This Monday, Jan. 16, was the first day of the free Ski S'Kool put on by the 100 Mile Nordics for grade three students.
26 students from the Mile 108 Elementary School were signed up for a morning of skiing, with students from the Horse Lake Elementary School skiing on Tuesday.
Ski S'Kool co-ordinator, Lydia Degroot, says it's a good opportunity for kids to get some physical activity through a winter sport they could do for a lifetime.
"The coaches and assistants are all volunteering their time and we are providing it free to the schools, free for the children," Degroot says. "Just so that cost isn't going to be a limiting factor with anyone participating in it [and] so that all the children will be able to participate in the activity."
The Ski S'Kool is funded with a grant from Cross Country BC for all the equipment.
According to Degroot so far they're expecting between 130-140 kids.
Students from the 100 Mile Elementary School, Lac la Hache Elementary School and homeschooled students are set to go later in January and February.
"We have the equipment now up at the lodge, 99 Mile Lodge, so if there's anybody that wants to come to try skiing, that equipment is for rent there," Degroot says referring to students outside of grade three.
"The kids are very excited. The teachers, the principals, the kids are all very excited about this program. We're gonna make it a fun thing for them. They're learning something new and they get to play in the snow."
The parents of homeschooled kids can contact Degroot at 250-593-0364 to sign them up.
The last day of Ski S'Kool is scheduled for February 21.
Degroot says they're not sure yet if they'll be able to provide the Ski S'Kool for free again next year.
"I wanted to say a thank-you to the 100 Mile Nordic's executive for all the work that they have put in to make this program a reality."