The 10 Best Eastern Resorts for Challenge
If you're looking to test yourself on Eastern slopes, make a beeline for these resorts.
12. Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire
You’re not a true New England skier until you’ve punched your Cannon Mountain card. That’s because Cannon is everything great New England skiing should be. The Tram, an experience in itself, brings you to Cannon’s glades (befriend a local to show you the way!).
Over at now lift-accessed Mittersill, you get a taste of the backcountry skiing of yore (now with snowmaking). Cannon’s base area is a bring-your-own-tuna sandwich locale (there’s also a bar and food available for purchase, if that’s your thing). And stunning views from the top of Franconia Notch and Mount Lafayette complete an idyllic Northeastern skiing experience.
Is it cold sometimes? Sure. But you cannot call yourself a true skier if you don’t know how to dress for that.
No. 12 in the East: Cannon Mountain, N.H.
Cannon Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 160″ | 282 | 10 | 95 |
Cannon Mountain Pass Info
Cannon is on the Indy Pass. Pass holders get two blackout-restricted days at the mountain.
Trip Planning
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Cannon Mountain, N.H.
Signature Experience
Hike over to Mittersill from Upper Cannon. In the days of chairs to everywhere, there’s something special about hiking up over a spine to what feels like a distant land. And great news: It’s an easy enough hike for the whole family.
Must Do
Visit the New England Ski Museum, in the Aerial Tram base building. It’s packed with nostalgia and ski history, and is a treat for any dedicated skier.
Après Spot
The Cannonball Pub at the base has plenty of beers of tap and that old-time ski-bar vibe that reminds us why we ski.
Independents Day: Cannon Mountain, N.H.
This state-owned, community-run ski area is where a legendary American ski racer cut his teeth and it holds the largest vertical descent in New Hampshire.
Cannon: Tram Fix Won't Be Quick and Easy
Forty-eight passengers stranded, then roped to safety, after historic Tram breaks down. No injuries reported. Reopening expected by weekend.
Why You Should Ski Loon and Cannon
The beauty of the White Mountains never disappoints at the gateway resorts of Franconia Notch.
It's On in the East: Deep Snow, and More Predicted
We caught up with Mad River Glen's Eric Friedman, one of the industry’s least bullshitty public relations guys, for his take on how good the skiing is. For fans of natural snow, now's the time.
The Soul of Cannon
By the time I buckle my boots, the people wearing Hefty bags are already skiing. They are having an awesome time.
Ivar Dahl’s Cannon
Here’s the legendary New Hampshire hill, a proving ground for the likes of Bode Miller, as local Ivar Dahl knows it.
Resort Guide 2013: #17 Cannon Mountain
"The fearsome “Front Five” sets the tone, but there’s lots of blue terrain that’s harder to see."
History's High Notes
Features
Rising Sunapee: Slopeside Lodging Soon
Mount Sunapee has plans, but needs permission to expand
Great Deals: The East
Features
Hot Pepper
Mountain Life
Sleeping In: November 2001
Travel East
From The Top: Contributors, January 2002
From the Top
The Way Inns Were
Travel
Boston: The Details
Features
Essentials: Cannon Mountain
Travel East