Over the weekend, a Maine ski resort transformed into a festive scene as Santa Sunday returned for its 13th year. The slopes were peppered with red and white as almost 300 skiers and snowboarders joined the celebration, each one dressed head to toe in Santa costumes. The sight of so many jolly riders carving through freshly groomed powder created a holiday spectacle that blended the thrill of winter sport with the warmth of giving. This event isn’t just about fun; it doubles as a community fundraiser anchored to the Bethel Rotary Club’s annual holiday toy drive. The toy drive supports local children and families in the Bethel area and surrounding towns, especially during the busy holiday season. Spectators and participants alike traded cheers on the lift lines and posed for photos, while volunteers rotated through the crowd to greet attendees and explain how their donations would make a difference. The day carried a cross-border vibe too, with many families and snow enthusiasts traveling from across the U.S. Northeast and nearby Canada to take part in the fundraiser. The Santa Sunday atmosphere stood out for its contagious energy—laughter bounced off lodge walls, cameras flashed, and the shared goal of helping others brought a sense of unity that felt bigger than the mountain. Organizers noted that the mix of skiers, snowboarders, and first-time toy-drive donors helped transform a routine weekend on the mountain into a memorable, feel-good tradition. In sum, Santa Sunday delivered not only powdery fun but also a clear message: a community can come together on the slopes to lift up neighbors in need and celebrate the spirit of the holidays.
Participants arrived dressed as Santa or his helpers, and each one contributed a $10 donation to Bethel Rotary Club’s annual holiday toy drive. That modest gesture unlocked skiing for the rest of the day at no charge to the donor and even earned a ticket for a second day of free skiing to be used through December 14. The exchange was simple but powerful: generosity on the hill translated into more time on the slopes and more toys for children in need. Rotary volunteers processed donations and handed out lift passes, while resort staff kept the vibe warm with hot cocoa, live music, and cheerful greetings. The impact extended beyond the lifts; families lined up at donation stations, sharing stories about their own children and the joy of giving. The event drew not only local residents but visitors who make winter trips to Maine part of their seasonal traditions. It was evident from the crowd that the charity goal resonated with skiers who wanted a day of adrenaline and community impact in equal measure. Even on a day with demanding weather and busy slopes, the Santa Sunday crowd remained upbeat, supporting the idea that fun and philanthropy can coexist on the mountain without sacrificing either. The net result was a stronger sense of community among participants, Rotary volunteers, and resort staff, all united by a common aim to ensure holiday joy for as many kids as possible. Several families expressed plans to return next year, hoping to see the same generosity continue.
Check out this video of the Santas in action: the clip captures the pure merriment as a line of red suits moves down the slope, families laughing, kids waving from the lifts, and volunteers guiding skiers along the trails. The footage shows powder crunching under boots, hats bobbing in the breeze, and a chorus of cheers that rises with every twist and turn. It becomes obvious how a charity event can fuse holiday cheer with the thrill of a day on the mountain, inviting viewers to feel the moment rather than simply read about it. The day reinforces how winter recreation and community service can go hand in hand, turning a routine weekend into a memory that lasts well beyond the snowfall. For many attendees, the experience means more than a nice ride down a slope; it means supporting neighbors and giving kids in the Bethel area something to smile about at Christmas. The Santa Sunday tradition complements similar charitable efforts across the U.S. Northeast and Canada, adding to the sense that winter is a season for generosity as much as for adventure. The video serves as a bright reminder that the season is about giving as much as it is about conquering a challenging run.