‘Summit Santas’ hike up Sulphur Mountain in Banff to raise money for Make-A-Wish
Posted Dec 7, 2025 11:14 am.
Nearly 80 women dressed up as Santa hiked to the top of Sulphur Mountain on Saturday to raise money for Make-A-Wish.
This is the third year the “Summit Santa” hike has been on the trail in Banff.
Summit organizer Renee Gray began the event because her daughter is a former Make-A-Wish recipient, and she wants to help other children experience the magic of Make-A-Wish.
“Seeing everybody out here today makes me just overjoyed, honestly,” she told CityNews. “Knowing that we did such a good thing for these families this year, couldn’t ask for a better feeling.”
Gray says they’ve raised over $12,500 this year — enough to send a family on a wish trip.
“To bring a little bit of joy and happiness and hope, to a child that’s feeling like there’s not a lot of hope – this feels really good, especially at this time of year, but any time of year,” second-year participant Minette Monette said.
This hike is also no walk in the park. Sulphur Mountain’s trail runs 5.5 kilometres long, and climbs about 655 metres.
First-time participant Lisa Leighton says there are many reasons to join the Santas.
“It has great camaraderie, and making new friends — just having a good time. But doing it for a great cause so that children can get their wish to maybe even come out and do something like this,” she said.
Lots of Santas chose to hike down, but others opted for the gondola.
It’s not too late to get involved with the group. Gray says they’ll be back again next year, so any hikers looking to swap their jacket for a Santa suit are not out of luck.
