The organization is currently accepting donations of used snowshoes to create a lending library of equipment for those who want to take advantage of its 80 miles of trails but may not have the money or skill level to invest in their own pair of snowshoes.

CATS Development & Communications Director Amber Adamson said that she has experienced firsthand what it’s like to go through an Adirondack winter without the right equipment.

“I just moved to the Adirondacks about two years ago; I was living outside of Philadelphia for about 20 years,” she said. “Part of our mission is connecting people to nature, and we have this women’s hiking group. I went with them my first time and I had zero equipment. I had no idea. The volunteer hike leader was just like, ‘Show up. Show up and I have stuff for you.’ … So she had snowshoes and all the things I need, poles. I was like, wow, this is a lot of stuff that I would not know (to have) if I’m not used to doing this.”

CATS recently created a new position that recruits new hikers to get out on the trails. Often, Adamson said, the reason many people don’t get outside in the winter is because they do not want to spend a lot of money or do not know how to use specialty equipment.

“We really want to make it easy for people to get out there,” she said. “Not everyone here has the equipment, so we wanted to make sure that people who do have the equipment and are looking to get rid of their old equipment, that’ll be put to good use.”

People who want to donate to the snowshoe drive can bring old snowshoes to one of CATS’s events, drop them off at their office in Westport or even reach out to the organization and organize a pickup or drop-off. CATS is collecting both children’s and adult snowshoes. The drive is currently slated to end on Jan. 31, but may be extended, according to Adamson, depending on how many donations CATS receives in the next few weeks.

Adamson said that CATS hopes the equipment available for loan will help people realize the benefits of getting out in the snow.

“Exercise makes everyone feel better. It helps communities stay healthier, it helps people connect with each other, it’s an activity that people can do together, grandparents can do with their grandkids, families can do it together,” she said. “Everyone can benefit from being outside and on the trails, especially in the wintertime when a lot of people stay inside and they’re not getting the exercise they need or the fresh air or the sunshine. Getting your vitamin D is so important in the wintertime.”

CATS is also introducing a new slate of programming in addition to the lending library of equipment — programs like guided hikes and “Snowshoe 101” classes that will help potential hikers learn new skills and develop new hobbies.

The full calendar of events can be found at champlainareatrails.com/events or on social media.

CATS’s trails are perfect for beginners or hikers looking for a gentler hike, Adamson said.

“Our trails are pretty accessible,” she said. “They’re really great for families, they’re really great for beginners like me, and also, as there’s a lot of people retiring in the area, they’re great for people who no longer can do the high peaks and they need something a little more gentle and doable and it doesn’t take all day.”