Free Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing Get Newcomers onto the Snow

MONTPELIER, Vt. — If your New Year’s resolution included getting more exercise or learning something new, you’re in luck. Cross country and snowshoe centers across Vermont will offer free lessons, equipment and trail access to beginners on Saturday, January 10, as part of 2015 National Winter Trails Day.

The free day of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing was created to encourage children and adults to try a new snow sport. People who have never tried the sports will be welcomed with free or discounted rental equipment, lessons, and trail passes at ten resorts throughout Vermont.

“We participate in Winter Trails Day because we want everyone to learn to enjoy the sport of cross country skiing, and to know that they can actually enjoy the outdoors in winter, no matter their age,” said Hilary Linehan ofStrafford Nordic Center in Strafford, Vermont. “This is also why we offer our Kids Ski Day on the same date – so that the whole family can learn to ski and enjoy the sport together.” The Stafford Nordic Center will offer free group beginner lessons at 11am and 1 pm, and free trail passes. Equipment rental packages are available for $5-10.

The Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Adventure Center at Smugglers’ Notch will provide free rentals and short instructional sessions from noon until 4pm for first-time snowshoers and cross country skiers. The resort offers 30 kilometers of cross country ski trails and 24 kilometers of dedicated snowshoe trails that wander through meadows and woods.  Other resorts participating in Winter Trails Day include Bolton Valley Nordic Center, Blueberry Lake Cross Country and Snowshoeing Center, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Ole’s Cross Country Ski Center, Mountain Top Inn & Resort Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center, Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center, Rikert Nordic Center, and Jay Peak Nordic and Snowshoe Center.