Learning a new skill can be difficult, especially when that skill is a physical activity.

When brains tell bodies to do one thing — and then those bodies do not cooperate, at least initially — it’s easy to feel embarrassed or self-conscious.

For women, those emotions can be heightened in mixed-gender group settings, to the degree that trying to pick up something new with a gaggle of mostly faster, stronger guys can be intimidating.

The fact is, sometimes it’s easier when it’s just the girls.

The She’s on Skis program at Mt. Bachelor ski area offers just such an opportunity for women who want to learn to skate ski: a multiweek course for women, taught by women.

“It’s a response, I think, to women’s needs,” Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center manager Sue Foster says. “And it was started with that purpose: to offer an opportunity for a bunch of women to get together and focus on technique and instruction, but also to get a good workout and to have some camaraderie with your sisters on the ski trails.”

The mission of She’s on Skis is simple.

“Really, our goal is just to go out and have fun on the snow and to improve,” says Liz Book, an instructor now in her third year with the program.

In previous seasons, She’s on Skis offered a three- or four-week session in December and a separate six-week session starting in January. But this season, for the first time, the program is being offered in a 10-session format, which concludes Feb. 18.

“It just gives you that more time to be out on the snow and practice and improve and work on your technique,” Book explains of the new, longer format.

Though the program staged its first lessons of the season last week, it is not too late to sign up. Skiers can pick a two-hour weekly practice session from three options: 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

Out on the snow, up to three instructors at a time will work with a group of about five to 10 women, which allows the program to accommodate skiers of varying ability levels during the same session. The curriculum is technique-oriented, and prospective participants can expect to perform a lot of drills.

“I find the instructors to be very good at breaking down what you need to do into the little steps,” says Dana Arntson, 46, who started her second year of She’s on Skis last week and is in her third year overall of skate skiing.

She’s on Skis can accommodate a range of ability levels but is not for women who are absolute, complete neophytes.

“You have to have slid on skate skies,” Foster notes.

Still, the experience requirement is relatively minimal. And with 10 weeks of practice, participants can expect to see quite a bit of improvement.

“I went from barely being able to stand on (skis) to being able to ski fairly proficiently,” says Cate Hill, 53, who, like Arntson, is now in her second year of She’s on Skis. “I think the coaching is amazing, and they have so many great drills. They really know what they’re doing.”

For women with absolutely no skate skiing experience, Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Mountain Resort both offer single lessons in group and private formats, and Mt. Bachelor also offers multiweek lesson packages. Prospective skiers can also look for opportunities like the annual Learn to Ski days staged by Meissner Nordic ski club. (The next one is scheduled for Jan. 14.)

After gaining just a little experience, prospective participants will be ready for next ski season’s She’s on Skis — or possibly even one later in the season. Another session, Foster says, could start in January if interest is high enough.

Besides the opportunity for repeated practice in an instructional setting, She’s on Skis is cost-effective. Cost depends on each skier’s needs, ranging from $215 for those who already have their own equipment and trail pass to $295 for those who need gear and a pass. (For perspective, for adults, a one-hour lesson with rental and trail pass costs $50 to $60 at Mt. Bachelor and $45 at Hoodoo.)

“It’s a pretty good deal,” Foster notes. “It’s a lot of snow time with personal instruction.”

Says Hill: “It’s great. Everybody should do it.”

If you go

If you go

What: She’s on Skis

Who: Female skate skiers, advanced beginners and above

When: 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through mid-February

Where: Mt. Bachelor ski area

Cost: $215-$295, depending on trail pass and equipment needs

More info: Sue Foster, 541-693-0909 or sfoster@mtbachelor.com

What: She’s on Skis

Who: Female skate skiers, advanced beginners and above

When: 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through mid-February

Where: Mt. Bachelor ski area

Cost: $215-$295, depending on trail pass and equipment needs

More info: Sue Foster, 541-693-0909 or sfoster@mtbachelor.com