PORTLAND

Ski areas offer chances to learn on the slopes in January

January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month across the United States, and Maine is among 34 states participating in this celebration.

Ski areas will be participating from Jan. 3 to 9 in Maine include Bigrock, Camden Snow Bowl, Lost Valley, Mt. Abram, Saddleback, Shawnee Peak, Sugarloaf and Sunday River.

The Ski Maine Association, a nonprofit Portland-based group, will process all requests for these packages on the Ski Maine website, at www.skimaine.com. Complete details on learn to ski and snowboard programs, snow conditions, maps and driving directions are available on the website.

AUGUSTA

Hunting and fishing licenses for new year go on sale

Maine 2011 hunting and fishing licenses now are available for purchase online or at any of the more than 800 licensing agents statewide, just in time for gifts.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s online service, MOSES, is an easy way to buy licenses. To use MOSES, visit www.informe.org/moses/ or select MOSES from the MDIF&W website at www.mefishwildlife.com.

Returning users’ information already is in the system and can easily be updated.

MOSES is not available for people who need to obtain a complimentary, lifetime or military license.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife primarily is funded from the sales of licenses and registrations.