Most trails are open for cross-country skiers in the Southeast.

Sandilands Ski Club spokesperson Laurie Silversides says they were able to start the ski season on December 15 and the green, grey, purple, and black trails along with the trail at Quarry Oaks Golf Course are all open. She notes the remaining trails are the red, yellow, and Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course, which would benefit from an additional six inches of snow.

"I was out skiing on Sunday and on Sunday there were three snowmobilers that came out from the trail system and they had driven down a portion of the trail on the west side of the green. The trails other than that have been in excellent condition."

Silversides says they groom trails each Friday so they're ready for the skiers on the weekend.

She notes over the years their membership has varied and she would like to see it continue to grow.

"In 2011 we were up to about 95 members, last year we were down to about 55. We've had between 80 and 70 a couple years before that. We established Jackrabbits in 2013/2014 hoping we could spark the interest in skiing and draw more youth into the ski program."

Silversides says Jackrabbits is a ski program for children ages four and older.

"It teaches them about their environment, to respect their environment, to respect nature, and it gives them comradery of a community. In skiing, the whole family gets the opportunity to do the activity. It gives people an opportunity to enjoy winter instead of saying, 'oh me, it's snowing again, it's cold.'"

She adds skiing is also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and stay active in the winter.

As for novice skiers wanting to get into the sport, Silversides says her best advice is lessons.

"If I'd never skied before, I know as a skier that my passion for skiing comes partially because I have good technique, I can fly on those skis. So, I would suggest that if you don't have a ski package already, rent skis. Lessons, taking two or three lessons, learning how to fall down, get up on skis, learning how to herringbone, learning how to side-step, learning how to do a bunch of things gets you more comfortable on skis."