Contact:
Mary Jo Tarallo, Consultant
SnowSports Industries America                                     
Cell: 202-431-6950                                                           
E-mail: MJTarallo@snowsports.org                                      

JANUARY IS LEARN A SNOW SPORT MONTH
Programs Range from Discounted to Free

MCLEAN, Va. (Jan. 4, 2010) - Learn a Snow Sport Month officially kicks off this week with free or discounted learning programs offered by alpine ski and snowboard resorts as well as Nordic centers throughout the U.S. Governors from 14 states have issued proclamations urging children and adults to get outside for some exercise during January. These are Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. Proclamations are pending for Minnesota and Montana. Details are available at http://www.learnasnowsport.org.

In addition to states with governors proclamations, five national organizations and resort associations representing  Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Tennessee, North Dakota, South Dakota, Missouri Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio are supporting Learn a Snow Sport Month programs. Learning programs vary from state to state. For example, resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are offering free lesson programs the week of January 4, 2010.   

Winter Trails is a free learn to snowshoe or cross country ski program for children adults new to snow sports or alpine skiers and snowboarders who want to try an additional snow sport. Venues range from state and national parks to privately run Nordic centers. Locations have waived daily trails fees and equipment is provided. Winter Trails information is available at wintertrails.org.

International ski icon Glen Plake is national spokesperson for Learn a Snow Sport Month. Plake appeared on NBC-TV’s Today Show on Jan. 4, 2010 to explain how snow sports can contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

This is the second year for Learn a Snow Sport Month. It is an industry effort to make learning a snow sport affordable throughout the U.S.  

- SIA –

SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is the national not-for-profit, North American member-owned, trade association representing the snow sports industry. Established in 1954, SIA annually produces the SIA Snow Show, the largest snow sports industry trade show, on-snow demo and networking environment globally, while delivering invaluable data/research reports including the Snow Sports Market Intelligence Report, the SIA Retail Audit and Executive Market Summary. SIA also develops marketing products, services and programs helping our Members operate more efficiently and increase participation in snow sports. For more information, check out snowsports.org. SnowSports Industries America, 8377-B Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102-3587. Phone: 703.556.9020, Fax: 703.821.8276, Email: SIAmail@snowsports.org.