Since the 1980s, Bethel-area schoolchildren have spent six weeks each winter learning to ski at Sunday River in Newry through the RugRats program, part of the district’s physical education curriculum.

On a recent Thursday, groups of kindergartners walked with instructors toward the “magic carpet” lift at South Ridge. Instructors taught them how to snap on their skis independently and glide gently down a beginner slope.

Although skiing is central to Maine’s winter economy, the cost can put the sport out of reach for many families. RugRats eliminates that barrier, providing all elementary students in the district the opportunity to participate at no cost.

Woodstock Elementary School teacher Samantha Grosso said she prepared her nine kindergartners in advance.

“I showed them pictures of the magic carpet, inside and outside. I showed them live videos and photos of skiing,” she said. “They were so excited. … It can be zero degrees outside, they do not complain. They love it.”

Two grades at a time board buses Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, picking up some Crescent Park School students in Bethel along the way. Boots, skis, helmets and — for older students — poles are provided and fitted by Sunday River staff, streamlining the logistics for families and the district. Partners Gould Academy and The River Fund aid the program, too.

“They are so wonderful,” Grosso said of the J-1 instructors from South American countries such as Brazil and Argentina. Grosso said one of her students is disabled and, “Joao (one of the J-1 instructors) has so bravely taken him under his wing and said he deserves this experience just like anyone else (then he takes him skiing).”

Sunday River Vice President of Resort Services Glen Harrop said that for the approximately 275 children,  “the program promotes healthy winter activity, builds confidence and ensures equitable access to a sport that many families might not otherwise experience.”

“ (It) allows all students to experience skiing at no cost to families or the district, gets them outside and active, and takes a huge coordination effort with their volunteers, gear and expertise,” Harrop said.

At the end of each ski morning, Grosso said, there is one more ritual the children look forward to: s’mores at the firepit — a sweet finish after braving the cold and mastering the mountain.

“As a district, we are extremely fortunate and appreciative for the annual opportunity that Sunday River provides to our elementary students in making the RugRats program available to all kids,” said Maine School Administrative District 44 Superintendent Mark Kenney.