NEWRY, Maine ??” Consistently cold weather has combined with Sunday River’s snowmaking prowess allowing the resort to offer eight peaks of skiing and riding prior to the Holiday week. With the opening of all eight peaks, the resort is expanding to its full three-mile width and plans to offer skiing and riding on around 100 or more trails during the Holiday week. As of Dec. 20 Sunday River’s running tally of non-stop hours of snowmaking stands at 432 with many more days to come according to forecasters.

“It’s rather unusual to see a span of snowmaking weather prior to the winter solstice like the one we’ve been enjoying this time around,” said Russ Murley, Meteorologist for Precision Weather Service. “From a skiers and riders perspective this is really the best of both worlds. Warm enough to be comfortable, and cold enough to make snow. Plus there’s a shot at natural snow around both Christmas and New Year’s.”

11 inches of natural snow has fallen at Sunday River between Dec. 16 and 20.

Snowmaking on Sunday River’s famed White Heat Trail is slated to wrap up on Wednesday, Dec. 21. Other areas of note that are soon to be unveiled include the resort’s Tubing Park at the White Cap Base Lodge, and favorites in the Jordan area such as Lollapalooza and OZ’s Eureka. Sunday River is nearing completion of the Zaugg-cut Superpipe and hopes to have it open to the public sometime during the Holiday week. Three terrain parks are currently open and work is underway on 3D to raise that count to four.

“This sort of consistently cold pattern is found in an eastern December about two out of every ten years. It’s a snowmakers and holiday skiers dream,” said Murley.

In addition to a variety of peaks, trails and terrain parks from which to choose, Sunday River skiers and riders have nightlife and lodging options to pick from through the Holidays. Lift and Lodging packages start at $59.95 per person per night until Christmas and start at $99.95 during the Holiday week. More information on terrain expansion, lodging options and events including Sunday River’s New Year’s Eve Bash is available at www.sundayriver.com or by calling (800) 543-2SKI.