California Winter Trails Day Jan. 10: Try Snowshoeing, Cross-Country

There's more to having fun in the California snow than doing laps on your favorite chairlift.

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

Among the California sites for Winter Trails Day are Bear Valley Cross Country, which will conduct a morning learn to ski session and have snowshoe demos available; Kirkwood Cross Country, which will offer free snowshoe demos from 10 a.m. and REI Outdoor School instructors will provide guided tours; Royal Gorge, which will provide complimentary equipment and trail use for those new to cross-country skiing (online reservations a must); Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area, which will have free lessons and rentals (reservations a must; call (530) 583-5475); and Sierra-at-Tahoe, which will have a limited supply of snowshoes to test on their trails.

Northstar-at-Tahoe and Nordic Rim Ski Area also plan to be involved but neither has determined in what fashion yet.

Check out complete details online for all Winter Trails Day activities.