PORTLAND — With the WinterKids Passport, all Maine fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade students have an opportunity to get free and discounted tickets to try skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing and even dog sledding.

Fran Mullin, executive director of the nonprofit organization WinterKids, said that the newer program offers Maine kids the chance to try cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at 20 different locations and is available online for free at www.winterkids.org. Paper applications are also available at schools.

Mullin also said that for the first time this winter schools in five focus communities are taking The WinterKids Challenge. Teachers in Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, Waterville-Augusta, Skowhegan and Bangor will get their students moving and learning using active outdoor lessons, with special training, resources and support from WinterKids staff.

The WinterKids Family Day will be held again at Lost Valley, on Sunday, Jan. 16. Families with children who have the WinterKids Passport will have an opportunity to ski for $10 each, with rental equipment also available for $10.