NEWRY – Sunday River ski resort is unveiling plans to install the first “chondola” in the Northeast for the 2008-2009 ski season.

Sunday River officials said Wednesday that the $7.2 million lift is a combination chairlift-gondola featuring detachable six-person chairs with four-person gondola cabins interspersed among the chairs.

The lift will carry skiers, snowboarders and summer visitors from the South Ridge base area to the North Peak in a single lift ride. According to Sunday River, there are just three other “chondolas” in North America – in California, Colorado and Quebec.

The new lift is the centerpiece of $14 million in improvements scheduled at the Newry resort this summer. Plans are in the works to cut new ski trails, buy new snowmaking equipment, build new bike and walking paths, and upgrade condos and hotels.