NEWRY, MAINE (December 9, 2023) – Sunday River Resort kicked off the morning with a celebration in the Barker Basin for the Grand Opening of Barker 6, North America's fastest aerial lift. The Barker 6 proudly showcases the signature Doppelmayr D-Line design synonymous with Boyne Resort properties across the country, marking a significant milestone for the resort’s continued investment in its chairlift infrastructure.

The Barker 6 chairs have six ergonomically heated seats, each featuring a weather shield in Sunday River’s signature red. Bringing guests to the top of the mountain in just over four and a half minutes, the Barker 6 joins the ranks of the Jordan 8 in serving as the fastest lift, in its respective class, in North America.

The first skiing at Sunday River started in the Barker Basin, and those beginnings remain central to the resort’s story, fostering a heartfelt passion among guests and team members. To honor the cherished memories created across generations, chairs from the Barker Express were auctioned over the summer to support Maine Adaptive, The River Fund Maine, and the MSAD 44 Daycare Initiative. In keeping with the essence of the resort’s beginnings, the grand opening of the Barker 6 featured a first chair ride raffle, with all proceeds supporting the Bethel Food Pantry.

As part of the Barker 6 Grand Opening, Sunday River proudly unveiled North America's first Alpeniglu, a one of a kind snow igloo and ice bar experience. This distinctive structure, made entirely of snow, complimented by vibrant music, colored lights, and captivating snow carvings by local student artists from Gould Academy, stands as an unparalleled attraction unique to the resort. Nestled in the Jordan Basin, this Alpeniglu introduces a new element of ski culture to Maine that was previously exclusive to European resorts.

"From Barker 6 to Jordan 8, and the Alpeniglu, these concepts start with our guests and community in mind. These milestones represent more than achievements; they serve as opportunities for people to gather and create lasting memories rooted in meaningful connections,” said Sunday River Resort President Dana Bullen.

As a premier ski destination in the Northeast, Sunday River has built its reputation on vast terrain and offering world-class skiing and riding experiences. For a full list of completed and future projects in the 2030 Plan, please visit 2030.SundayRiver.com.

Media inquiries should contact Ellen Wainwright, Communications Manager, at Ellen.Wainwright@sundayriver.com or (207) 824-5218.

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