- Details
- Written by: Jim Walker
- Last Updated: 20 Aug 2012
Cannon Mountain offers the remarkable combination of a ruggedly beautiful setting, first class lifts and a relaxed state park environment. Boasting New Hampshire's greatest vertical drop, it is a favourite among more advanced skiers.
Set amongst some of the region's most spectacular scenery, Cannon's slopes are reflected in the waters Echo Lake in Franconia Notch State Park. It is one of the few major North American ski areas to be still owned and operated by a public body. Whilst it has a great reputation for its expert terrain, Cannon also has a first rate beginners' area as well as a variety of gentle slopes to suit the whole family on the Tuckerbrook family area.
When North America's first 'aerial tramway' or 'cable car' was installed here in 1938, it would have been hard to believe that, nearly 70 years later, Cannon Mountain would still be a major New England ski area.
The cable car has recently been renovated having to ensure smooth operations. There has also been a tremendous investment in the snowmaking system. This has included everything from renovating and upgrading existing equipment to expanding the scope of the overall operation. Cannon Mountain has increased-and in some cases doubled-the number of snowmaking guns on many trails.
Since March 2009, Cannon Mountain has managed and administered the previously dormant Mittersill ski area. Linked to Cannon from the Taft Trail from Cannon’s summit, Mittersill’s 86 acres of natural backcountry terrain are now served by a double chairlift from its base.
It is recommended to have a rental car on a ski holiday in New Hampshire. The nearest accommodation is a range of hotels, condos and inns in the nearby town of Lincoln, just 10 minutes away.
The highest ski mountain in New Hampshire, actually owned by the State, and boasting a long and illustrious history. Cannon operates New Hampshire's only cable car and has a reputation for exciting expert terrain whilst maintaining gentle slopes for beginners.
Mountain
While Cannon Mountain has a justifiable reputation for challenging and exciting expert trails, the Tuckerbrook Family Area offers skiing and riding for the entire family, with the Tuckerbrook Quad and Brookside triple chair and Tuckerbrook quad offering quick access to thirteen trails with terrain for beginning and intermediate skiers/boarders. The Brookside Learning Centre offers all-day and part-day programs as well as childcare for children ages six weeks and older. Efficient chairlift connections serve the mountain from Peabody Base Lodge and the famous 70-person cable car will whisk you to the summit in just eight minutes. The ski school arranges a wide range of classes including special tuition on the resorts famous 'Front Five' steep trails. There are special midweek ticket deals for women and groups for senior skiers to join. The rest of the mountain offers some of the more challenging terrain as well as glades. Cannon Mountain's historic roots are evident in the classic New England design of the older trails, which tend to be somewhat narrow and winding. Mittersill offers 86 acres of natural backcountry terrain. Served by double chair from its base, this backcountry area has been a favourite with locals for years and can also accessed by a short walk from the Taft trail from Cannon’s summit. 2-hour guided tours on Mittersill are offered for intermediate and advanced skiers from Cannon on Saturdays and Sundays, conditions permitting.
Families
Daycare is available for children aged six weeks and older by the hour, half day and full day. There's a range of ski school classes for children aged three years and up in different age groups. Daycare for the youngest children on skis (aged three to four) includes a ski lesson with rental equipment. 'Cannon Kids' for children aged four to seven, and 'Mountain Explorers' for eight to twelve year olds ensure children are fitted with equipment, grouped according to age and ability, provided with lunch and snacks, storage for equipment and colour-coded ski racks, and are available for half or full day sessions.
Eating Out
The Cannonball Pub in the base lodge boasts a friendly bar and table service fare at affordable prices, with dining also on the sunny deck outside. For a quick bite there is also a self-service cafeteria. Away from the mountian, there's a lot of choice for dining in and around the nearby town of Lincoln, from traditional New England fare to continental cuisine, from pizza to spicy ethnic dishes. Many hotels also offer dining, and among the many options are the Profile Dining Room at the nearby Indian Head Resort offering family dining, a casual atmosphere and a kid's menu, or sample some of the best steaks and Rib-Eye in the area at the Open Hearth Steak-House at Woodward’s Resort. And don’t leave New Hampshire without sampling a bowl of creamy Clam Chowder.
Apres
There is a wide choice of night spots to choose from in the region, with something for all tastes. CJ's Penalty Box at the Kancamagus Motor Lodge on Route 112 in Lincoln is the area's only Sport's Bar. Gordi's Fish & Steak House on Kancamagus Hwy in Lincoln is known for its great après ski. As with many establishments in the area you can spend the whole evening there as there's an excellent pub menu too. Try prime rib, lobster, fish, steak and throw in the salad bar to keep feeling healthy. Serious apres skiers will take a trip to the Woodstock Inn, home to the Woodstock Station (the town's original train station, now attached to the rear of the main inn) which serves a casual 148-item menu for lunch and dinner. Variety, hearty portions, and nightly entertainment have turned the Station into the locals' hot spot, with weekly karaoke nights and live bands at the weekend. As if that's not enough, the Woodstock Inn Brewery is also on-premises. The seven-barrel micro-brewery offers six freshly brewed ales at all times. The attached Brewpub is a cosy room where locals and travellers socialize over pints, often watching the brewers at work perfecting their handcrafted ales, porters, and stouts. Truant’s Tavern in North Woodstock is a popular spot at the weekends, with a choice of bars serving into the small hours.
Boarding
Cannon is big on its ski race training and ski technique, but boarders get equal treatment. and Apart from the exciting natural terrain to enjoy, there are three freestyle areas which include a half pipe.
