Midcoast Conservancy is once again offering cross-country ski programs, one for kids and one for adults at its Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. The six-session Youth Cross Country Ski Clinic, for kids ages 5-14, will start Saturday, Jan. 5 and run each Saturday morning until Feb. 9 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This clinic is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain skills and confidence while enjoying HVNC’s trails. Instructors use creative, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week. Unless conditions are truly awful, the clinics will not be cancelled; there is one make-up date, Feb. 16, in the event cancellation is necessary.

Cost for the ski clinic is $70 for members and $80 for non-members. Space is limited so register today at https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/6-week-youth-cross-country-ski-clinic/.

The Adult Ski Clinic will be Sunday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 17, from 9-11 a.m. Anyone 15 years and older is invited to attend.

Midcoast Conservancy will have xc-ski gear to rent; instructors will help with choosing the right equipment for each person. Once everyone is outfitted for the morning, the group will head out onto the trails. Throughout the session, instruction will cover the basics of safe skiing from technique to trail etiquette. Instructors do their best to make sure that the pace of the day meets everyone’s needs and abilities.

The two-session clinic costs $30 for Midcoast Conservancy members and $35 for non-members. Fee includes day fee for HVNC and instruction from expert skiers. XC-ski equipment rentals are $20 per class. Space is limited and pre-registration is required! To sign up, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/adult-xc-ski-clinic-at-hvnc/. Participants are asked to dress in warm, active clothes appropriate for the weather, and to avoid wearing cotton in favor of wool or synthetic fabrics. Attendees are encouraged to bring a snack and a warm drink. Call Midcoast Conservancy with any questions: (207) 389-5150.