Yesterday was Sunday River's first full day of operation, and the Ski Bum was there to launch his own 2006-2007 season.

Carpenters and painters were still at work at South Ridge Lodge, where I picked up my All-For-One Gold Pass. Ditto over at Barker Mountain Lodge, base for skiing and riding. There are a bunch of cosmetic improvements to both base lodges this year, but it may be a day or two before the work is finished.

Two lifts, the Barker Mountain quad and the Locke Mountain triple, were running. The skiing was entirely ungroomed snowmaking whales on about four trails. Tons of fun, but for experts only!

Check the snow report for what's been groomed from today on.

A bunch of freeskiers and snowboarders found some interesting hits up near the summit of Locke Mountain. Talk about jumping for joy!

Jumping for joy near the summit of Locke Mountain on Sunday River's first full day of operation
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS

Young skier hits a jump on Locke Mountain

Practice makes perfect, and this boarder hasn't quite achieved perfection in his landings. But he's heading back up to try again

Both Sugarloaf/USA (which opened on Monday) and Sunday River will be open today. They're the only two ski areas currently open in the Maine-New Hampshire region.

Reminds me of our state motto: Dirigo means "I lead." Yup.

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