Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

There's more to having fun in the snow than hanging out at your local terrain park or doing laps on your favorite chair lift.

You'll have the opportunity to find out how Jan. 10 when the SnowSports Industry of America - whose slogan is "Winter feels good" - conducts its Winter Trails Day, an annual national promotion to get children and adults to try snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing at relatively little or, generally, no cost.

The Pacific Northwest is no exception.

Among Washington sites for Winter Trails Day are 49 Degrees North Nordic Center in Chewelah, which will open its cross-country and snowshoe trails to first-timers for free, equipment included, and at Snoqualmie Pass, under the auspices of the Mountaineers, there will be free snowshoeing and environmental education activities. Badger Ski Hill in Waterville will also take part in Winter Trails Day but has not released details yet.

There will be free guided snowshoe tours and winter safety talks conducted by the NW Avalanche Center in Oregon at the White River West Sno-Park on Mt. Hood,and REI will be handing out coffee and hot chocolate.