WOODSTOCK — Fourth-grader Emalee Coffin loves to ski.

“We do it with our friends and it’s free,” she said Monday afternoon.

The Woodstock Elementary School student is among the kindergarten to fifth-graders who take part in a weekly cross-country skiing program. It’s offered through the school for minimal cost, thanks to the Maine Winter Sports program and several area ski centers.

“This is a huge percentage,” Jolene Littlehale, the school’s teaching principal, said.

Some of the cross-country skiers in grades three to five also take part in the weekly Rug Rats downhill ski program at Sunday River.

“Sunday River and the cross-country centers are so generous,” said Littlehale. “The programs have built a reputation.”

Every Monday from about 3 to 4:30 p.m., the children are taken to Carter’s Cross-Country or the Bethel Inn Cross-Country ski centers, or to Sunday River. Several parents and other volunteers also help with the program.

Karen Wilson, a fourth grade teacher and Nordic ski coach, said she is pleased that so many participate.

“I’m happy they have ways to enjoy winter,” she said.

She is assisted by third grade teacher, Tanya Nicols.

The skis are leased to the youngsters from December to April. They can leave them at the school for use only during the cross-country program, or take them home to use the rest of the week.

“Anything that gets the kids active is good. It’s a life skill,” Wilson said.

All three SAD 44 elementary schools have similar programs, although Woodstock is the only one with Maine Winter Sports support. In nearby Rumford Elementary School and Meroby Elementary School in Mexico, Maine Winter Sports supports their elementary ski program.

“The hills and the instructors make it fun,” Woodstock fourth-grader Reagan Gilson said.