NEWRY, Maine — Save the date for what is likely to be the biggest grand opening celebration Sunday River has ever seen. Starting at 6 p.m. on December 20, 2008, Sunday River is throwing a huge party to announce the completion of the Chondola complete with free skiing and riding after the Grand Opening ceremony. For this special evening, Stephen Kricher, president of Boyne Eastern operations ??“ Sunday River’s parent company ??“ and Governor Baldacci will say a few words about this fascinating lift and the future of Sunday River before cutting the ribbon and opening the Chondola for public use. Additional Grand Opening activities include V.I.P guests, fireworks, live entertainment and some fun surprises.

“The Chondola is one of the biggest construction project Sunday River has ever seen,” said Dana Bullen, General Manager for Sunday River. “Our goal with the Chondola is to provide a better overall experience to our guests. From a more efficient ride to the new activities associated with the Chondola, there is a lot the celebrate.”

With the completion of the Chondola, guests will find themselves whisked to the top of North Peak in just seven minutes where lighted trails await for 12-hour skiing and riding below. Future Chondola experiences include fine dining at The North Peak Lodge as well as mountain bike transport in the summer and year round transportation for special events such as weddings. The completion of the Chondola moves Sunday River that many steps closer to its goal of becoming a year round destination resort.

Between now and December 20, guests are encouraged to watch the final stages of its transformation online, at Sunday River’s dedicated Chondola webpage www.chondola.com. Just this past week, the Chondola cable was spliced and the cabins and cars were attached to prepare for its load test. Probably the best function of the Chondolog is its ability to paint picture of the latest stage while allowing for guests to look at pictures and video of the various stages of construction that came before.

For more information on the Chondola Grand Opening celebration, visit www.chondola.com.