In reply to esoteric:
It's not too complicated a thing to do, so even if you can't find lessons don't be put off hiring the gear and having a go. Up North (and that's proper 'up North' like Norden, not, say, Huddersfield) most people just go XC skiing with their parents or at school and keep doing it as they grow up, but an hour with instructor would be plenty for an adult who is new to it. The biggest issue is learning how to slow down going down hill - that can be quite amusing to start of with!