NEWRY — Snowmaking and low temperatures have helped Sunday River Ski Resort prepare for this weekend’s two-day Winterfest Weekend.
The resort expects to have 50 or more trails open across eight peaks, with ski-in/ski-out access from both resort hotels, spokeswoman Darcy Morse said Tuesday morning in an email.
“We received 3 inches of snow from this past storm and have had some phenomenal snowmaking, which is why we’ve been able to open new terrain so quickly,” she said.
Winterfest Weekend starts Saturday, Dec. 14, with the first night of night skiing for the season offered from 4 to 8 p.m. under the lights of South Ridge and North Peak. Any regular daytime lift tickets will include night skiing for free. For those showing up to the mountain after 4 p.m., night skiing tickets will be available in South Ridge Lodge for $5.
Saturday “will be packed with ways to make merry,” Morse said in a news release.
Word has it that Santa Claus will catch a lift down the Chondola before heading to the Welcome Center, giving children a chance to meet St. Nick from 4 to 5 p.m.
Additionally, Eddy the Yeti might drop by.
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Ron Carlson will carve a log into an animal sculpture near the lodge’s base area fire pit, Morse said.
A fireworks show presented by Atlas PyroVision Productions follows at 8:30 p.m. and is best viewed slope-side in South Ridge or deckside at the Foggy Goggle, which is where the Ugly Sweater Party will be held. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Revelers should wear their most hideous holiday sweater, Morse said. Shut Down Brown, a live funk band with big horns and tons of energy, will provide live music. They perform classic ’90s rock and blues and ’70s soul.
Morse said any party-goer who donates a new or gently worn coat will be entered to win a free season pass.
According to Sunday River’s website, the need for children’s coats is so great in the area that people who donate a child-sized coat will get two entries into the season pass drawing.
On Sunday, Dec. 15, Winterfest participants can catch the Patriots vs. Dolphins game at 1 p.m. at the Foggy Goggle in the South Ridge Lodge.
Morse said Sunday is also Maine Day. That means that all participants have to do is show proof of Maine residency at the ticket window and receive a $29 ticket, $20 rental or a $30 ski or ride package, which includes a ticket and rental equipment, she said.
The resort is also offering lodging and spa specials and zipline tours. For more information, on Winterfest Weekend or Sunday River Ski Resort, visit www.sundayriver.com.
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- A skier flies off a rail, at center, on the new T72 terrain park trail at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry. The resort will host its Winterfest Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15.
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- Snowboarder Nora McCormack of Newry rides on the American Express Trail on Spruce Peak at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry.
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