After nearly 20 inches of new snow over the weekend, Steamboat Resort has announced plans to open more terrain by midweek before debuting the completed Wild Blue Gondola on Friday.

In a statement issued Monday, the resort said it would hold a public celebration at 9 a.m. Friday to celebrate the opening of the lift — which will be North America’s longest and fastest gondola — as it begins ferrying skiers and riders to the top of the 10,384-foot Sunshine Peak in the span of 13 minutes.

“This is what everyone has been waiting for,” said Dave Hunter, resort lead for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp., in a statement. “The game-changer that Wild Blue is for Steamboat and the industry is indisputable. I can’t wait to see the first skiers and riders take advantage of the new ride.”

In preparation for the gondola’s debut, the resort will open the Sunshine Peak area, including four lifts, Sunshine, Sundown, South Peak and Elkhead, and 21 trails, including High Noon, Westside and Rolex, on Wednesday.

With the lift and trail openings this week, an additional 600 acres of terrain will be available for skiers and riders, and the resort will be 30% open.

The grand opening for the Wild Blue Gondola, which features 171 cabins and stretches 16,000 horizontal feet, will take place at the lower terminal adjacent to Steamboat Square with a ribbon-cutting and countdown, according to the resort.

At the top of the gondola’s new terminal on Sunshine Peak, skiers and riders will be treated with free cookies and commemorative Wild Blue gifts while supplies last.

On Saturday, the resort will begin its First Tracks program, using the Wild Blue Gondola to give riders and skiers early access to the Sunshine Peak area.

Guests who purchase tickets for the program will load on the Wild Blue Gondola between 8-8:15 a.m. The gondola will then close at 8:30 to accommodate SnowSports School before reopening to the public at 9 a.m.

The resort is reminding skiers and riders to be aware of tree wells and to keep a safe distance from the bases of trees in the newly opened area after the mountain received more than 50 inches of snow in December, due in large part to two major storms the past two weekends.

Local meteorologist Mike Weissbluth said that after the weekend storm wraps up Monday evening, his forecast is calling for winds from the west Tuesday and from the south Wednesday, with clouds lingering before a chance of sunny skies Thursday.

“Mostly sunny skies and temperatures warming to the low 40s are likely for next weekend, and perhaps through at least part of the following work week,” Weissbluth said.

Weissbluth posts a weather narrative twice a week. Go to SnowAlarm.com for the latest reports and more information.