Only a few weeks ago, Hidden Valley Nature Center's annual Liberal Cup Biathlon was postponed due to a lack of snow.

That likely won't be the case this week, when the biathlon finally does kick off, and the rest of the region finally digs out from under the series of snowstorms that have struck the Midcoast.

In other words, it’s good news for people who like snow — like the 150 people who came out to Hidden Valley on Saturday, Jan. 31 to ski in Jefferson, Director Andy McEvoy said in an email.

“We have two-plus feet right now with a very stable base (and) another 10-ish inches coming in (Monday),” he said. “With all that we have about 15 miles of groomed trails. The skiing is fantastic.”

Hidden Valley will host its final kids ski clinic this Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m., then that will be followed by the biathlon on Sunday, Feb. 8.

“This will be the first year we've ever had real snow,” McEvoy said. “We have a bunch of routes laid out and should be finalizing them this week. We have 150 racers, which means we're full up and won't be taking walk-ons. We're looking forward to a great event.”

And soon the entirety of the Pine Tree State will be encouraged to head outdoors and enjoy the freshly-fallen snow in an annual event aimed at getting Mainers outdoors.

It won’t just be outdoor activities in Jefferson, either: The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend will feature events up and down the coast and inland as well.

Hidden Valley will feature a tracking class on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and then a guided ski and snowshoe with the Natural Resources Council of Maine on Sunday, Feb. 15 starting at 10 a.m.

On the Boothbay peninsula, there will also be activities arranged for the weekend, as the Boothbay Region Land Trust kicks off the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend with a Friday, Feb. 13 owl prowl starting at 7 p.m. at Penny Lake Preserve. That event is free but it best suited for adults and older children as the terrain can be uneven and snowshoes may be required.

For more information on the owl prowl, contact Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at thall@bbrlt.org or call BRLT at 207-633-4818.

For those who want to head outside near the Twin Villages, the Damariscotta River Association is hosting a public skate from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at Round Top Farm in Damariscotta. The trails will be open, weather permitting, although skiers and snowshoers are encouraged to bring their own equipment. The warming hut will be open, and there will be hot chocolate.

For more information on the rink, visit the Damariscotta River Association's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/damariscottariver).

The Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association will meet up at the Stetser Preserve in Jefferson beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 for some education and fun in the outdoors.

For full listings, or to find out more about the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend, visit www.greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org.