Michael Carpenter and Roger Fulton have 25 reasons why the last snowstorm the region received should make us smile rather than complain.

Through a series of popular local guidebooks, the authors have described some of the best opportunities for outdoor activities in the region.

In "25 Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Trails in the Lake George, NY Region," the writers talk about their own experiences on area trails at sites from Queensbury to the eastern Adirondacks.

Carpenter and Fulton will present a slideshow and discussion of the guide, which has been a best-seller at Red Fox Books, at 7 p.m. Thursday at the downtown Glens Falls bookstore.

"We rank each outing, and we give the readers an idea of the difficulty of each outing. We have our own definitions of easy, moderate and difficult," said Carpenter, a criminal justice professor at Adirondack Community College.

The book is written to be accessible to people with little or no experience, according to Carpenter.

"We're definitely not extreme, hardcore type people," he said. "We call them average outings for average people."

Carpenter and Fulton included trails that wouldn't be intimidating to older people or families with younger children.

The book also includes basics tips for crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing.

"The nature of those activities could be strenuous. Know your physical limitations," Carpenter said. "You don't want to be too far in the wilderness and have a mishap."

Carpenter recommends taking crosscountry lessons and investing in good equipment.

Snowshoeing is less physically demanding, according to the author.

"Snowshoeing is far easier to learn," Carpenter said. "You can rent snowshoes around for a couple of bucks. It's not as strenuous. It's easier to go uphill and downhill. But it still can be a good workout."

The book is one of 16 in a series, which also includes "25 Short Hikes and Interesting Walks in Lake George, NY," "25 Flatwater Kayak and Canoe Trips in the Lake George, NY Region" and guides to the St. Lawrence Seaway area and parts of Florida.

Works in progress include a guide to bicycle trips near Lake George and a book on golf courses in the region.

"I think we've got a niche in the books we write," Carpenter said.

"They're for people who just want to go out and enjoy the outdoors."