Winter Trails Day celebrations planned throughout the valley

Several free outdoor activities are scheduled throughout the area for Winter Trails Day on Saturday, Jan. 12.

The events were organized by the Flathead Community of Resource Educators, a network of individuals and organizations working together to increase awareness and understanding about the natural, historical and cultural resources of the Flathead Region.

One of the goals to introduce the fitness and social benefits of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Each of the activities is suited for beginners and families and participants should dress warm and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots.

For more information about local events and Winter Trails Day visit www.wintertrails.org.

Snowshoeing at Blacktail

A snowshoe walk on the Flathead National Forest, hosted by the Swan Lake Ranger District and Flathead Audubon, will be at the Blacktail Mountain cross-country ski trails near Lakeside from 10 a.m. to noon. Reservations aren't required, just meet at the upper trailhead parking area. Participants may bring their own snowshoes or make a reservation to use some of the limited pairs available. For more information or to reserve snowshoes, contact the Swan Lake Ranger District at 837-7500.

Snowshoeing at Lone Pine

A ranger-led snowshoe walk will be held at Lone Pine State Park at 1 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. park visitors can borrow snowshoes and explore the trails on their own. Adult and children's snowshoes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information call 755-2706.

Snowshoeing in Condon

Snowshoes are available for a short hike for ladies new to the sport offered by the Swan Ecosystem Center from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Condon. Participants will learn about snowshoe basics and the guided hike will take participants over gentle terrain through open and forested areas. There will be a guided four-mile hike for more experienced snowshoers from 2-4 p.m.

The Forest Service Condon Work Center is located at 6887 Montana 83. For more information or to sign up call 754-3137.

Stillwater and Whitefish

Whitefish Legacy Partners, Stillwater Mountain Lodge and Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center are hosting cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter games from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stillwater Mountain Lodge and the Whitefish Trail, Beaver Lakes Trail Section, north of Whitefish.  

Participants can bring their own equipment or use the provided demo equipment.  For more information contact Whitefish Legacy Partners, 862-3880.

Glacier National Park

There will be ranger-led snowshoe hikes at Glacier National Park at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Each hike will last approximately two hours and reservations are not required.  Snowshoes are available for hike participants. Visitors will need to purchase a park entrance pass and meet at the Apgar Visitor Center. Call 888-7939 for more information.