CHARLEMONT — With plenty of snow on the ground and 160 skiers registered as of Monday afternoon, United Way’s 16th annual Ski United fundraiser is shaping up to be “the best year ever,” in the words of Holly Martineau, director of development for the United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region.
The fundraiser is set for Thursday, Feb. 5, at Berkshire East Mountain Resort, with skiing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and an après-ski dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. Proceeds raised from the day of skiing, as well as an online auction, will support United Way, particularly in its efforts to address food insecurity and youth mental health needs.
“It’ll go where the money is needed most,” Martineau said of the funds raised. “Right now, we’re really focusing on mental health and food insecurity needs.”
In its 2025-2026 community impact goals, United Way is seeking to support a variety of programs to improve mental and physical health across the region, and is funding projects with The Brick House Community Resource Center, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, the Community Health Center of Franklin County and Hilltown Youth Recovery Theatre, as well as food security initiatives with the Amherst Survival Center, the Montague Food Security & Sustainability Coalition, the Hilltown Community Development Corporation and the Northampton Survival Center.
Martineau said United Way and the volunteers who organize Ski United have not set a specific target for how much they hope to raise, but they aim to surpass last year’s proceeds. In 2025, the event raised a total of $49,371, and after covering event expenses, this netted $39,476 for United Way.
“The goal every year is to surpass last year’s goal,” Martineau said. “This is organized by an amazing group of volunteers, and their only goal is to do better than last year.”
Collectively over its first 15 years, Ski United has raised more than $250,000. The first Ski United was held in 2010, inspired by founder Steve Prothers’ love of skiing and his desire to combine it with a commitment to give back to the community and support United Way.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year and really helps cover a lot of our budget for programming,” United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region Executive Director Geoff Naunheim said. “The goal of the event is to get your boss to pay for your skiing for the day and at the same time support United Way and the work being done in the community.”
Individuals can purchase ski passes for $150; however, companies can purchase group registrations and event sponsorships for multiple skiers for prices between $250 and $2,000. All participants will receive a lift pass, event T-shirt, lunch and dinner, and the option to participate in a slalom race.
Martineau said Thursday should be a good day for skiing, and the forecast calls for a sunny day, but Ski United offers entertainment for non-skiers as well.
“With all the snow we’ve gotten recently, it’s going to be a great day, but non-skiers can join us, too. I’m not a skier, but I’ll still enjoy the après dinner,” Martineau said.
Non-skiers can purchase a $40 ticket to the après-ski dinner, or participate in a live online auction with more than 125 items up for bid. As of Monday afternoon, the auction has raised $8,308 on items such as gift certificates to local restaurants, sports memorabilia and tickets, crafts by local artisans, hotel stays and more.
Bidding closes on Feb. 9, Martineau said, with bidding amounts already reaching more than 50% of the $13,000 goal that was set for the auction. This year’s auction is expected to raise “more than ever before,” she said.
Martineau added that she hopes to see more registrants and bids in the next few days leading up to Thursday’s event, and she’s excited to see the tight-knit group of volunteers that organizes Ski United, as well as many of the skiers who have come back to support United Way year after year.
“It’s huge for us. It means so much, and it’s going to be a beautiful day,” Martineau said. “All the money raised for United Way stays in Franklin in Hampshire counties, and the work being done in the region.”
For more information or to register, or to view the auction items, visit uw-fh.org/skiunited.