Skiing Santas hit the slopes in Maine
NEWRY, Maine (AP) — Ho ho ho, away they go — Santa’s helpers took the day off on Sunday with a few hundred of the jolly ol’ elves hitting the slopes.
With beards and stocking caps flapping, some 300 red-suited Santas were lively and quick at the foggy Sunday River ski resort in western Maine as they took a break from the holiday hustle and bustle.
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The annual event has been held for more than 20 years, except for once during the pandemic. The skiing Santas participate in full Kringle garb, including, of course, a white beard and red hat.
The event’s rules specifically state the hat must bear a white pompom.
Skiers dressed as Santa Claus are reflected in another skier’s goggles, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) A skier wears a Grinch mask as he joins others dressed as Santa Claus, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River Ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) A skier dressed as Santa Claus delivers a pole to a youngster who dropped it uphill, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) A skier dressed as Santa Claus crashes, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Skiers dressed as Santa Claus hit the slopes, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Skiers participating in the annual Santa Sunday fundraiser ride a chairlift, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) A skier dressed as Santa Claus works to regain his balance, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Skiers dressed as Santa Claus ski Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) A young skier dressed as Santa Claus catches some air, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Participants in the annual Santa Sunday fundraiser ride a chairlift, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. The annual Santa Sunday event raises money for local charities. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
The annual event serves as a festive kickoff to both the holiday season and the skiing season. It raises money for The River Fund Maine, an education charity.
This year’s event raised $8,000, Sunday River representatives said.
“Each year, the kindness of Santa Sunday participants contributes to creating impactful educational opportunities for our local students,” said Sunday River Resort President Dana Bullen.
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