Strapped for cash but still want to have some winter fun? Then head out for some free snowshoeing or Nordic skiing on Winter Trails Day on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Now in its 14th year, Winter Trails Day was started to showcase alternatives to alpine skiing and encourage people to get outside and enjoy the winter.

Recreation enthusiasts throughout the United States and Canada will do just that on Saturday as they take advantage of free passes and special events.

Here's a look at what's going on in and around the Treasure Valley:

NOTHING BOGUS ABOUT THIS

The alpine slopes may be crowded, but you can seek some serenity at Bogus Basin's Nordic Center, which boasts 37 kilometers of groomed trails and some killer snowshoe-only routes.

You can snowshoe and Nordic ski for free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and visit Frontier Point Lodge for some Hawaiian eats from Kanak Attack. (There is a charge for the food.)

Never been on the Bogus Nordic trail system? Take a guided snowshoe hike with a ranger from 2 to 4 p.m.

Ski and snowshoe rentals are available in the lodge.

How to get there from Boise: Take Bogus Basin Road 16 miles to the recreation area.

More info: 332-5390

WHOOP IT UP

Head north to the Idaho City Park N' Ski area for free snowshoeing and Nordic skiing on 50 miles of marked trails.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is waiving its Park N' Ski fee for the day and holding instructional activities.

Nordic skiing newcomers can get free tips from the Southern Idaho Regional Nordic Ski Patrol from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gold Fork and Banner Ridge Park N' Ski areas.

Free snowshoe clinics also will be offered, but the deadline to register has passed. E-mail jditto@idpr.idaho.gov or call the number below to see if spots are still available.

How to get there from Boise: Take Idaho 21 north. The first Park N' Ski area is 17 miles past Idaho City.

More info: 514-2419

TAMARACK'S THE TICKET

Hey newbies, how's a day of free snowshoeing or Nordic skiing - complete with free rental and lesson - sound?

That's the deal Tamarack Resort and the Winter Wildlands Alliance are offering to beginners at the resort's Nordic and Snowshoe Center, which has 25 kilometers of skiing trails and 15 kilometers of snowshoe trails.

Nordic skiers can take a lesson at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m., while snowshoers can go on a guided tour at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.

Space is limited, and reservations are required.

The resort will open at 9 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. following the Fiesta Moon Moonlight Tour. The tour, which begins at 7 p.m., costs $50 and includes food and wine.

How to get there from Boise: Take Idaho 55 to Donnelly, then make left turns on Roseberry and W. Mountain roads.

More info: (208) 325-1002

Chad Dryden: 672-6734