NEWRY —  As many as 500 skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa Claus are expected to schuss down the slopes of Sunday River on Sunday.

For the past nine years, the resort has hosted a Santa ski day, on which snowboarders and skiers dress in Santa suits, ride a chairlift and descend en masse to celebrate the holiday season.

“It’s a fantastic event and one that has grown into a much-beloved Sunday River tradition for so many of our guests,” said Dana Bullen, the resort’s general manager. “The visual impact of watching that many Santas skiing and snowboarding illustrates that winter has truly arrived and puts everyone in the holiday spirit.”

Santa Sunday participants check in between 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. at the South Ridge Base Lodge, and participate in the 11 a.m. photo shoot. Schussing Santas receive a lift ticket for the day and two more lift tickets valid through Dec. 18, 2009.

According to the resort, “All participants must arrive at the South Ridge Lodge wearing all of the following items: one red Santa hat including a white pompom, one red Santa jacket, one pair of red Santa pants, a Santa beard, and a $10 (or more) cash donation for the Bethel Rotary Club’s Annual Drive to provide gifts for the area’s children in need.”

For more information on Sunday River and Santa Sunday visit www.sundayriver.com.

Skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa ride a chairlift at Sunday River in Newry in December 2008. The resort is hosting its 10th annual Santa Sunday this weekend and is expecting its largest turnout ever. As many as 500 could don Santa suits to ski down the slopes. The event is a fundraiser; each Santa donates $10 to the Bethel Rotary Club, which uses the proceeds to help provide presents to needy families during the holiday season.