The age-old rule of thumb in the ski business goes something like this: If there’s brown grass showing in (pick your favorite large Maine municipality), it’s hard to convince some outdoors enthusiasts winter’s truly here.

That seems to hold true even if folks in the northern and mountainous areas of the state are digging out from under huge snowdrifts at the same time.

Brad Ryder can relate.

The owner of Epic Sports in Bangor says early snowstorms such as the one that recently dumped nearly a foot on the Penobscot Valley serve as a catalyst for his business. During a Friday morning chat, I asked Ryder to talk about some fairly recent advancements in outdoor products … and what some old-fashioned winter weather means to people like him.

“This is absolutely wonderful, to have a little bit of early December snow on the ground, and it hasn’t melted,” Ryder said. “I think everybody needs a little reminder that winter is here to stay, and having a little bit of that snow on the ground is really helpful to a lot of people realizing that winter’s here, and we have a lot of outdoor activities to be able to enjoy.”

Ryder said that participation in active winter sports are still on the rise in Maine, much as kayaking is during the warmer months.

And he has stopped making predictions about snowshoe sales eventually tapering off.

Ryder said he originally thought the snowshoe market would reach saturation quickly. That hasn’t turned out to be true.

“Similar to kayaking, people discovered that snowshoeing is really a great activity,” Ryder said. “It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, it doesn’t have to be an expensive sport and you can kind of do it at your own pace.”

Advancements in technology have improved the quality of many of the products that retailers like Ryder sell. Snowshoes are smaller and lighter. Cross country skis for beginners are often wider and more stable.

And apparel?

Even the old standard-bearers have been improved upon.

“Wool has been a traditional favorite for centuries. It’s tough to knock a tried-and-true product like that,” Ryder said. “What has happened in recent years, though, is SmartWool and other companies like them have come out with a wool that is really soft, almost cotton-like, yet it has the insulating qualities that we know and like about wool.”

These garments aren’t your grandfather’s wool socks … nor his old woolen hunting jacket. Not even close.

Cross country skiers are among the beneficiaries of the latest apparel choices, and Ryder said area ski shops can help teach beginners what they need to know to participate in a fun and growing sport.

“The first thing I would say [to someone who wants to give the sport a try] is to come into your shop and talk to the people and find out just what’s involved in cross country skiing,” Ryder said. “I think they’ll be pleasantly surprised. They’ll find out there’s a lot of options available, they don’t have to spend a fortune to get started with good equipment and there are a lot of places to go skiing right in the immediate area.”

Time to tie flies!

If you’re still in the gift-buying mood and can’t seem to figure out what to purchase for the angler in your life, I suggest you ask yourself a simple question.

Do they fly fish but not tie their own flies?

If the answer is “Yes,” then I’ve got a solution for you.

Contact the Penobscot Fly Fishers. Quickly.

The PFF puts on an introductory fly fishing class each year, during which they teach all kinds of beginners that tying flies is a skill that anybody can learn.

Heck, they got me tying, so they must be good.

The classes are held at 6 p.m. on Thursday nights beginning Jan. 3. The cost is just $30, and all materials and equipment are provided by the club. And if past experience is any indicator, there’s a good chance students and instructors alike will spend a bit of time each night snacking on the cookies and other sweets that always seem to be on hand.

The class will run for eight consecutive weeks.

The teacher-to-student ratio is very low, so each new tier gets hands-on, step-by-step instruction on every fly that’s introduced.

The PFF membership is made up of a bunch of low-key anglers who love to talk about their sport and teach others. All have years of experience they’re willing to share. Who knows? You might even meet a new fishing buddy at the class.

The catch: Seats in the class are limited, and they might sell fast. To reserve a spot in the class, send a check to Donald Corey at 36 Kingsbury Road, Holden, ME 04429.

If you want to find out more about the class, e-mail Corey at don@annikarodandfly.com.

Ski Maine issues challenge

With snow on the ground across the state, downhill skiers are understandably excited about the prospects for a long, fun-filled season.

The Ski Maine Association is excited as well and is issuing a challenge to the state’s ski enthusiasts: Hit the road, and ski everywhere.

The promotion is called the Maine Peak to Peak Challenge, and prizes will be awarded to some skiers who take part.

While many skiers choose one area as their “home hill” and rarely spend time at other resort areas, Ski Maine is challenging Mainers to get out and enjoy the 17 mountains the group represents.

In a press release, Greg Sweetser, the executive director of Ski Maine, explained there are 560 trails, 83 lifts and acres of glades available on Maine’s mountains.

The Maine Peak to Peak Challenge prizes that will be up for grabs:

. For those who ski or ride all 17 affiliated mountains, a VIP Pass and Solo Pack for the 2008-2009 season, which allows the random winner to ski any Maine mountain at any time.

. Ski or ride any 12 Ski Maine areas and be eligible for two tickets to each area during the 2008-2009 season.

. Ski or ride any six member mountains and you may win one ticket to each member area.

Participants will track their visits with the Ski Maine Peak to Peak Challenge card. For more information, go to www.skimaine.com.

Ski Maine itself is taking up the challenge. A team led by outdoor adventurer Carey Kish will attempt to ski all 17 mountains over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday in January.

The 31/2-day journey will begin Jan. 18 at Spruce Mountain in Jay and wrap up Jan. 21 at the Camden Snow Bowl.

The 17 Ski Maine ski areas included are Baker Mountain in Bingham, Big Rock in Mars Hill, Black Mountain in Rumford, the Camden Snow Bowl, Eaton Mountain in Skowhegan, Hermon Mountain, Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent, Lost Valley in Auburn, Mt. Abram in Greenwood, Mt. Jefferson in Lee, Quoggy Jo in Presque Isle, Saddleback in Rangeley, Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, Spruce Mountain in Jay, Sugarloaf/USA in Carrabassett Valley, Sunday River in Newry and Titcomb Mountain in Farmington.

John Holyoke may be reached at jholyoke@bangordailynews.net or by calling 990-8214.