Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing Burn Calories That Can Melt Unwanted Holiday Weight Gain
Activities Are Free on Winter Trails Day January 9, 2010

MCLEAN, Va. (Dec. 15, 2009) - Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are options to shed some of those unwanted pounds that cling to the body during and after the holidays because they can burn a lot of calories in an hour. The 15th annual Winter Trails day on January 9, 2010 offers children and adults an opportunity to try either or both activities free at participating locations throughout the U.S. Venues are posted at WinterTrails.org.

According to data compiled on WinterFeelsGood.com, a 130 pound adult can burn up to 475 calories per hour with a moderate snowshoe pace and about 415 calories per hour with a moderate cross country pace. A youth weighing 70 pounds can burn more than 240 calories per hour snowshoeing at a moderate pace and more than 200 calories per hour cross country skiing moderately.

“Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are excellent aerobic activities,” said Mary Jo Tarallo, director of the Winter Trails program. “They are easy to learn and can have appeal for an entire family. Plus, they offer a way to keep the weight down particularly after holiday festivities.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than a third of the adult population in the U.S. 20 years of age and older are considered overweight or obese as are nearly one-third of children between the ages of two and 19.

Winter Trails is part of the snow sports industry’s Learn a Snow Sport Month, being celebrated during January, 2010. Besides snowshoeing and cross country skiing, alpine resorts throughout the U.S. are offering programs for those who want to learn alpine skiing and snowboarding. Details are at LearnaSnowSport.org.

- 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.