The #WEOUTSIDE crew is back at it for a round of trips to experience outdoor recreation in Maine’s winter months! The program participants from the summer edition are all geared up and ready for some downhill skiing, ice fishing, fat biking, hiking, hand warmer wearing, and more. The Maine Association for New Americans and the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust have been so fortunate to have the support of so many foundations, brands, partners and individual donors to keep this special program going. And we’re already planning for the summer of 2024!

Our initial trip this winter was in partnership with Loon Echo Land Trust for a day of nordic (cross country) skiing at Five Fields Farm. The property is an apple orchard in the warmer months and is surrounded by lands conserved by Loon Echo in the Bridgton area. In the winter it is a great spot to learn to cross country ski because of the flat trails, good snow and nice lodge to hang out in. Special thanks to Loon Echo for providing the rental skis and passes for the #WEOUTSIDE participants!

Despite having ZERO experience on skis, these kids were amazing. All of them were out on the trails for several hours – some were cruising on the more difficult trails, some were doing hill climbs five minutes after getting on skis, some were flopping around and zooming down slopes through the orchards (fortunately missing the trees!). They will build on these skills later in the winter with a downhill skiing trip and another trail center day. Stay tuned for more reports.