Q: What trails do we ski for this event?

A: For Lift participants, timing mats are at:

❉ Double Runner (24 hours)

❉ Superquad (8:30 am – 3:40 pm)

❉ Skyline (8:30 am – 3:40 pm)

❉ Wiffletree (8:30 am – 3:40 pm)

For Skin Up participants, the route begins near the Double Runner Chair, then ends at the Jean Luce Building, with an optional Boot Track near the top.

NEW for 2026: During Sugarloaf’s regular uphill (skinning) hours, participants may use Sugarloaf’s designated uphill routes to earn points.

Q: What does it cost to register?

A: Individuals can create or join a team of up to 12 people for $75 per person, plus a commitment to raise $500 (adults) / $325 (youth).

For information about Corporate Teams or School Teams, please contact Courtney Holub at cholub@winterkids.org.

Q: Does my team have to have twelve people?

A: No, you do not need to fill a team. Teams can consist of 1 to 12 people.

Q: Can I ski as an individual (without a team)?

A: Yes. You can absolutely participate as an individual.

When you register individually, our system will list you as a “team” of 1.

If you decide to invite others to join later, up to 11 additional people can register and select your team at any time before the registration deadline.

Each participant is responsible for:

❉ The $75 registration fee

❉ The fundraising minimum for their designated age group ($500 for adults, $325 for kids).

Q: Can I participate in both the skin up route and lift use?

A: Yes, you may change from the skin up to using the lift, but once you switch to using the lift, you cannot return to the skin up course. The points you earn will vary based on the element you choose.

>>TAP HERE FOR MORE INFO ON HOW SCORING WORKS

Q: Do Kids Teams need a chaperone?

A: Yes. Each Kids Team must have at least one adult chaperone on site for the duration of the event.

This adult serves as the team’s primary in-person point of contact.

Q: Do participants under 18 need a parent or guardian available?

A: Yes. For every participant under the age of 18:

❉ A responsible adult must be available by phone for the full duration of the event

❉ Contact information must be current and accessible

This ensures we can quickly connect with a parent or guardian if needed.

Q: Can one adult chaperone supervise multiple youth participants?

A: Yes, as long as:

❉ There is at least one designated chaperone physically on site per Kids Team

❉ Each minor has a responsible adult available by phone

We encourage teams to plan thoughtfully to ensure youth participants are well supported throughout the full 24-hour event.

Q: Do I have to stay up the entire 24 hours?

A. No, you do not.

How competitive you are is totally up to you, and we celebrate all who participate in the event, whether you are on the mountain for an hour or for 24.

This event is about raising awareness and funds for WinterKids, so however you get there, we thank you!

Q: How does scoring work?

A: Scores are based on combined points for both your fundraising (60% of your score) and your time on the mountain (40% of your score) during the event.

Fundraising points are awarded based on each participant’s ranking on the fundraising leaderboard. Fundraising points are added to scores after the 3 PM deadline on Friday.

Time on Mountain points are awarded based on the number of laps you complete throughout the event. LEARN MORE >>

Q: Do I have to provide my own lodging?

A: Yes, participants are responsible for their own lodging. Because of the popularity of our event, we encourage participants and guests to begin looking for lodging as soon as possible. Different accommodations do become available throughout the year.

>> TAP HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LODGING

Q: Are equipment rentals available?

A: Equipment rentals are available at the Sugarloaf rental desk upstairs from the Base Lodge. They have extended their hours for the event on Thursday & Friday until 8:00 pm.

Booking your rentals in advance is strongly encouraged. Equipment is not guaranteed for walk-ins.

>> TAP HERE FOR THE RENTAL SHOP

Q: Is food included?

A: WinterKids will provide light appetizers during packet pickup/welcome, breakfast sandwiches on Friday morning, and a grill buffet Friday night.

We’ll also have coffee and a variety of snacks available at the WinterKids table throughout the night, as well as coffee, Eighty8 donuts, and snacks at the Mid-Mountain Party.

All other meals are your responsibility.

Extended Hours at Red Pony, Widowmaker, and The Bag: Widowmaker and The Bag & Kettle* have extended their hours to stay open until 9 PM on Thursday. The Red Pony will remain open until 1 AM.

*The Bag will serve full menu until 7 PM, then pizza + salad & full bar until 9 PM.

>> TAP HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF DINING ESTABLISHMENTS AVAILABLE

Q: Do I need to have a light when it gets dark out?

A: Headlamps are required for all participants who are skinning between sunset and sunrise.

>>TAP HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT TO BRING

Q: How will weather-related lift closures be communicated?

A: Weather-related closures will be communicated via Ski Patrol (lifts will close), text messages, notices in the Mobile Event Guide, and DJ announcements.

Q: What do I do with check donations?

A: Please have donors make a check out to WinterKids. Print and complete the Downhill 24 Check Donation Form.

>> TAP HERE FOR THE CHECK DONATION FORM

Mail checks with the completed form to:

WinterKids,

506 Main Street, Suite 24A

Westbrook, ME 04092

You may also bring checks to the event and turn them in at the WinterKids desk. Please be sure you have a completed check donation form for each check submitted.

Q: How can I volunteer at Downhill 24?

A: We would love to have you join us. Downhill 24 volunteers help bring this event to life in a variety of ways, including:

❉ Supporting participants in the King Pine Room

❉ Assisting with registration and logistics

❉ On-mountain support

❉ Overnight support roles

We are especially grateful for volunteers willing to support during late-night and overnight hours.

All volunteers receive:

❉ A free Downhill 24 event shirt

❉ A Sugarloaf lift pass for use during the event

To sign up as a volunteer:

Please fill out our volunteer sign up form at https://winterkids.org/support-winterkids/volunteer/#sign-up

Q: How can my business or organization sponsor Downhill 24?

A: We welcome partnerships that align with WinterKids’ mission and values.

Sponsorship opportunities offer:

• High-visibility brand exposure
• Meaningful community engagement
• Alignment with 25 years of joyful outdoor learning and play

To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact Courtney Holub at cholub@winterkids.org