If I could find my shovel, I'd dig myself out from the blizzard we received over the weekend. What a fantastic dump of white 'gold', and it all happened on the first day of winter.

From the most northern parts of Maine slopes of Lonesome Pine trails to the southern ski areas that include Powderhouse Hill, snow reports have recorded more than three feet of powder! Eustis, in Carrabassett Valley reported 42 inches.

There's a new Chondola in ski country
Sunday River Ski Resort has unveiled their newest lift. The $7.2 million Chondola is a combination of an eight passenger gondola and six passenger chairlifts that transport skiers and riders from the South Ridge Base Lodge to the Peak Lodge on North Peak in just seven minutes. It is part of $14 million capital improvements at the resort. It is the first of its kind in the northeast.

The new lift is 5,994 feet long and will carry 3,200 skiers and riders an hour in just seven minutes. The gondolas transport eight passengers and the chairlifts carry six.

On Saturday nights the Chondola will transport diners to the North Peak Lodge for an elegant dinner. In the summertime, the lifts will transport hikers and mountain bikers. The Peak Lodge will also be used for weddings and special events.

There was a huge display of fireworks followed by several dignitaries who were on hand for the grand opening ceremonies. They included Dana Bullen, General Manager and Marvin Collins, both of Sunday River, Stephen Kricher, President of Boyne Eastern operations, Governor John Baldacci, and Byron Carlock, President and CEO of CNL Lifestyle.

Night skiing and riding
Skiers and riders can also take advantage of 12-hour skiing and riding at Sunday River. Lights have been added to trails from the South Ridge Lodge area to the North Peak Lodge. Skiing and riding can be done on Dream Maker and Escapade on North Peak and on Broadway, Sundance, Express Lane and Who-Ville on South Ridge trails.

"This is the day we have all been waiting for," Dana Bullen, said General Manager of Sunday River. "The Chondola accommodates both skier and snowboarders and can handle much more volume."

Now is the time to get those skis and snowboards out and enjoy some great skiing and riding over the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year … and we'll see you on the slopes!

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