SnowSchool
Join us for SnowSchool this winter season
“A bright yellow school bus pulls up to a frozen parking lot in the middle of winter. The doors open. Out come dozens of fifth-graders in puffy jackets, mittens, and hats. Today, these students are going to strap on snowshoes, romp around the snow, dig pits, study snow crystals, and learn about their watershed. Welcome to SnowSchool.” ~Winter Wildlands Alliance
Experience
Come play in the snow at Catamount while exploring the wonders of winter. The goal for SnowSchool students is to recognize the vital connection between their local snowpack and the water surrounding them every day within their watershed all while learning about winter ecosystems.
Field Trips
Contact us today to set up a customized program that fits your needs!
SnowSchool programs can run anywhere from 1 to 4 hours and can focus on topics of your choosing. Activity type and levels can also be tailored to your group’s needs.
Programs are limited to 30 participants per group, plus teachers and chaperones. If you have more than 30 students, please contact us to discuss custom pricing and programming options.
Curriculum
The Winter Wildlands Alliance’s SnowSchool curriculum, which meets National Science Standards, aims to provide K-12 students with opportunities to experience field-based instruction on snow science and the relationship with their local watershed while encouraging physical activity.
Please note: We have a limited number of programs available for the 2025/26 season. Visits will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis via email.
SnowSchool is the perfect mix of experiential learning and outside play.
Contact us to discuss a custom program for your classroom or group that encourages participants to spend time outdoors while simultaneously learning about their local watershed, winter ecology and environmental stewardship.
A typical program at Catamount includes gearing the group up with snowshoes, playing a field game to get comfy with our new snowshoe feet, and then heading out for an ~1 mile snowshoe hike. The group will stop at numerous points along the loop to discuss the topics you request.
These could include snow science activities covering watersheds and maps, the water cycle, avalanche science, depth and density measurements, and snowflake creation and ID. We also cover winter ecology topics like adaptations (hibernation, migration, camouflage), animal tracking, tree ID, thermoregulation, navigation, winter survival skills, Leave No Trace, and so much more!
At the end of the loop, Catamount staff like to have a fire going for folks to warm up, eat and enjoy BYO S’mores around.
SnowSchool Program Pricing
Program costs vary based on duration, number of participants, and equipment used. Below is the cost breakdown for a snowshoe program with 1–30 students. Additional students and/or choosing a different activity (e.g., Nordic skiing or fat biking) will increase the overall cost. Timeframe & Cost:
- 1 hour $225
- 1.5 hours = $250
- 2 hours = $275
- 2.5 hours = $300
- 3 hours = $340
- 3.5 hours = $380
- 4 hours = $425
Optional Add-Ons:
- Fire pit – additional $15
- Nordic ski rentals
- Fat bike rentals (limited to small groups of approximately 5 participants)
SnowSchool’s history at Catamount
In 2021, Catamount received a grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program which allowed us to purchase snowshoes and other snow science equipment needed to launch our SnowSchool Program, making Catamount one of 70 SnowSchool locations across the country through the Winter Wildlands Alliance.
Catamount is thrilled to be gearing up for our 5th season of SnowSchool offerings!
In an effort to lower the barrier for students across the state, Catamount launched a “Sponsor A Classroom” initiative that allows community members to cover some or all of the program’s costs.
People can choose to donate an amount for any program or they can specify which group or classroom the funds are for. By sponsoring a classroom, you are providing a one of a kind, hands-on learning experience to students in your community.
If you have questions or are interested in sponsoring a classroom, please email programs@catamountoutdoor.org.