Industry News
Sunday River Resort’s 25th Annual Santa Sunday filled the slopes with holiday cheer and purpose as over 300 skiers and riders dressed as Santa dashed down the Broadway trail in the South Ridge base area. The event raised $10,000 for the Boyne Forever Foundation and The River Fund Maine.
Each Santa, having pre-registered for the event, sported the classic attire: a red Santa hat with a white pompom, a matching Santa jacket and pants, and of course, a fluffy Santa beard. For their support and holiday spirit, Sunday River provided each Santa with a lift ticket for the day and an extra lift ticket to be used for a future visit before January 31, 2026.
The success of Santa Sunday has always been a reflection of the Sunday River community’s commitment to giving back,” Sunday River Resort President Dana Bullen said in a press release. “We are proud to partner with organizations like the Boyne Forever Foundation and The River Fund Maine, and we are grateful to everyone who participated today.”
Proceeds from Santa Sunday benefit the Boyne Forever Foundation and The River Fund Maine. The Boyne Forever Foundation is a nonprofit that supports natural landscapes, communities, and team members across Boyne Resorts’ mountain regions. The nonprofit is dedicated to strengthening the greater Newry-Bethel community by investing in students and leveraging the region’s recreational assets. It is focused on offering families and their students within western Maine the chance to discover what’s possible and believe in their ability to achieve their dreams.
In 1947, Everett Kircher made a bold investment—just $1 for a parcel of land in Northern Michigan that would become Boyne Mountain Resort. What began as a vision to bring skiing to the Midwest turned into a 75+ year legacy of innovation, stewardship, and community. The Boyne Forever Foundation was created to carry that spirit forward. “The generosity of the Sunday River community continues to inspire us,” Michelle Wein, Executive Director of the Boyne Forever Foundation, said. “Events like Santa Sunday allow us to invest in the future of outdoor recreation and ensure that the mountains and experiences we love today are here for generations to come.”
This great tradition not only kicks off the holiday season with a sea of red suits against the snowy slopes, but also demonstrates the power of community in supporting vital local causes. With hundreds of participants turning out year after year, Santa Sunday remains a highlight of Sunday River’s calendar, blending fun, philanthropy, and the joy of winter sports.
