PORTLAND — The WinterKids Passport, Maine's original outdoor winter activity discount book, is marking its 20th anniversary season. The program is a great way for Maine families to try new winter activities, including downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and even dog sledding. This year, the Passport also includes horseback and sleigh rides. Every 5th, 6th, and 7th grader in Maine is eligible for a Passport, which contains free and discounted tickets, lessons, and rentals at 50 outdoor recreational areas all over Maine.

This year, for the first time, the Passport also features 4 new partners in New Hampshire:

· Attitash Mountain, Bartlett, NH, featuring downhill skiing and snowboarding

· Wildcat Mountain, Jackson, NH, featuring downing skiing and snowboarding

· High Meadow Farms, Moultonborough, NH, featuring horseback rides

· Labrie Family Skating at Puddle Dock Pond, Portsmouth, NH, featuring ice skating

"We are very excited to expand our Passport activities to New Hampshire with the addition of these new partners, " says WinterKids Executive Director, Julie Mulkern. "The Passport began in 1997 with an emphasis on skiing, but it's grown into so much more. Skiing remains a major draw, but other activities have grown immensely in popularity. In 20 years, approximately 75,000 Maine kids have used the Passport to get outside and active in the winter."

WinterKids Passport holders can also take advantage of Passport Perks and WinterKids Family Days. Passport Perks include deals and discounts at select Maine retailers and organizations. WinterKids Family Days are a way for Passport holders and their families to take advantage of deeply discounted tickets on select dates throughout the winter. WinterKids Family Days are scheduled for Shawnee Peak, Mt. Abram, Lost Valley, Camden Snow Bowl, The Rink at Thompson's Point, Smiling Hill Farm, and Family Ice Center.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary, WinterKids Passports are available at WinterKids.org for a discounted price of $20 all season. Proceeds from the Passport help WinterKids to get more kids off the couch and moving and learning outdoors in the winter. Each WinterKids Passport includes an estimated savings value of $3,000.

For more information about the WinterKids Passport visit: www.winterkids.org/kids-and-families/passport/ .