NEWRY, Maine ??” When skiers and riders return to Sunday River, they will find numerous improvements to complement the dependable snow. $2.3 million in upgrades are underway during the summer and fall to refine the rapid expansion that Sunday River has enjoyed in its recent history.

Resort base facility investments encompass, but are not limited to, the South Ridge and Barker base lodges, the two Grand Summit Hotels, the Snow Cap Inn and Ski Dorm. Barker Base Lodge has a new seasonal locker room. In South Ridge, the Foggy Goggle apr??s ski bar is being completely redesigned, a new logo-wear shop is being added on the main level and Sunday River Real Estate will be housed in a new building beside the Welcome Center.

In addition to the base area improvements, on mountain clearing is being completed on numerous mountain sections including a new intermediate trail, which will be serviced with snowmaking named “Southpaw” on Barker Mountain to improve skier traffic patterns on both Barker and Locke Mountains. It will connect the Lower Upper Cut trail with the middle section of Agony. A new trail named Lollipop will offer easier access to the Lollopalooza Trail in Jordan Bowl and Jim’s Whim will receive snowmaking coverage to provide reliable access to T2.

At South Ridge guests will first notice exterior upgrades in the form of permanent awnings. Progressing through the tunnel guests will notice expanded decking along the Perfect Turn staging area and an outdoor fire pit to stay warm beside. Arriving at Barker base will have a similar fresh appeal with the addition of new signage and fresh paint on all of the buildings on the approach to the base area.

Resort officials recently laid out a plan to upgrade many of the sprawling ski area’s base facilities and along the way make changes to improve the guest experience. The esthetic and physical changes being implemented at South Ridge represent the completion of a three-year plan to improve the guest entry and exit experience from the resort.

“We’re proud of our progress at South Ridge,” said Jim Costello, vice president of brand management. “In the last few years we’ve given our main hub a whole new look. Folks who haven’t been here in a while will notice the new colors, new signs, new exterior materials, interior design, retail and logo shops, an entire new Sunday River Real Estate building and of course the fresh look to the Foggy Goggle.”

Both Grand Summit Hotels will see new carpeting installed, new beds and fresh in-room d?В©cor. The health club in the Grand Summit will be receiving new fitness equipment. Both Sliders and Legends Restaurants will be spruced up with new accents including curtains and carpeting, plus a new private function room is being added to Legends for special occasions.