1. What is Winterim?

Winterim is a required weeklong experiential learning program that provides grade 6-12 Dawson students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of educational options outside of the classroom. Winterim is an intentional exploration curated to inspire, educate, and teach critical soft skills. Winterim is faculty-designed in conjunction with our Director of Experiential Education and requires students to challenge their mind, body, and character.

2. What is Winterim not?

Winterim is not simply a vacation, nor is it a guaranteed travel opportunity each year. It is also not designed for students to travel exclusively with their closest friends. Instead, we offer a variety of local, domestic, and international programs that cater to the diverse needs of both students and faculty. Winterim intentionally places students in small groups, fostering new friendships and encouraging meaningful connections.

3. How does the lottery work?

STEP 1: Lottery Numbers

Students will draw a lottery number out of a bag during lunch before online registration opens. The number ranges for each grade are:

  • 12th Grade: 101-199

  • 11th Grade: 201-299

  • 10th Grade: 301-399

  • 9th Grade: 401-499

  • 8th Grade: 501-599

  • 7th Grade: 601-699

  • 6th Grade: 701-799

Numbers are assigned through a weighted lottery system, with priority given to older grades within each division.

STEP 2: Online Registration

From Friday, October 10th at 8:00 a.m. to Wednesday, October 15th at 8:00 p.m., parents can log into the Winterim Registration website to register their students. You’ll enter your student’s name and grade, provide payment details, and select the Winterim programs in order of preference—this step is important. Specific instructions are on the homepage of the registration website. The website will be posted to the Dawson Portal at the start on online registration. 


When selecting programs, follow the grade-specific guidelines below, but please also prioritize affordability. If cost prevents you from attending an experience, exclude it from your rankings, even if it means not fully following these guidelines. 

2026 Winterim Selection Guidelines: 

  • 12th grade must rank at least four choices

  • 11th grade must rank at least seven choices. 11th grade may choose just five if only choosing local programs.

  • 10th grade must rank at least 10 choices - at least two of the 10 must be local or drive-to. 10th grade can choose just five if only choosing local programs.

  • 9th grade must rank at least 12 choices - at least five of the 12 must be local Winterims. 9th grade can choose only five if only choosing local programs. 

  • 8th grade must rank at least four choices

  • 7th grade must rank at least eight choices 

  • 6th grade must rank all 13 choices - at least four of the 13 must be local (unless you are choosing only local programs; in this case, you should rank at least four programs). 

We create these grade-specific guidelines to ensure that every student gets placed on a trip. For instance, if a 9th grader registers only for the three most popular trips (usually international), they may not get placed since these trips typically fill with older students first. Because switches or refunds are not allowed, be prepared to purchase any program you select. Prioritize affordability, even if it means registering for fewer options. For example, if you'd like to register for only five local Winterim options for your 11th grader, even though the instructions recommend ranking at least seven, that's completely fine. If your student isn’t ready to travel far, choose only local trips. Families on Tuition Assistance will receive an email from Scott Schneider outlining financing options.

STEP 3: Lottery & Payment
The lottery is run through our online system, where students are placed on a Winterim trip based on their lottery number, preferences, and spots available. You will be charged for the trip your student is placed in, using the credit card you provided during registration. I will notify you 24 hours before the lottery is processed so you know when to expect the charge. This typically happens at the start of November.

4. If I log on as soon as registration opens, does my student have a better chance of getting their first pick?

No. There is no need to log on as soon as the registration opens, there is no prioritization for time of registration.

5. The Winterim Selection Guidelines say that my student should pick 10 Winterims, but I can only afford 5 options. What should I do?

The Winterim selection guidelines are written to ensure that every student is placed on a trip, however, parents should prioritize affordability. Do not register for a trip that you cannot afford, even if the guidelines recommend you do so.

6. When will we find out which Winterim my student received?

The lottery will run roughly 3 weeks after registration closes. You will receive an email 24 hours before the lottery runs informing you of an upcoming charge to your credit card for the amount of the Winterim program. You will then receive an email from our lottery interface, Configio, sharing your lottery results.

7. Can my student switch Winterims with someone else?

Students are not allowed to switch Winterims, and no refunds will be provided. If a student is not able to travel due to injury or illness, we do our best to recuperate any costs. Because many of our costs are fixed (i.e. group plane tickets) we cannot promise a full refund.

8. What if my student is not interested in any of these Winterim options?

Students are allowed to petition for an alternative Winterim by applying to Ms. Scheer BEFORE registration opens. Students are NOT allowed to register, receive a lottery result, and then petition for an alternative Winterim. By doing this, students inhibit other students from receiving their desired Winterim program. Students can only petition for an alternative Winterim experience ONCE in their time at Dawson. Winterim is a graduation requirement and it is not optional. If students are interested in petitioning, please email mscheer@dawsonschool.org for an application.

9. Can my children switch winterim lottery numbers?

No. Lottery numbers are grade specific, not family specific.

10. Is airfare included in the cost of the Winterim?

Yes, the cost listed on the Winterim catalog is all inclusive. Any costs not associated with the listed price should be mentioned in the description (i.e. backcountry ski equipment rental for the backcountry ski Winterim), though this is rare.

11. Do these Winterims include trip insurance?

No, but trip insurance is strongly encouraged and may be purchased from a third-party insurer. Parents may use whichever travel insurance company they choose, but please read the details and exceptions carefully. Two of our previous travel partners have recommended Travel Guard. Two additional sites are: 1) Squaremouth, which can be used to compare travel insurance plans, and 2) Forbes. Certain program outfitters (i.e., Global Works, Dream Travel, etc.) offer their own specific trip insurance to cover the cost of their program, and teachers will share this option with parents after the lottery has run.

12. My student ended up on their last choice and does not want to participate, can we pull our student from Winterim?

No, Winterim is a graduation requirement. Your student should be prepared to be on any of the Winterims they registered for. The Alternative Winterim Petition process can only occur prior to registration. If your student was assigned to a travel program and no longer wishes to travel, they can transfer to a local Winterim program.

13. What if my student becomes injured prior to Winterim and is unable to travel?

If a student is not able to travel due to injury or illness, we do our best to recuperate any costs. Because many of our costs are fixed (i.e. group plane tickets, tour groups) we cannot promise a full refund. 

14. What if my student becomes injured or ill during winterim and needs to return home?

If a student becomes sick or injured during their Winterim trip and needs to return home, a parent or designated guardian must travel to the Winterim location to pick up the student at the parent’s expense.

15. My student receives Tuition Assistance, do we have to pay the full price of the Winterim they receive?

No, students that receive Tuition Assistance receive financial support on their Winterim trips. Please reach out to Scott Schneider (sschneider@dawsonschool.org) for more information.

16. My 6th grade student drew a low number (i.e., 701), what can they expect to receive for a Winterim trip?

The way students rank their choices and the popularity of trips varies from year to year. It is hard to predict which trip any given student will receive. Typically, the travel programs are filled with the older students and local programs are filled with younger students. While this might be disappointing for younger students, the weighted lottery ensures that every Dawson student has the opportunity to travel at some point in their Dawson experience. It is not feasible for Dawson to publish a catalog only filled with travel programs for many reasons.

17. Where can I find the Winterim registration link?

The Winterim registration link will be posted to the Winterim portal page at the start on online registration.

18. What if I want to meet my student at their Winterim destination at the end of Winterim/beginning of spring break?

Group ticketing is used for Winterim airline travel. Group tickets have strict regulations, and ticket changes are not allowed. Ticketing is planned so that all students start and end with the group in Denver. Families that request to have their student dismissed from the end of a Winterim trip to join a family on vacation will be required to meet and pick up their child. Students may only be released directly to a parent or legal guardian. This arrangement may be permitted only if it does not compromise the supervision of the other students and does not violate group airline regulations. We do not allow mid-route transfers in connecting cities. If you are interested in exploring the possibility of meeting your child at the end of Winterim, you must contact the Director of Experiential Education, Maddy Scheer. Any such arrangement must be coordinated with the Director of Experiential Education and approved in writing. If this option is available, the student’s return ticket will be forfeited, and the family will be responsible for the purchase of a separate return ticket. 

19. What is the phone policy on winterim?

Winterim is an immersive experience during which students step away from their normal routines and often out of their comfort zones to experience deeper learning. As such, we will ask students to take a break from their smartphones to allow them to be more present and free from the pressures and distractions of social media for the duration of the program. Most Winterim leaders will ask students not to bring cell phones at all. Some Winterims will allow phones for specific times and purposes, depending on the unique aspects of each program. Faculty chaperones will carry cell phones for logistical and emergency purposes and share periodic updates when possible. Students are welcome to bring their own (non-wifi capable) cameras should they choose.