SAM Magazine-McLean, Va., Jan. 12, 2011-Winter Trails, a series of free, learn-to events for snowshoe and cross-country organized by Snowsports Industries America (SIA), drew good crowds to more than 80 local events across the country on Saturday, Jan. 8. Favorable weather in almost every part of the country helped boost attendance at comparable events about 10 percent higher than last year.

"This is very exciting to see," said Reese Brown, Winter Trails administrator. With some visit totals yet to be reported from some locations, and with a few more events still on the schedule, he added, "we hope this trend continues."

Most Winter Trails locations offer both snowshoeing and cross country skiing, though some offer only snowshoeing. Five events remain, including four this coming Jan. 15 in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, and New York. A final event is set for Mar. 5 in Massachusetts.