While Mother Nature has been stingy with snowfall lately, Rikert  features one of the few cross-country trail snowmaking systems in the East.

“I know most of us aren’t seeing much snow in our backyards, but there is snow in the mountains and, thanks to snowmaking, there is great cross-country skiing at Rikert,” said Abby Weissman, event organizer. “We are looking forward to a spectacular day of kicking and gliding in a no pressure, fun environment perfect for learning and making new friends.”

The day features cross-country ski clinics with top-notch instruction and coaching for all abilities from first time skiers to competitors. In addition, there will be ski waxing demonstrations, a special raffle and gear and apparel vendors set up at the event.

The event benefits the STRiDE Foundation, a Vermont-based nonprofit devoted to sports mentoring for girls in cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, mountain biking and basketball. Proceeds from a raffle held at the event will benefit the organization. Prizes include a two-night stay and spa package at Middlebury Inn with ski passes at Rikert Nordic Center, plus prizes donated by L.L Bean, Swix , VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Skida, Toko, Timberlock, Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, Middlebury College Snow Bowl, Designer Gold, Sunrise Orchards, Olivia’s Croutons, Danforth Pewter, Sweet Cecily’s, Vermont Flannel, Castleton Crackers, Hue & Me and more.

Women’s New England XC Ski Day is made possible thanks to lead sponsors L.L. Bean and Swix along with VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations.

Registration is required and space is limited. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with registration starting at 8:45 a.m. Pre-registration is required. Registration is $35 for NENSA members and $40 for non-members.

From 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, there is a reception for registrants at Middlebury Chocolates in  downtown Middlebury featuring beverages from local producers Drop-In Brewing and Shacksbury Cider along with local food samples from Vermont Smoke and Cure.

To sign up for New England Women’s XC Ski Day, please visit the NENSA website nensa.net/women or phone the main office at 207- 688-6503.