Share |
Print Article
Family Travel Files Ezine Family Vacations Resource
USA: WinterTrails Celebrates Free Winter Family Fun - Learn a Snow Sport. Winter Trails offers children and adults who are new to snow sports a chance to try snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing FREE at venues throughout North America.
 
Here’s the scoop. January is officially Learn to Ski & Board Month but that is not the only thing going on for families. Add to that cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. Basically it is about celebrating winter with snow. I love this idea because it has so many benefits at so many levels and best of all it is pure family fun. (From my words you may conclude I was born in a snow state.) Bonus points: During the month look for Winter Trails Day which involves almost 100 resorts and Nordic Centers nationwide, and gets more than 11,000 kids and adults on the snow each year.

Here's the deal.
We at FTF have been announcing this program for more than a decade because it  spans the country and each season offers super deals and maybe even new ways to share the fun with your  kids. There is no charge for the use of equipment and trails; most locations offer snowshoeing and cross-country-skiing.
 
During January all ages and family combinations are invited to enjoy the fun including Alpine skiers and/or snowboarders are always encouraged to try an alternative snow sport. Organizers have made registration easy with an online service that allows participants to sign up for their preferred location before arriving at a selected event. Those who register on-line have the chance to win prizes from sponsors. But really, anyone who participates wins. Bonus points: Nevermind all the free stuff and remember cross-country skiing and snow shoeing burn calories so you can eat all the chocolate or pasta you want.

Winter Trails locations, hours and offerings are posted at WinterTrails.org and venues include popular alpine resorts (Sugar Mountain Resort in Boone, North Carolina for example), Nordic centers, state parks, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service land. Details accompany each event’s listing on the Winter Trails website.  Registration also is available on-site at each location.

Locations on the planet.
As I post this page the snow sports locations for 2012 include Alaska, California,  Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan,  Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wahington State, West Virginia, and Vermont. Check the website for additions as January nears.

Here’s the family bonus.
Look for regional pass port programs which allow kids to ski for free at participating area resorts. 

Winter Trails is part of Learn a Snow Sport Month, set for the entire month of January, 2012. Information about other snow sports learning programs will be listed at www.winterfeelsgood.com and individual programs can be accessed via www.learnasnowsport.org
 
SnowSports Industries America (SIA), a national, non-profit trade association for snow sports suppliers, manages Winter Trails in partnership with the American Hiking Society (AHS) and the Cross Country Ski Areas Association (CCSAA). Comments by Nancy Nelson-Duac , Editor  FtF. Copyright 2011.
Share |
RELATED ARTICLES
West Virginia: Beckley, Spring Breaks with Tubing, Ziplining, and a Cavern Adventure.
Off grid definitely describes a family spring break in Southern West Virginia. Affordable and easy paced the area offers plenty for families to share including hiking, fishing, biking, ziplining, and stargazing plus a cavern adventure.
US: Rocky Mountain States - Spring Break Family Vacations with Skiing, Snow Tubing, and Waterpark Fun.
From Montana and Colorado to Utah and Wyoming we have family vacation ideas to cure spring fever. The good stuff awaits – take a spring break with your kids.
New Hampshire: Madison, Purity Spring Resort Celebrating 100 Years of All-Season Family Vacations.
Escape, relax, and make memories in the beautiful White Mountains - the perfect family vacation formula. Add sleigh rides, snow angels and skiing and the picture is complete.
North Carolina: Boone, Family Vacations with Snowy Downhill Thrills—No Skill Needed.
In the dictionary after the words winter fun it should say, see also – snow tubing high energy fun with squeals laughter included.
USA: Free or Almost Free – Seven Great Ski Vacation Deals for Families.
We are watching for the season’s best snowy family vacations and the latest ski deals for families including ski free days, kids fly free, kids stay free, and free snow tubing times.

Read More Articles

FAMILY VACATION IDEAS
Best Western Westfield Inn

Kid Friendly, & Member of the Green Hotels Association. [Read More]

The Ashley Inn and Suites

Stay just a stone’s throw of sandy beaches, and shopping. [Read More]

Bighorn Rentals

Escape to the mountains, family fun awaits. [Read More]

Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort

Best spot to combine family beach time and golf. [Read More]

Hamilton Cay Rentals

Family beach vacation base on the Outer Banks. [Read More]

Lionshead Inn

Discover a special kind of value, created by the friendly staff and the casual Rocky Mountain atmosphere. [Read More]

Marine Village Resort

We look forward to having you and your family as our guests. [Read More]

Mountain Creek Appalachian Resort

Relaxing is only half of what there is to do in Vernon. [Read More]

Purgatory Lodge

Escape to a retreat that is deep in the mountains, but right in the middle of all that the Durango area has to offer. [Read More]

Rabbit Ears Motel

Where summer and winter family fun abounds. [Read More]

Rumbling Bald Resort

An ideal setting for reunions, weddings, and year-round golf. [Read More]

Sand and Sea Condominium Resort Hotel

The first and friendliest condominium resort hotel in Seaside. [Read More]

Peek n Peak Resort and Spa

Treat yourself to an unforgettable family vacation in Western New York. [Read More]

The White Mountain Hotel and Resort

North Conway and the Mt. Washington Valley are known for an abundance of family activities to keep active. [Read More]

Running Y Resort

Make us your family vacation base. [Read More]

Green Mountain Ski and Golf Resort

Vacation with us and experience the warmth and charm of Vermont. [Read More]

Denali National Park's McKinley Lodge

Heading north to Alaska? Stay here, it' s place every family should visit in Alaska. [Read More]

Hawthorn Suites Anchorage

"More Of What You Need When You Need It". [Read More]

Earth Shine Mountain Lodge

Come watch the earth and shine with your family. [Read More]

Chena Hot Springs Resort

Stay in one of our 70 rooms, eight suites, eight cabins or in our yurt. Open year round, snow shoeing, sleigh rides, sled dogs and mushing for fun. [Read More]

See More Family Vacation Ideas


Use of Travel Communications, Inc., websites constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use.
Site designed and hosted by Tempest Technologies, LLC