Ever wanted to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing but figured the equipment rental and other fees were just too pricey? Then this would be your weekend -- as long as you're in an area that's had some snow this year.
Winter Trails Day is Saturday, when more than 120 trails across the country and Canada will offer free events, including equipment rental. Why? They want to promote their sports and give newbies a chance to try.
"It's OK to go outside in the winter time," says Mary Jo Tarallo, the education and special projects director at SnowSports Industries America. "It offers an alternative of things to do that involves movement, instead of sitting in front of a television set."
But unseasonably warm weather in the Northeast and Midwest is threatening some locations for the event that drew 12,000 people last year. So far, six operators have either canceled or changed locations.
Overall, organizers don't expect the weather to impact the event too much.
"It's pretty unusual," Tarallo said. "We're just telling people to call ahead."
The Web site for Weston Ski Track in Weston, Mass reported: "While we do have some manmade snow, we have decided to postpone the event."
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WINTER SPORT STATS
-- Snow sports, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding, can burn 300 to 700 calories per hour, according to SnowSport Industries America.
-- More than 16 million Americans participate in snow sports, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.
-- Snowboard sales increased 21 percent to $190 million and alpine snow skiing equipment rose 6 percent to $282 million in sales, according to a Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association report from 2006.
-- How much snow do you need for good snowshoeing or cross-country skiing? Between 6 and 8 inches, Tarallo says.
-- What is manmade snow? Machines actually creates snow crystals, Tarallo says. She said manmade snow tends to have more moisture content than snow that falls out of the sky.
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Want more information?
Check out: Winterfeelsgood.com
