PORTLAND — For one night only, skiers will have the opportunity to ski under the lights at Sugarloaf as part of the 4th Annual WinterKids Downhill 24.

The 24-hour ski challenge fundraiser takes place March 11-12, 2016, 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. WinterKids will set up lights along the Whiffletree trail, allowing for night skiing for the first time in Sugarloaf’s storied history.

Presented by Darling’s Auto Group, the WinterKids Downhill 24 is a 24-hour team ski challenge and fundraiser for WinterKids. The event was originally hosted at Mt. Abram, raising $168,000 in its first three years. This is the first time the event will be held at Sugarloaf.

Teams will compete to see who can clock the most runs in 24 hours. More importantly, they’ll be raising money to support WinterKids to help children develop healthy, lifelong habits through education and fun, outdoor winter activity.

“Darling’s is thrilled to support this premiere winter event at Sugarloaf. Partnering with WinterKids supports our investment in Maine families, and reiterates our love of Sugarloaf and Maine winters” says Jay Darling, President of Darling’s Auto Group.

“Participants can ski or ride as much or as little as they want during the event,” says WinterKids Executive Director Julie Mulkern. “The important thing is that they’ll be raising money to fight childhood obesity. 1 in 3 Maine kids enters kindergarten overweight. Downhill 24 participants will be helping to raise money to get more than 23,000 kids in Maine and New Hampshire this winter to get outside and be active with their families and at school.”

The WinterKids Downhill 24 welcomes all levels of skiers and snowboarders who want to ski, ride and have a blast while supporting the WinterKids mission. Registration is open to the first 400 individuals and private or corporate teams of up to 12 participants. In addition to 24 hours of skiing, the event will feature live music, prizes, free food, and lots of other entertainment.

“Sugarloaf is pleased to host this event at our mountain in March. We are excited to be helping WinterKids get more Maine kids outside and active in the winter, and night skiing for one night only is a huge thrill for the Sugarloaf community,” says Ethan Austin, Sugarloaf’s Director of Marketing.

Limited early bird registration is now available. Individuals and team members may register for $25 with a $200 minimum fundraiser requirement, or chose to pay a $225 fee with no fundraising requirement. Corporate teams may register up to 12 people for a fee of $1,500. Each individual will have their own unique fundraising web page, and there will be prizes awarded for those who raise the most money for WinterKids. Registration opens July 29 at D24.org.