The 14th annual Winter Trails day will give children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for free at Snoqualmie Pass.

Winter Trails day is 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Mountaineers Snoqualmie campus, located just off the main frontage road near I-90.

Through easy-to-learn activities, participants can have fun and discover the health and fitness benefits of snow sports. Equipment is provided free by venue or product suppliers and will offer educational programs, clinics and guided tours.

Winter Trails is presented through a partnership between SnowSports Industries America, the not-for-profit member-owned trade association representing snow and winter sports companies, American Hiking Society, a recreation–based conservation organization that promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience, and Cross Country Ski Areas Association, a national organization representing Nordic Centers across North America.

Winter Trails is a great way to learn winter outdoor activities that are fun and easy to do with friends and family. Snowshoeing is similar to walking and has a short learning curve. Learning the sport can earn points towards a President’s Challenge for Active Lifestyle Award.

In 2008, more than 11,000 people participated in Winter Trails and together burned 6 million calories per hour. The average person can burn 500 calories per hour by snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing.

To reach the Mountaineers’ main campus, take Exit 53 on I-90 and turn right. Take a left at the ‘T’ intersection and go about 300 yards. Park in the state Department of Transportation lot on the left side of the road, or along the road itself. Watch for the banner for Winter Trails Day that marks the short, easy trail to the lodge and event site.

For more information, visit www.wintertrails.org, call (206) 284-6310 or e-mail to clubmail@mountaineers.org.

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