Ski alert: The Youth Learn to Ski Program runs 6-9 p.m. today at Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg. The ski club partners with Perfect North to offer lessons at a reduced price. The program is held each Monday in January. For more information, call 381-7517 or (812) 537-3754.

Hike one, hike two: Get back to basics with a Birding Basics hike 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday at Alms Park in Mount Lookout. Find out what field marks are and learn to recognize some bird songs. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair from the hike's guide. Free, 321-6070, Ext. 16.

Join a naturalist for a guided nature hike, "Along the Trails at Rowe Woods," 2-3 p.m. Saturday at Cincinnati Nature Center's Rowe Woods in Milford. $5 non-members; members free. Call for reservations. 831-1711.

Up a tree: Here's a way to get your exercise and get a new view of Clermont County. Elevate yourself in an advanced tree climb 1 p.m. Saturday at Cincinnati Nature Center's Long Branch Farm in Goshen. A second climb is 5 p.m. Saturday. Designed for those with tree- or rock-climbing experience, this invigorating climb offers a look through the bare limbs of the dormant forest. Dress in layers. Pre-registration is required. Each climb: Nature center members, $25; nonmembers, $30; children, $15. 722-1038.

Dreams and demos

In the swing: Two big exhibitions open this weekend downtown at the Albert B. Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center:

The Cincinnati Travel, Sports and Boat Show returns Friday through Jan. 18. More than 600 displays of outdoor products and services, travel information and boats fill the center. Seminars and demonstrations round out the show. Hours: 5-9:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. The show closes on Monday and reopens 5-9:30 p.m. Jan. 13-15; noon-9:30 p.m. Jan. 16; 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 18.

Friday through Sunday on the center's second floor is the 2004 Cincinnati Golf Show. This event features golf equipment for sale, golf destinations in the Midwest and Southeast and seminars. Hours: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission to both events: $9, $3 children 13 and younger. 281-0022.

Sign up

Three cheers: Arena football's Cincinnati Swarm cheerleaders are hosting a pre-audition workshop for women ages 18 and older interested in joining the squad, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at U.S. Bank Arena, downtown. The $25 workshop fee includes warm-up, technique drills, choreography, review and a question-and-answer session. Wear workout/dance attire with dance, jazz or gym shoes. Pre-register by e-mailing acampbell@cincinnatiswarm.com. Include name, number. 421-4111.

Play on

Knock 'em down: The Greater Cincinnati Bowling Association City Championship tournament continues 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at King Pin Lanes in Anderson Township. $21 per bowler per event. 231-8010.

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Contact Shauna Scott Rhone by phone: 768-8511; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: srhone@enquirer.com