Newry, Maine - Sunday River announced that the first chondola in the Northeastern U.S. will be installed at the resort and will be up and running for the 2008-2009 season. The chondola will transport winter and summer guests from the South Ridge Base Area to the summit of North Peak, a trip that took two lift rides. Doppelmayr CTEC will be handling the installation of the hybrid lift, which will cost the new owners of Sunday River, Boyne Resorts, $7.2 million.

But the improvements do not end there. The lift is part of a $20 million investment that will include new trails, snowmaking, real estate, and bike trails.

A chondola is a high-speed detachable six-person chairlift that carries gondola cabins at regular intervals. The 2008-2009 open date is subject to state approvals.