If you think an outdoor cross country skiing or snowshoeing adventure sounds appealing, but you've never tried either sport, you can sample both for free at cold-weather resorts around the country. During the 15th annual Winter Trails Day, January 9, 2010, approximately 100 ski areas across the country offer free learn to downhill ski, free cross country skiing and free snowshoe lessons. Choices range from Kirkwood XC Area and Snowshoe Center in Kirkwood, CA, to Keystone Resort and Echo Lake in Colorado to Catamount Outdoor Center, VT. Some of the areas also offer guided nature hikes on Winter Trails Day.
During the rest of the month, there are plenty of learn-to deals for first-time and novice downhill ski and snowboard lessons. For example, New Hampshire's Learn to Ski & Ride Free Week is January 4-10. During this week, 14 NH ski areas offer a limited number of free learn to ski or snowboard packages. These packages include equipment rentals, a beginner lesson and beginner lift ticket to those who register in advance. Participants must visit www.SkiNH.com/LASSM to register and download a Learn to Ski or Ride Free Coupon; they then contact one of the 14 participating areas to make a reservation for a specific day.
Winter Feels Good Web Site Gateway to Outdoor Adventures
The Winter Feels Good website is an excellent starting point if you want to enjoy outdoor adventures in the wintertime. Here, you can find the Learn-a-Sport Tool Kit, which tells parents how to clothe, prep to enjoy, and take elementary-school kids snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The Winter Feel Good site also links you to the Snowmonsters, a popular website for kids who enjoy snowsports, and gives you access to purchasing such CDs as "Learn to Freeride" or the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association CDs with training method used for national teams.
Where to Find More Info
Visit Winter Feels Good for all sorts of information about getting yourself into various outdoor winter sports. The site lists the annual Winter Trail Day dates, and has links to the many resorts and ski areas offering free ski lessons in January. Events are updated regularly.
