This winter, more than 16,000 Maine kids didn’t just play outside—they built confidence, formed connections, and discovered what winter can be. Thanks to our programs, partners, and supporters like you, WinterKids reached over 50,000 Mainers through active, hands-on learning in the snow.
Inside this year’s Season Wrap-Up, you’ll learn how over 10,000 students turned their playgrounds into weather labs during the Winter Games, exploring clouds, snow science, and storms with local meteorologists, bringing STEAM learning to life, outdoors.
You’ll see how the WinterKids App helped over 5,200 family members find joy in skiing, snowboarding, and skating across 75 locations statewide, making active winter fun more affordable for families across Maine.
You’ll join us in Lewiston/Auburn, where our Welcome to Winter event at Lost Valley brought hundreds of families together, many experiencing snowshoeing, skiing, and the joy of winter outside for the very first time. It was a night filled with movement, hot chocolate, and community connection.
And you’ll be inspired by the record number of youth participants in Downhill 24, who raised funds not just to ski, but to ensure other kids could too. These young changemakers are showing us what a culture of giving looks like in action.
And that’s just the beginning!
As we head into our 25th year, we’re not just reflecting, we’re building on a movement. We’re building a Maine where every child, regardless of background, can discover the wonder of winter and the confidence that comes with being outside.
Get the report:
Welcome to Winter felt really energizing this year! I loved seeing how many families were able to attend and enjoy all the fun activities we offered. I also loved seeing how much winter gear we were able to share with those who may have gone all winter without warm hats and mittens. The smiles and excitement they had when we gave them a warm pair of gloves warmed my heart!
Melissa Ferrigno
Administrative & Volunteer Coordinator / WinterKids
The best part of the winter season for me is not just one moment, but the entirety of the Winter Games. Photos, videos and comments showing how this program impacts kids, teachers, and families come across my desk for 4 weeks, reminding me just how important the work we do is.
Marion Doyle
Education Director / WinterKids
Being there in person when the students at Rangeley Lakes Regional School found out they won the Gold Medal prize in the Winter Games was something I’ll never forget. One kiddo was so excited, their shoes literally flew off! It was such a beautiful reminder of why we do this work: to spark joy, build confidence, and help kids feel like champions just for playing and learning outside.
Kristel Hayes
Marketing Manager / WinterKids
Seeing students being dedicated little scientists going outside in all kinds of conditions to collect their daily weather data was absolutely fantastic! So many of the elementary students really embraced the role of weather observer and did an amazing job.
Tom Long
Program & Environmental Sustainability Manager / WinterKids
My favorite part of this season? Everything! From watching kids ride the magic carpet for the first time, to seeing families show up for cross-country ski days, to cheering on students as they kicked off the Winter Games and celebrating with the winners—every moment was filled with joy. I especially loved being surrounded by people who share their love of winter and the outdoors so freely, and who invite others into that passion with open arms.
Courtney Holub
Executive Director / WinterKids
One of my favorite moments this year was at the WinterKids Family Day at Quarry Road Trails in Waterville. It was a clear, cold, February Saturday; sunny but never got above 20 degrees. I saw a number of families come out and try cross country skiing for their first time. It is so fun to see kids light up when they figure out how to do it. There were lots of smiling faces, excited kids, and no complaints about the cold. I was watching WinterKids' mission play out in front of me.
Josh Harrington
Family Programs & Outreach Manager / WinterKids
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