Maine Adaptive Fundraiser to Bring 150+ Skiers and Hobby Horse Stampede to Sunday River

Newry, Maine – On Sunday, March 22, Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation will host its 38th Annual Ski-A-Thon at Sunday River, bringing together more than 150 skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities for the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

With this year’s Wild West theme, participants can expect a high-spirited day on the slopes filled with costumes, camaraderie, and community celebration. The event will feature what organizers believe to be the largest hobby horse race in Maine, the “Hobby Horse Stampede,” along with a crowd-favorite, the obstacle course Fun Race from the top of the surface lift.

Ski-A-Thon participants must register and raise a minimum of $300 for Maine Adaptive to take part in the Ski-A-Thon. Once the goal is met, participants receive access to all on-snow activities, a non-transferable lift ticket for the day, a bagged lunch, and entry to the Après-Ski celebration at the Sunday River Brew Pub.

More than just a fundraiser, the Ski-A-Thon has become a signature Sunday River community event. With overwhelming local support from businesses, volunteers, participants, and resort partners, the inclusive spirit of the day continues to grow stronger each year. Organizers say this year’s event is shaping up to be the most vibrant and well-supported yet.

The Ski-A-Thon is Maine Adaptive’s single largest fundraiser, supporting the organization’s mission to provide year-round adaptive recreation opportunities for children and adults with disabilities across the state, free of charge. Funds raised directly support equipment, instruction, volunteer training, and access to programs including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cycling, paddling, mountain biking, indoor climbing, and more.

This event captures everything that makes our community so special,” said Lizz Peacock, Co-Executive Director of Maine Adaptive. “It’s about inclusion in action, real determination, and celebrates the life-changing impact of outdoor recreation. The momentum behind this year’s Ski-A-Thon has been incredible — our fundraisers are going above and beyond, our volunteers are showing up in force, and our partnership with Sunday River continues to raise the bar. Their support and shared commitment make this event not just possible, but truly extraordinary.

As demand for Maine Adaptive’s programs continues to grow, events like the Ski-A-Thon play a critical role in ensuring access remains available to all who wish to participate. In 2025, Maine Adaptive served over 450 students with the support of 324 dedicated volunteers who taught 2,596 lessons at partner locations across Maine.

The 38th Annual Ski-A-Thon promises a full day of skiing and riding, creative costumes, friendly competition, and a uniquely Maine celebration of community, all in support of adaptive access to the outdoors.

About Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation: Founded in 1982, Maine Adaptive is the largest year-round adaptive recreation program in the state. With the help of 324 volunteers, Maine Adaptive delivers more than 2,500 lessons annually, providing adults and children with disabilities the opportunity to thrive in the great outdoors.

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