Be a biathlete:
Liberal Cup Biathlon
8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4. Hidden Valley Nature Center, Jefferson. $35 for adults, $10 for kids and students. www.midcoastconservancy.org
Compete in a biathlon, even if you’ve never been on cross-country skis or shot an air rifle before! The annual Liberal Cup Biathlon on March 4 is a beginner-friendly amateur event, with categories for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Sign up as a team or individual, and costumes are encouraged. After your race, hang out in the warming hut or by the fire and enjoy a beer from Hallowell Brewing Company and Liberal Cup Brew Pub.
Be a cross-country racer:
Introduction to Skate Skiing Course
10:30-12:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17. Fogg Farm (LL Bean), Freeport. $40. www.llbean.com
Get an overview of skate-skiing fundamentals, including weight transfer, poling and timing with experienced guides who'll teach you the skate-skiing basics so you're reading to get out on the trails on your own. All equipment provided.
More lessons: Harris Farm in Dayton, Bethel Village Trails in Bethel, Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley.
Be a short track speed skater:
Try Speedskating Event
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. Family Ice Center, Falmouth. $20 for adults and $15 under 18. speedskatemaine.wordpress.com
You, too, could be a short track speed skater. The Great Atlantic Speedskating Club is hosting a “Try speedskating event," where you’ll learn the basics (speedskates provided) and, who knows, maybe go on to win gold! Or at least have a fine time learning a new-to-you sport. Open to anyone age 8 and up. Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance by emailing gascmaine@gmail.com.
Be a curler:
Learn to Curl lessons
Multiple lessons in March and April. Pine Tree Curling Club, Troubh Ice Arena, Portland. $25-$35. www.pinetreecurlingclub.com
Learn to curl with the Pine Tree Curling Club this March and April. Sessions on March 1, March 17, March 31, April 7, and April 14. No experience necessary – club members will teach you the basics of the game, stone-throwing form, and explain what all that sweeping is about. Spring session runs May and June.
Be a bobsledder (kinda)
Toboggan chute at Camden Snow Bowl
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Camden Snow Bowl, Camden. $5 per person per hour. www.camdensnowbowl.com
It’s not really bobsledding, but it’s close enough: the toboggan chute at Camden Snow Bowl. The U.S. National Toboggan Championships just happened, but the 400-foot toboggan chute is open on weekends and holiday weeks all winter (conditions pending, of course). You can pile a couple of friends onto your toboggan and pretend you’re a champion bobsledder.