniques and explore Lassen in its winter form. Route and distance varies depending on group ability and fitness. At the beginning of each snowshoe walk, a ranger will demonstrate how to put on snowshoes and how to move around. Once the basic techniques are covered, the group heads out into the snow and the adventure begins! Walks are open to those eight years of age and older; children in carriers are not allowed due to safety concerns.

Bear Valley Cross Country
1 Bear Valley Road
Bear Valley, CA
(209) 753-2834
bvxc@sbcglobal.net
www.bearvalleyxc.com
Date: 1/10/15
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Advance registration required by January 7; call 209-753-2834 (no online registration)
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing

Bear Valley Cross Country will offer first-time, never before cross country skiers (ages 9 and up) a one-time-only free introductory cross country ski package, including beginner lesson, equipment rental and trail pass (a $57 value). After completing the lesson, skiers will receive a discount coupon good for more savings on future visits. Snowshoe demos will also be available for registered participants to try out, as well. A $5 preregistration fee is required to participate in this event.

Rim Nordic Ski Area
5 Miles East of Running Springs
Running Springs, CA 92382
(909) 867-2600
rimnordic@verizon.net
www.rimnordic.com
Date: 1/10/15
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
First come, first serve
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing

FREE rentals & pass available for those wishing to participate in the Winter Trails Day experience. Group lesson will be available at 1:30pm at no cost. From 1-4pm, afternoon session for skiing & snowshoeing. First come, first serve on all equipment rentals. Deposit will be required on all equipment rented, as well as forms & releases signed. No reservations will be taken for this event.

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Read more about cross country skiing and snowshoeing in these articles:

Fresh Hope on the Summit by Pete Gauvin

Tahoe on Skinny Skis by Tim Hauserman

Donner Pass: Your best bet for Tahoe Backcountry by Brennan Lagasseby