In order to help get kids and families outside having fun in the snow, Midcoast Conservancy offers affordable cross-country ski equipment to local kids ages kindergarten through eighth grade. High quality skis, boots, and poles for the entire winter are $65. At two fit sessions, kids are sized for their gear and then take it home for the season so they can ski on great equipment wherever, whenever they want.

The first fit session is Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a second will be held Wednesday, Dec. 11 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Both will be 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

In addition, Midcoast Conservancy will hold the annual Kids XC-Ski Clinic for kids ages 5-12 for six weeks, from Jan. 4 to Feb. 8, 9:30-11 a.m., at Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson. 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 or to register, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/youth-cross-country-ski-clinic/

For more opportunities to recreate in the snow, registration is now open for the 2020 Winter Biathlon on Feb. 29. Ski, snowshoe or ride a fat bike for trail loops between turns on the paintball target range at Hidden Valley Nature Center. Gear is available to rent for the race. For more info, go to https://www.midcoastconservancy.org/events/midcoast-conservancy-biathlon-3/ Call (207) 389-5150 with any questions.