AlpineZone News
Skiing News
NEWRY, Maine -- Operated by Boyne USA Resorts since the beginning of August, $4.8 million is being invested in Sunday River to upgrade the guest experience. Highlights include additional fan and low energy snowmaking equipment to build upon the Resort's reputation for the most dependable snow in New England, installation of a new magic carpet lift to improve the learn to ski and ride experience, extensive refurbishments at both Grand Resort Hotels and the Snow Cap Inn and Ski Dorm, plus new resort ticketing systems that will speed guest check in and access to slopes.
Total spending at the Resort is the highest since 1997 when the Jordan Grand Resort Hotel was built and the Perfect Turn Express Quad was installed. The $4.8 million spent this year does not include the $2.5 million spent to repair damage done to Resort property as a result of the July flash floods that stuck the Resort and surrounding community.
"We already have the reputation for top quality snow, an expansive resort and a wealth of amenities, which has solidified us as a regional leader," said Dana Bullen, general manager at Sunday River. "The improvements underway for this year will further increase our snowmaking competitive edge, especially early in the season, while enhancing the overall guest experience."
Nearly $1 million for Snowmaking
Sunday River is investing heavily in the Resort's renowned snowmaking system. Low energy snowmaking equipment continues to be a major focus in order to effectively reduce the amount of compressed air needed for snowmaking, thus reducing energy consumption, while expanding output. The Resort has purchased 25 mobile Ranger sled units, 30 Ranger head units designed to be used on Sunday River's extensive tower gun system and 30 SV10's, which are a new technology designed to increase low temperature production when compared to traditional low energy heads.
A fleet of 10 Boyne proprietary, high-output, energy efficient fan guns have also been purchased and numerous trails are being outfitted with the capability to power the fleet. Fan gun trails are primarily lower mountain locations that see greater skier numbers and slightly warmer temperatures. The fleet of fan guns will be used on Lower Sunday Punch, Lower Monday Mourning, the lower part of Broadway, and from the bottom of the White Heat Quad to White Cap Base Lodge. Additional fan guns are likely in coming years.
New Lift in Learning Center
A 500-foot Kaser magic carpet lift is replacing the handle tow in servicing Sunday River's Sundance learning terrain. Magic carpet lifts are known for being the easiest to ride ski lifts for beginners. The new lift is located steps from the Sprint Perfect Turn Discovery Center, which is the home base for the Resort's learn to ski and ride programs.
Hotels and Condos
The Jordan Grand Resort Hotel, Grand Summit Resort Hotel and slopeside condos are all receiving renovations totaling over $1.3 million including but not limited to new lobby carpeting and exterior staining at the Jordan Grand, and a new pool deck, room renovations, and new carpet in Legends Restaurant at the Grand Summit. Extensive upgrades are also on their way to the Snow Cap Inn and Ski Dorm including new mattresses, windows, televisions, lobby and room furniture, and exterior siding.
Miscellaneous Spending
Three new Bison by Prinoth 355 horsepower grooming machines will replace older models for the coming year. These models offer more power with fewer emissions than the retiring grooming machines. New snowmobiles and a new resort shuttle are also being purchased.
Bathrooms at South Ridge and the Peak Lodge are being renovated and new carpeting is on the way to the Barker Pub.
Additional spending is occurring to change ticketing and tracking systems over to those used by Boyne USA Resorts along with numerous other behind-the-scenes projects associated with the change in ownership, which occurred in August.
In concert with the change in ownership is a working relationship with West Vancouver, British Columbia based firm Envisioning + Storytelling that has been contracted to assist in building a long term actionable vision for the Resort that will be mutually beneficial to the Resort, the guests, the community, and property owners.
Total spending at the Resort is the highest since 1997 when the Jordan Grand Resort Hotel was built and the Perfect Turn Express Quad was installed. The $4.8 million spent this year does not include the $2.5 million spent to repair damage done to Resort property as a result of the July flash floods that stuck the Resort and surrounding community.
"We already have the reputation for top quality snow, an expansive resort and a wealth of amenities, which has solidified us as a regional leader," said Dana Bullen, general manager at Sunday River. "The improvements underway for this year will further increase our snowmaking competitive edge, especially early in the season, while enhancing the overall guest experience."
Nearly $1 million for Snowmaking
Sunday River is investing heavily in the Resort's renowned snowmaking system. Low energy snowmaking equipment continues to be a major focus in order to effectively reduce the amount of compressed air needed for snowmaking, thus reducing energy consumption, while expanding output. The Resort has purchased 25 mobile Ranger sled units, 30 Ranger head units designed to be used on Sunday River's extensive tower gun system and 30 SV10's, which are a new technology designed to increase low temperature production when compared to traditional low energy heads.
A fleet of 10 Boyne proprietary, high-output, energy efficient fan guns have also been purchased and numerous trails are being outfitted with the capability to power the fleet. Fan gun trails are primarily lower mountain locations that see greater skier numbers and slightly warmer temperatures. The fleet of fan guns will be used on Lower Sunday Punch, Lower Monday Mourning, the lower part of Broadway, and from the bottom of the White Heat Quad to White Cap Base Lodge. Additional fan guns are likely in coming years.
New Lift in Learning Center
A 500-foot Kaser magic carpet lift is replacing the handle tow in servicing Sunday River's Sundance learning terrain. Magic carpet lifts are known for being the easiest to ride ski lifts for beginners. The new lift is located steps from the Sprint Perfect Turn Discovery Center, which is the home base for the Resort's learn to ski and ride programs.
Hotels and Condos
The Jordan Grand Resort Hotel, Grand Summit Resort Hotel and slopeside condos are all receiving renovations totaling over $1.3 million including but not limited to new lobby carpeting and exterior staining at the Jordan Grand, and a new pool deck, room renovations, and new carpet in Legends Restaurant at the Grand Summit. Extensive upgrades are also on their way to the Snow Cap Inn and Ski Dorm including new mattresses, windows, televisions, lobby and room furniture, and exterior siding.
Miscellaneous Spending
Three new Bison by Prinoth 355 horsepower grooming machines will replace older models for the coming year. These models offer more power with fewer emissions than the retiring grooming machines. New snowmobiles and a new resort shuttle are also being purchased.
Bathrooms at South Ridge and the Peak Lodge are being renovated and new carpeting is on the way to the Barker Pub.
Additional spending is occurring to change ticketing and tracking systems over to those used by Boyne USA Resorts along with numerous other behind-the-scenes projects associated with the change in ownership, which occurred in August.
In concert with the change in ownership is a working relationship with West Vancouver, British Columbia based firm Envisioning + Storytelling that has been contracted to assist in building a long term actionable vision for the Resort that will be mutually beneficial to the Resort, the guests, the community, and property owners.
