Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton has been busy making snow and plans to open for its 45th snow season on Friday with 50 acres ready for skiing.

That’s a record for the resort, who is boasting a new high speed lift.

The Main Street Express replaces two double lifts and improves access to the terrain on the western part of the mountain and connects the Valley and Summit lodges.

The new high-speed lift will transport riders from bottom to top in under 5 minutes and accommodate 3,000 guests per hour.