Recent cold temperatures turn our thoughts to winter and winter fun. Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson is dedicated to making it possible for everybody to enjoy winter. For the past two years, HVNC has teamed up with the Maine Winter Sports Center and their Health Hometowns program to get kids in the community outfitted with quality cross country ski equipment. On Nov. 19 HVNC volunteers and staff hosted a Ski Fit Session for young skiers, ages kindergarten to eighth grade and arranged to lease over 60  pairs of skis!

The Maine Winter Sports Center has over 1,100 sets of cross country ski equipment that they make available through programs like the one at HVNC and other similar events across the state. Kids participating in the HVNC program will take home a set of skis, boots, poles, and a ski bag for the entire season for just $65.

Participants can ski where and whenever they want all winter long.

“This program makes a huge difference for many families,” according to HVNC volunteer Kristin Stone, who helps make this program happen each year. “Ski equipment gets expensive when kids are outgrowing their equipment each year, but hopefully this helps reduce that barrier.”

HVNC is home to more than 25 miles of trails, many of which are maintained for cross-country skiing all winter long. In addition to being open to the public each day for skiing, HVNC hosts ski clinics for adults and kids. Between the ski lease program, an extensive trail system, and lots of great events there is no shortage of ways to have plenty of fun outside this winter.

For more information visit www.hvnc.org, call 207-200-8840, or write to info@hvnc.org.