Greek Peak Mountain Resort’s Annual Donation Day Nets $27,140 for Local Food Pantry

January 13, 2026

CORTLAND, New York (January 13, 2025) – Central New York’s home mountain, Greek Peak, became a mountain of giving on Christmas Eve over this holiday season bringing thousands to the slopes for a great cause and a great day of memories. An annual holiday tradition, Donation Day, has become an event that Greek Peak has supported for a number of years to help generate funds for the Virgil United Methodist Church’s food pantry.

The concept is simple enough. Lower the price of lift tickets down to $15 that day to drive people to the mountain in support of feeding thousands in our local community. This year, proceeds from the event netted $27,140 for the Virgil United Methodist Church’s food pantry efforts.

Wes Kryger, president of Greek Peak Mountain Resort, was thrilled by the size of the crowd this year, resulting in an increase in this year’s donation by more than $10,000 over last year.

“I’m told that our annual Donation Day brings a good portion of the church’s annual food pantry budget,” said Kryger. “With the great snow conditions, being Christmas Eve, and the huge crowds, everything really aligned perfectly this year to maximize the donation.”

Between the cold temperatures for snow-making and the natural snow fall, Greek Peak has some of the best conditions they’ve had in years for Christmas week. In fact, it was the first time in Greek Peak’s history dating back to 1958, that they had all lifts spinning and nearly all trails open ahead of Christmas week.

“Let’s hope the weather keeps cooperating like this because when we get crowds like this for Donation Day, it’s a win for everyone.”