Baby, it's cold outside, so you might as well enjoy it. SnowSports Industries America designates January as Learna Snow Sport month, and many ski areas are offering novices free cross-country ski and snowshoe rental and instruction for Winter Trails Day on Saturday. The group's Mary Jo Tarallo shares thoughts on some of those spots with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.
Weston Ski Track
Weston, Mass.
"Weston Ski Track has scenic trails along the Charles River, 20 minutes west of Boston, (with) consistent snow conditions through February," Tarallo says. "The close proximity to Boston allows visitors to go snowshoeing or skiing in the morning and enjoy the sights of the city in the afternoon." Get free snowshoe trail passes and try out snowshoe demos on Saturday. 781...; skiboston.com/skitrack/events/specialevents.php
Sugar Mountain Resort
Village of Sugar Mountain, N.C.
"Although Sugar primarily is known for skiing and riding, parts of that same terrain doubles as snowshoe trails, and there is plenty to enjoy," Tarallo says. "Those who prefer a less energetic climb can meander along the easier pitch of lower mountain trails." Guided snowshoe tours are free this Saturday. 800-784-2768; skisugar.com
White River West Sno-Park
Mount Hood, Ore.
"White River West Sno-Park is an undeveloped snow play area near Mount Hood where an introduction to snowshoeing with free use of snowshoes (and cross-country skis) from REI will be available for first-time users from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday," Tarallo says. Free, guided hikes also will be offered. Parking passes, available at local sporting goods stores, are $3. 503-617-6072; rei.com/stores/hillsboro/index.html
Cross Country Ski Headquarters
Roscommon, Mich.
"Learn how to fall down and get back up again, then go on a tour to Trappers Cabin for free hot dogs, hot cocoa and a bonfire," Tarallo says of the activities planned for Saturday. They're open to first-time snowshoers trying out their prowess on 22 kilometers of trails. 800-832-2663; cross-country-ski.com
Kirkwood Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center
Kirkwood, Calif.
"The trails here meander through serene meadows along scenic ridgelines with wide-open views of the Sierra. The trails are machine-groomed, with special snowshoe lanes next to the ski lanes," Tarallo says. Beginners can try out snowshoes for free on Saturday. Or make a reservation for free cross-country ski lessons, also on Saturday. 209-258-7248; kirkwood.com/pages/x-countrycenter/x-cevents.asp
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park, Colo.
"The Estes Park Winter Trails event on Jan. 16 in Rocky Mountain National Park is part of the town's Winter Festival and Earth Fest Celebration, Jan. 15-18," Tarallo says. Snowshoes and demonstrations are free, but a $20 national park entry fee applies. 800-443-7837; estesparkcvb.com
Soldier Hollow Cross Country Ski Resort
Midway, Utah
"Many new, easy trails have been added since the Winter Olympics were held here in 2002," Tarallo says of this resort in the Heber Valley, about an hour from Salt Lake City. Participants get free lessons, ski equipment and snowshoes from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Soldier Hollow also sponsors Ski for Light, a cross-country ski program for the visually impaired. 435-654-2002; soldierhollow.com
Fort Snelling State Park
St. Paul
Fort Snelling State Park staff and local outdoor organizations will provide snowshoe demos, geocaching for beginners, naturalist-led hikes and dog sledding information at Picnic Shelter A. "Enjoy a big bonfire, sip hot cocoa and celebrate winter," Tarallo says. 612-725-2724; wintertrails.org
Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Adventure Center
Smugglers' Notch, Vt.
"The trail network here features beautiful cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for every level from beginner to expert," Tarallo says. "On Saturday, this family-friendly center is providing an afternoon of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing free for those new to both sports." 802...; smuggs.com/pages/winter/skiride/winter-events.php
Bretton Woods Nordic Center
Bretton Woods, N.H.
"Located at the base of Mount Washington with spectacular views of the White Mountains, the 62-mile trail network here passes through open fields, glades of spruce trees and along beaver ponds and streams," Tarallo says. On Saturday, trail passes and rentals are free for first-time cross-country skiers and snowshoers. A free introductory cross-country clinic also will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. 603-278-3322; brettonwoods.com/nordic
1 comment:
Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunningly beautiful place and snowshoeing in the winter is a good way to get out and away from the crowds. There is plenty to do in Estes Park after your snowshoe, so check it out.
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