Now that there’s some snow on the ground, it’s really time to get out the cross-country skis and take to the trails. Midcoast Conservancy is offering three ski clinics, two for kids and another for adults, at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson. In each case, skiers of all abilities will find the instruction and support they need to make this a fun and rewarding ski season.

The first of the youth programs is the annual seven-week Kids XC-Ski Clinic for kids ages 4-14. The clinic will start Saturday, Jan. 7 and run each Saturday morning until Feb. 11. The clinic is the perfect setting for skiers of different levels to gain confidence and enjoy HVNC’s trails. Instructors use fun, non-competitive methods to get the skiers out on the trails having fun each week. The first day is free; pre-registration is encouraged as enrollment is limited but the first clinic is available as a no-risk preview for those who would prefer to try it out before committing to the full session.

The second clinic is a one-day Skate Ski Clinic, on Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon, which will focus on skate style skiing. Fifteen members of the Colby College Nordic ski team, along with their coach, will instruct kids ages 7-16 in small groups organized around ski levels of beginner, experienced, and those ready to maximize speed and efficiency for racing. The clinic is free but registration is required.

Finally, the Adult Ski Clinic is two consecutive Sundays, Jan. 15 and 22, from noon-2:30 p.m. All ski levels are welcome; preregistration is required.

All of these clinics are the perfect tune-up for the sixth annual Liberal Cup Biathlon at HVNC on Sunday, Jan. 29. This family-friendly, fun and unique event is a great opportunity to combine ski skills with air rifle target shooting. All rifles are provided, along with a safety review from shooting instructors.

Registration for all of these events can be found at www.midcoastconservancy.org/events. For questions, call (207) 389-5150 or email info@midcoastconservancy.org.