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Travel patterns are changing in the recessionary environment. Vacations are closer to home. Travelers are demanding a greater value for the dollar. Leisure time has become a serious investment in rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul. Cross country skiing vacations are becoming more popular because they match these trends. The Bethel Inn Resort and Nordic Ski Center reports a 10% increase in advance reservations for its Nordic ski vacations for the winter season. Says The Bethel Inn Resort's marketing director, Brad Jerome, "There are five reasons more of our guests are choosing a cross country ski getaway-ease, accessibility, family friendliness, health and above all affordability."

EASE-Cross country skiing uses natural movements. It does not require special skills to get started. It has a short learning curve. Vacation time is spent on the trails rather than in lessons. Skiers can ski at their own pace, setting their own hours and even ski into the night with the help of a full moon or battery powered-headlamps.

ACCESSIBILITY-The Bethel Inn Resort is less than a 3-hour drive and tank of gasoline from metropolitan Boston and within an hour and of the Portland, Maine Jetport.

FAMILY FRIENDLY-Cross country skiing is a multi-generational activity. Infants and toddlers can go along for the ride in a backpack or sled. Cross country skiing is a kinder, gentler sport for grandparents and great grandparents. Teenagers who want to go fast can skate ski, a technique that combines the leg motion of ice skating and the arm push of cross country skiing. If Fido is considered a member of the family, The Bethel Inn Resort has designated dog trails and the family pet is welcome in the canine-friendly guest rooms.

HEALTHY-Cross country skiing is one of the healthiest recreational activities for the body and soul. Absorbing the beauty of nature with its towering trees, mountain vistas, or endless snow covered meadows while experiencing a total body workout, all at an individual pace, is hard to duplicate in any other sport. A 150 lb. cross country skier burns an average of 572 calories per hour compared to 429 for a downhill skier.

AFFORDABILITY-Compared with other winter vacations, a cross country ski escape costs much less. The price of a night's lodging in a deluxe room with fireplace, breakfast and dinner daily, Nordic center trail fee, rental equipment and an hour lesson is $124 per person. Guests at the Bethel Inn Resort also have complimentary use of a health club, 92' outdoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna, ice-skating rink and sledding hill.

For information on The Bethel Inn Resort cross country ski vacations call 800-654-0125, on-line at