Sunday River

“The Jordan 8 is unlike any other chairlift at Sunday River if not New England,” said General Manager Brian Heon. “Its sheer size, scope, and improved technology take the experience of riding a chairlift to the top of a mountain to an entirely new level.” 

A roundup of news from around the hospitality industry, including the sale of a special-events island, workforce solutions and a drive-in theater that's on the move.

A new chairlift will be the fastest eight-person lift in North America, and will feature ergonomic heated seats, each with its own suspension system. New snow guns will accommodate future expansion at the ski resort.

As more skiers got onto the mountains during the pandemic, the state's resorts had to juggle more visitors with fewer staff in the midst of a tight labor market.

The resort, on Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, has changed hands for the first time since 1994. Boyne already owns and operates Maine's two largest ski resorts.

Ski areas and industry associations are instituting limited lodge and shuttle capacities, required social distancing and face coverings, and safety training, while aiming to provide a safe outdoor experience.

One development could have up to 24 single-family homes, while the other will be one building with 22 condos. With the pandemic, Sunday River is seeing more second homes become primary homes.

A $450,000 injection to the Maine Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program is expected to broaden training for new workers in many jobs, while helping employers meet staffing needs.

Maine's ski resorts are accustomed to the ups and downs of weather, and have worked to increase off-season business. But none of them could have anticipated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Newry resort hires the former general manager of Wildcat Mountain in New Hampshire after unveiling a strategic plan to guide business growth for the next 10 years.