WINTERSPORTS -- The Mount Spokane cross-country ski trails were a happy place to be on Saturday, as snow dumped onto the sprawling 60K trail system -- finally -- and The Spokesman-Review's beloved columnist Paul Turner turned out for his first cross-country skiing lesson.

Lisa Sunderman, one of several capable Spokane Nordic volunteers who are offering cross-country skiing lessons this season, took Paul and his partner Carol under her wing.

Even though Sunderman is an expert skier, not to mention a triathlete, she made Turner comfortable on snow in no time.

I suspect we'll read more about it.

Meantime, check out Spokane Nordic, the lessons the local club offers in classic and skating technique, and the special Jan. 11 Winterfest with a long list of events and activities, including clinics on backcountry skiing and skijoring.