Newry, ME – As of today, Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine intends to open for the 2015-16 winter season this coming Monday, October 19, at 9 a.m. Eastern.

Cold weather arriving in New England this weekend will allow resort crews to fire up their snowmaking system, and Sunday River expects to open on the upper T2 trail, accessible via its Locke Mountain Triple lift in Barker Basin.

All plans depend on weather and snow conditions, so resort officials are urging prospective skiers and riders to keep an eye on sundayriver.com and check the resort’s social media channels for the most up-to-date information.

“We can’t make any promises, but this forecast looks very favorable,” Dana Bullen, resort president and general manager, says. “Our snowmakers are dedicated to opening as early as possible and this year is no different. But, we wanted to let our passholders and guests know so they can make their plans.”

The current forecast for western Maine shows temperatures dipping into the 20s and even the teens heading into the weekend, allowing for an extended snowmaking window on Sunday River’s Locke Mountain peak.

Lift tickets are expected to cost $29 for all ages and available to purchase at the Barker Lodge. All 2015-16 New England Passes will be available to purchase or pick up at the South Ridge Lodge.

The resort expects to open for Monday then begin its early season schedule, open weekends only until mid-November. In keeping with tradition, skiing and snowboarding will be free on Halloween, which falls on a Saturday this year, for anyone in costume.

Last season, the resort opened on November 3 and, in 2013, lifts started spinning on October 26. Other than opening on October 14 in 2009, Monday will be the earliest Sunday River will have opened in almost 20 years.