ELY – With temperatures hovering around zero and bright blue skies, more than 120 Ely-area youth descended into the bowl at Hidden Valley Ski Area Sunday afternoon for the opening ceremony for the Minnesota Youth Ski League.

MYSL is a volunteer organization that offers children between the ages of four and 15 the opportunity to learn and enjoy cross-country skiing. The program emphasizes skiing for fun and fitness as a lifelong activity.

Last year, too, more than 120 Ely kids participated in the program. Hidden Valley Recreation Area is operated by Ely Nordic Ski Club (ENSC), a non-profit volunteer group.

 The league runs for seven more Sundays through February from 2 -3:30 p.m.

Registration and equipment distribution takes place in November for each season.

 The cost for the eight-week season is $40 for one child and $30 for each additional sibling. Scholarships are available. A parent must participate with children ages four and five, either on skis or in boots. Skiers of all levels are welcome.

Ely MYSL rents youth ski equipment for $20 to participating children.  Equipment is limited.

Volunteers are always needed to help out. Email MYSL@elynordic.org or call Heather 218-820-9007 for more information.