Cannon is extremely easy to access, just yards from one of two exits off interstate highway 93. Cannon Mountain is located just a few steps from Interstate 93, with two exits serving the aerial tram base (34B) and the main...
Cannon Mountain
Firmly placed in American ski history, Cannon Mountain ski area has been attracting families and expert skiers to its slopes since the 1930s, and focuses on the skiing product first instead of resort-style development off mountain.
Nestled in the northern corner of New Hampshire’s renowned Franconia Notch State Park lays Cannon Mountain. Offering stunning views of the White Mountains, the longest vertical drop in the state, and easy access from an interstate highway, Cannon has been attracting families and expert skiers to its slopes since the 1930s. While Cannon may sometimes play victim to the harsher side of New England winters, a recent expansion has bolstered the strong community that takes deep pride in their mountain’s challenging slopes, supported by management intent on offering a skiing-first experience to mountain guests.
Though Cannon Mountain calls itself a ski area, not a resort, visitors have flocked to northern New Hampshire since trails were cut in the early 1930s. In its early history, Cannon accumulated multiple firsts in the ski resort industry: the first ski-racing trail in North America, the Taft Slalom, was cut on Cannon Mountain in 1933, and North American’s first aerial tramway was completed in 1938. Though the tram was replaced in 1980 by an updated, 70-passenger version, the original catapulted the area into international recognition, and helped to bring the Alpine Skiing World Cup races to North America for the first time in 1967. Today, the mountain is known for having the longest vertical drop in New Hampshire, and for US Olympic Ski Racer Bode Miller who grew up on its slopes. Its tram is still the only one in the state, too.
Cannon itself is owned by the state of New Hampshire, as it lies within Franconia Notch State Park. With a commitment to the ski experience first, the base area does not feature a multitude of amenities and lodging options, but rather a no-frills experience with the bare necessities. You may rent or buy gear, tune your equipment, and grab a bite to eat at the base, but don’t come expecting more for your day on the mountain. The focus on skiing is seen in quality groomers, abundant snowmaking, and emphasis on the mountain’s character that locals also love to promote. The mountain is frequently at the center of a number of rumors about its experience, normally focusing on the cold northern facing aspects and challenging terrain, though it truly offers a great experience for all.
Cannon Mountain Pros & Cons:
+ The longest vertical drop in New Hampshire keeps the legs burning from bell to bell
+ Scenic and extremely accessible location, only a handful of yards from an interstate highway
+ Skiing-first mentality puts on-mountain experiences first, including reasonable lift ticket pricing.
– Generally north-facing slopes suffer harsh winters, including bitter winds and icy conditions
– Lack of on-mountain lodging prevents Cannon from becoming a true resort destination
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While the Mittersill Alpine Resort offers some rooms near the Mittersill base, Cannon does not feature on-mountain lodging. Cannon Mountain does not offer on-mountain lodging at its base area, so visitors must seek accommodations among the surrounding New Hampshire towns....
Cannon Mountain Beginner Skiing With the longest vertical drop in the state and the recent Mittersill terrain addition, Cannon’s slopes offer something for everyone. Cannon Mountain is frequently targeted by myths among eastern skiers, typically referring to its frequent cold...
Cannon Mountain Beginner Skiing The Tuckerbrook Family Area at Cannon offers a great place for beginners to grow and progress away from high traffic areas and steeper zones. Green circle rated terrain makes up only a small fraction of the...
Cannon Mountain Intermediate Skiing Intermediates have the run of the mountain at Cannon, from winding scenic runs to consistent, fall-line groomers. Often, Cannon gets a unfair reputation as a mainly steep, challenging mountain suitable for experts. The rumors couldn’t be...
Cannon Mountain Avanced & Expert Skiing While advanced and expert runs are limited, Cannon holds some of the steepest trails and glades in New Hampshire. One of Cannon’s oft-repeated myths refers to steep, challenging terrain. While there is plenty to...
Cannon Mountain Backcountry Skiing Backcountry options abound Cannon guests, but knowing one’s surroundings is crucial due to high cliff danger. Cannon’s unique location within New Hampshire’s Franconia Notch State Park allows skiers and riders looking for a backcountry experience to...
Cannon Mountain On Mountain Restaurants Ski resort cafeteria fare is abundant at a variety of locations at Cannon, though more interesting meal options exist at the main base’s Cannonball Pub. For those looking for a quick bite, there are numerous...
Cannon Mountain Village Sandwiched within scenic Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon’s base areas feature simply the basics. Cannon Mountain does not feature a mountain village at its base area. The only on-mountain village to speak of would refer to Mittersill...
Cannon Mountain Restaurants, Bars & Apres Ski Nearby towns are spread out amongst the rugged White Mountains, but many offer excellent north country restaurant and bar options. Due to Cannon’s location within the state park, visitors may often need to...
Cannon Mountain Activities Skiing dominates winter activities in the White Mountains, though other mountain recreational activities are available throughout the year. Skiing has been the name of the game at Cannon Mountain during winter since the 1930s when the Civilian...