Discover Maine’s Youth Winter Programs: Building Skills, Confidence, and Joy Outdoors
By Josh Harrington, Family Programs and Outreach Manager, WinterKids
With contributions from Brent Vanni, L.L. Bean
Winter in Maine has a way of bringing out the best in kids. Whether it’s their first snowball fight, their tenth day on skis, or that wobbly first glide across an ice rink, it’s the season that gives them a chance to play, learn, and grow in ways that stick with them for life.
At WinterKids, we believe that every child deserves to experience the fun and freedom of Maine’s winter. Luckily, our state is home to an incredible variety of youth winter programs that make getting outside accessible for families of all backgrounds and experience levels. From after-school ski clubs to adaptive programs and community gear libraries, there’s truly something for everyone.
Learn-to-Ski and After-School Adventures
For many families, local after-school and community ski programs are the perfect entry point. Programs like Maine West Project Play in the Bethel area and the Quarry Road Ski Club Youth Nordic Program in Waterville introduce kids to cross-country skiing in a supportive, playful environment. In Aroostook County, Big Rock Mountain’s Ski4Life program offers 10 weeks of ski or snowboard instruction. This program is managed through the local school districts and the Presque Isle Parks and Recreation Department.
In southern Maine, Portland Ski Club and UMF’s SnowCats program offer beginner-friendly alpine skiing experiences designed just for kids — complete with instruction, supervision, and plenty of smiles. These programs focus on skill building, confidence, and connection to nature, not competition — just the joy of sliding on snow.
Many families want their kids to try skiing or snowboarding before committing to a whole season-long program. The WinterKids Passport offers a 50% discount on a first-time ski or snowboard lesson package at Lost Valley in Auburn. In Aroostook County, Quoggy Jo Ski Center offers a free learn-to ski or snowboard lesson package. Both are great opportunities for your child to take a one-time, guided lesson at a reduced price.
Adaptive and Inclusive Opportunities
No Maine winter story would be complete without highlighting Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation and Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, who both have statewide programs offering free lessons and equipment for children and adults with disabilities. Their volunteer coaches help make skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing truly accessible to everyone.
It’s a shining example of what’s possible when we remove barriers and open the door to shared outdoor experiences.
Beyond the Slopes: Ice Skating, Snowshoeing, and Outdoor Play
Not every winter adventure needs a lift ticket! Maine’s community rinks and outdoor centers are wonderful places for kids to discover new skills on ice. Rinks like the Midcoast Recreation Center in Rockport, Thompson Point Rink in Portland, and the Maine Ice Vault in Hallowell offer free junior public skating sessions with youth skate rentals through the WinterKids Passport.
Many rinks offer free public skating- Brunswick Mall ice skating rink, Lee Twombly Pond (at Family Ice Arena) in Falmouth, and Blake Pond skating rink in Yarmouth. You can find a full list of public skating rinks on our WinterKids website. Maine Gear Share and other local gear libraries make it easy to rent or borrow skates for the weekend.
There are also seasonal hockey programs for kids 4-13, offered through Casco Bay Hockey, Southern Maine Youth Hockey, Central Maine Youth Hockey, Midcoast Youth Hockey, and Maine Jr. Black Bears, among others.
For families in coastal or rural areas, Maine Sport Outfitters and local gear libraries make it easy to rent or borrow skates, snowshoes, or cross-country skis for the weekend.
Gear Up for Winter
Seasonal lease programs are another fantastic way to make winter sports more affordable for growing kids. Most winter sports shops around Maine offer youth seasonal ski packages that include professional fittings and maintenance all season long. This is a great option for families who know they are going to recreate at least 4 times this winter. You get to take the rental gear with you, treat it as if it were your own, and return it at the end of the season. Junior lease packages can start around $125 for the whole season, and can be exchanged for new equipment if your child hits a growth spurt. Adult seasonal leases are also available and typically have some performance options. If this option sounds good to you, check in with your local shop and have them set you up for the winter. A few of our favorites are Allspeed, Roger’s, Ski Rack Sports, and Ski Hot Ski Shop.
Families looking for shorter-term or no-cost options can explore Maine Gear Share, Katahdin Gear Library, and Kindling Collective, where outdoor gear, including winter equipment, can be borrowed for free or at minimal cost. Find a more complete list of gear libraries on our blog post. These programs help ensure that a lack of equipment never stands in the way of a snowy adventure.
Where Winter-Kids Thrive
Whether your child dreams of skiing through the trees or learning to balance on skates for the first time, Maine offers a pathway to make it happen. These programs, and the communities that run them, represent the heart of what WinterKids stands for: getting children outside, active, and connected to the season that makes our state so special.
If you’re ready to start planning your family’s winter adventures, visit winterkids.org to explore programs, gear resources, and Passport offers near you. Together, we can help every Maine child discover the joy of winter.
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