Out of the four Winter Carnivals we have experienced, this year’s takes the cake; it was spirited, creative, and a true representation of Berkshire’s six core values. We can’t attribute this solely to the impressive ice skits or top-notch costumes, but rather to everyone’s evident excitement to participate in all parts of the weekend-long event—even in the face of last-minute changes, such as the games being moved indoors because of the cold weather. I, Claire, was also a little extra happy because Stanley came in 1st place! But of course, Winter Carnival is never about winners and losers; it is an opportunity for camaraderie. In fact, every dorm deserves a round of applause for memorable ice skits, exemplary sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment to having fun.
This year’s theme was “Through the Decades,” which, to our surprise, also included the Future; visit Berkshire’s Smugmug to see some of the amazing costumes. Bears flooded the SAC bleachers at 8:00 PM sharp, entering what felt like our own MET Gala, in everything from togas (yes, even in the -5°F weather) and astronaut helmets to dancing bear onesies and metallic jumpsuits.
After Head Prefects Will Reynolds ’26 and Sophia Busa ’26 lit the iconic Winter Carnival Snowflake, the fierce, friendly competitions began. On one basketball court, each dorm showcased its collective strength in heated tug-of-war battles, while on the other, there were stars from each ‘decade’ who represented their dorm in three-legged races and potato sack relays. Though the atmosphere was intense, the bears showcased incredible sportsmanship. When a member of one dorm fell during the potato sack race, a student from another did not hesitate to give them a hand. Even in what is arguably the most competitive event, the tug-of-war, dorms gave one another high fives and encouraging cries of “Let’s go! You guys got this! Pull! Pull! Pull!” Beyond inter-dorm friendships, the spirit and bonds within each were just as special. As a bystander deemed a bit too weak for Stanley’s tug-of-war crew, I watched in great amazement and laughter as I cheered on my dormmates.
When the games concluded, the community glided (literally) to the Jack to begin the ice skits. Each carefully choreographed dance was accompanied by a few of their decade’s most iconic songs; for example, CGR reenacted an ‘80s-style aerobics class to “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John, while Spurr recreated Grease’s classic “You’re The One That I Want” scene. Stanley, a.k.a the future, had to get creative, leaning on songs that referenced a futuristic time and place. Prefect Maeve MacDermott even had the clever idea of incorporating a quick outfit change into the famed rapper Future. In the 2010s, Mac residents transformed into Pitch Perfect’s, The Treblemakers, sliding across the ice in the quintessential maroon blazers, indistinguishable from Ben Platt and Skylar Astin.
From the Roman Empire to the 2000s, the ice transformed into a time machine, transporting audience members to each era’s defining cultural moments. Winter Carnival 2026 was more than a spectacle; it was an extraordinary reflection of the Berkshire community and the spirit that brings it to life every day here under the Mountain.
*Check out Berkshire’s Smugmug to see all the great photos from this year’s Winter Carnival!
