In order to help get kids and families outside having fun in the snow, Midcoast Conservancy is partnering with the Outdoor Sports Institute to lease affordable, quality cross country ski equipment to local kids ages kindergarten through eighth grade. Families can lease high quality skis, boots, and poles through Midcoast Conservancy for the entire winter. Each child will get sized for the gear and then take it home for the season so they can ski on great equipment wherever, whenever they want.

There are two fit-and-take-home days. Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 3-6 p.m., equipment will be available at Midcoast Conservancy’s office at 36 Water Street in Wiscasset. The second, and final, day will be Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the CLC YMCA in Damariscotta.

The child who will use the skis must be present. Any questions about the ski lease program can be directed to Andy, andyb@midcoastconservany.org; details are online at midcoastconservancy.org/events.

The ski lease package is $65 per participant. In addition, Midcoast Conservancy will hold the annual Kids XC-Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-12. The clinic will start Saturday, Jan. 7 and run each Saturday morning until Feb. 7. 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. For more information see the link above.

Once kids have had a chance to get comfortable on their skis, they can register for the sixth annual Liberal Cup Biathlon at HVNC on Sunday, Jan. 29. There will be youth and high school categories, and prizes awarded for best costumes too! To register, go to midcoastconservancy.org and click on the Biathlon news item. Call (207) 389-5150 with any questions, and think snow!