Sunday River

Even before Gov, Janet Mills on Sunday declared a state of emergency to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, Maine retailers and other businesses were embracing a new normal.

Sunday River Resort in Newry has announced a plan to guide its development through 2030, focused on new infrastructure, year-round business and reaching a net-zero carbon impact.

The Oxford County town was tops in a ranking by USA Today, based on expert nominations and a vote by readers across the country.

Most Maine ski resorts anticipate a strong 2019-20 season, according to the Maine Office of Tourism, which will begin issuing its weekly reports on snow conditions Jan. 8.

Sunday River, the Newry ski resort whose origins date to 1958, has just added a line of business that didn’t exist until a few years ago: rented ski clothing.

Sunday River Resort in Newry is aiming to attract more novice and competition skiers with the installation of new surface lifts, expected to be ready by this coming winter.

The town of Bethel and neighboring ski areas are in the midst of expanding and diversifying their economies. Various interests aim to leverage assets that have long made the area a desirable destination to outdoor enthusiasts. That includes proximity to New England population centers, location at the nexus of important corridors, Bethel’s reputation as an “authentic” New England town, and a longstanding vacation vibe for the region’s mountains, lakes and preserved lands.

Maine's mountains are still glowing orange and gold, but ski areas are gearing up to see white — thanks to continuing investments in their snowmaking equipment — as the winter season approaches.

Sunday River Resort and the Maine Department of Labor are teaming up to establish a culinary apprenticeship program, which will be made official at a sponsor ceremony to be held at the resort on Thursday.

Michigan-based Boyne Resorts closed on its purchase of six mountain resorts, including Sunday River and Sugarloaf, completing the deal with Ski Resort Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Oz Real Estate.