NEWRY, Maine — Santa and his helpers hit the ski slopes to spread some holiday cheer on Sunday.
All told, a mob of 150 right jolly ol’ elves hopped on skis and snowboards for the 16th annual Skiing Santas event at Sunday River ski resort.
The event serves as a festive kickoff to the holiday season.
“It’s really fun because everyone is a little wild and crazy,” said Catherine Bolender, 53, of Waterboro, who’s been participating for about a dozen years. “It’s a fun, festive event.”
Thom Bureau, a snowboarder, agreed that it’s chaotic — and unforgettable.
“When you’re on the chairlift, you look back as you’re getting off, and the whole chairlift is full of Santas. It’s kind of freaky, actually,” he said.
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The event has become so popular that it’s difficult to get a ticket.
Brad and Heather Cope of Newton Falls, Ohio, said the online registration filled up in 4 minutes on Nov. 30. They said they were lucky to make the cut.
“We were both on our computers at noon to make sure we got it,” said Brad Cope, a former ski instructor who installs swimming pools. Heather is a Maine native and nurse practitioner.
Resort officials say the event raised a little more than $3,000 for the Sunday River Community Fund, a local charity.
Participants were required to donate at least $15 to the fund. In exchange, they were allowed to ski for free and to receive another lift ticket good through Dec. 18.
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