Cold temperatures and snow making at Sunday River Ski Resort means great Halloween treats of a free lift ticket for skiers and riders who arrived in costume today.

"We have been adding new snowmaking technologies including tower guns and fan guns which help us make more snow early in the season," said Dana Bullen, Sunday River general manager. "Opening on Halloween is a great treat to offer skiers and riders across New England and we're proud to be able to offer it."

Sunday River is the first ski resort to open in the Northeast for the 2008-09 season.

The Locke Mountain lift is open, and the resort will remain open all day Saturday and Sunday. They will close during midweek, then open again next Friday for the season, weather permitting.

Open terrain will be on the upper mountain and for advanced skiers and riders only. The T2, Upper Sunday Punch and Jim's Whim trails will be running, with a small terrain park built on T2. Lift access will be on the Locke Mountain Triple chairlift. Additional trails are scheduled to open for the weekend depending on temperatures and snowmaking.

Lift tickets will be available at Barker Mountain Lodge on Halloween for $25 for all ages, however skiers and riders arriving in costume will receive their lift tickets for free.

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to wear a helmet.

A Sunday River snowmaker is busy at work pumping snow for this week's opening. They are the first in the Northeast to open for the 2008-09 season. Photo courtesy of Sunday River.