SAM Magazine-McLean, Va., Dec. 16, 2009-Glen Plake, star of numerous ski adventure films and a frequent visitor to small ski areas on his annual Down Home Tours, will appear on NBC-TV's Today Show Jan. 4, 2010, to talk about learning a snow sport during the Learn a Snow Sport Month (LASSM) promotion. Plake is the national spokesperson for the initiative.

In his Today Show appearance, Plake will be shown giving lessons to anchor Hoda Kotb at Camelback, Pa. The segment focuses on the fun, enjoyment and health benefits of snow sports, with the message that taking lessons from a professional can make the learning experience much more successful.

More than 350 downhill and cross-country resorts in 32 states throughout the U.S. are participating in LASSM. They aim to make it easy for children and adults to learn alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing via programs that are free or modestly priced. Offers vary, but most alpine ski and snowboard lessons include a lift ticket, rentals and a lesson taught by a professional instructor. The Winter Trails program, held Jan. 9 as part of LASSM, offers free snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing at approximately 80 locations.

Plake is well known as an extreme skier. He has appeared in a number of action films such as the classic "Blizzard of Aahhhs" and "License to Thrill." He was a member of the U.S. National Mogul Team and is a three time Hot Dog Ski Champion and recently was nominated for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. He was selected as spokesperson because he is an industry icon with a great passion for winter sports, believes in the power of learning, and has championed small areas via his Down Home Tours.

"This is a great opportunity for children and adults to learn snow sports by taking lessons from a pro," said Plake. "I can tell you first hand that it is really important to learn from a professional and that you don't have to be an expert to have fun on the snow."

The Down Home Tours that Plake and wife Kimberly organize each year take them, often unannounced, to smaller, local ski areas to talk with children and adults about the joys of snow sports. "It gets me stoked talking to people at the smaller areas," said Plake. "I never underestimate the role that smaller resorts play in nurturing interest in skiing and snowboarding."

Details about Learn a Snow Sport Month are located at LearnaSnowSport.org. \

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