Champlain Area Trails Launches Snowshoe Drive to Increase Winter Accessibility for All

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 5, 2024

  

Contact: Amber Adamson, 518-962-2287, Amber@champlainareatrails.com

Picture: Snowshoers enjoying a winter walk in the Champlain Valley

  

Champlain Area Trails (CATS), an accredited land trust, is collecting snowshoes to lend out for free to make it easier for people to experience its 80 miles of trails during the snowy days of winter. This advances CATS’ broader goal of connecting people with nature in the Champlain Valley throughout the year.

  

Founded in 2009, CATS has created and currently maintains over 50 trails, protected 983 acres, and hosts hundreds of hikes, outdoor education outings, and volunteer events, attracting thousands of visitors to New York's Champlain Valley. Because winter weather can make it challenging to get outside, this CATS initiative will help provide people with proper gear like snowshoes.

  

To promote participation in its winter programs and increase access for other winter activities, CATS is expanding its winter hike offerings and hosting “Snowshoe 101” workshops to teach adults and children how to get started. It is also collecting used snowshoes of all sizes to lend out for free to anyone looking to try snowshoeing.

  

“Nature is for everyone throughout the year and in all seasons,” said Chris Maron, Executive Director of CATS. “By offering free snowshoe loans and additional winter programming, we are giving more people the opportunity to experience the peace and beauty of CATS trails in winter.”

  

Those with used snowshoes in good working condition are encouraged to donate them at one of CATS’ upcoming events, at its office in Westport, or by contacting its staff directly at (518) 962-2287 or info@champlainareatrails.com. All donations will help build CATS’ snowshoe-lending library where loans will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

  

In addition to the snowshoe program, CATS hosts guided winter hikes and workshops to teach snowshoeing and skiing basics, winter ecology, animal tracking, and more. These winter events educate the public and encourage people to get outside in enjoyable snowy weather.

  

CATS invites everyone to try snowshoeing this winter and experience the trails in a new way. To learn more about their snowshoe collection program, winter events, and trails, visit www. champlainareatrails.com.

  

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About Champlain Area Trails: Champlain Area Trails (CATS) is an accredited land trust founded in 2009 to make trails, protect land, connect people with nature, and promote economic vitality in the Champlain Valley. CATS has created 80+ miles of trails, protected 983 acres, and hosted hundreds of hikes, outdoor education outings, and volunteer events, attracting thousands of visitors to New York's Champlain Valley.