AdironRider
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2005
- Messages
- 3,733
- Points
- 83
Yeah totally, like at least he advocated for replacing it with something. Doubt Ayotte would be ok with anything, or dare I say, would push for privatization.
-
Welcome to AlpineZone, the largest online community of skiers and snowboarders in the Northeast!
You may have to REGISTER before you can post. Registering is FREE, gets rid of the majority of advertisements, and lets you participate in giveaways and other AlpineZone events!
Cannon Lover's Thread
- Thread starter Puck it
- Start date
Yeah totally, like at least he advocated for replacing it with something. Doubt Ayotte would be ok with anything, or dare I say, would push for privatization.
See this is part of the reason why I think more transparency is warranted.
This whole thing kind of came out of the blue. Yes it had been stated prior that the Tram was on its last legs. However, everyone I know at Cannon was operating under the assumption that the Tram would keep on going until a replacement was ordered. I don't know anyone who thought the end would happen perhaps several years in advance and no one I know up there thought last year would be the last of the Tram.
So, in this thread we've seen people thinking Jace is forcing the issue with the state, pass holders upset about the timing of the announcement and now you throwing out there that maybe Ayotte wants to send it private.
Just communicate what's truly going on. When you do that, you limit the conspiracies and the stakeholders don't feel left in the dark.
Ultimately I'm a 3 day a year Cannon skier and the only beef I have is my daughter will now bitch she never got the chance to ride mustard and ketchup like her brother. Other than that, I'm not all that upset. Unless I'm there on a day Peabody goes down. Now when that happens, it's basically pointless to even be there.
Smellytele
Well-known member
I have been there when each of those have been down (not at the same time) and they never opened the tram. Actually been there when 2 out of those 3 of those have been down and they didn’t open the tram any way.
That sucks.
I recall a couple years ago when zoomer broke for several weeks and they ran the tram 7 days. I was a nice change up for sure. I'm one of those weirdos that likes lapping the tram but would choose a good function lift set up over replacing it. I'm a bit concerned for the season tbh. I don't buy my pass till the first day of skiing so hopefully more info before then.
Front page article in todays union leader about the tram and it's replacement.
CANNON MOUNTAIN is preparing to retire its second-generation, 80-passenger aerial tramway later this year after 45 years of service, paving the way for a third-generation tram system to be designed and built in the coming years.
The tram will be shut down this fall and is expected to remain closed for at least two years while a replacement is built.
Cannon — home to the nation’s first aerial tramway, launched in 1938 — is the only mountain in North America to reach a third-generation tram.
Since 1980, the current tram has carried more than 9 million passengers to the 4,080-foot summit, covering a 1-mile span in under seven minutes, delivering views of mountains across four states and Canada on a clear day.
“She’s aged gracefully, but like all legends, she deserves a dignified retirement,” said Jace Wirth, general manager of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park. “It’s time to begin writing the next chapter.”
With $27.2 million secured through House Bill 25, and additional capital resources anticipated, a structural analysis (pending gubernatorial and Executive Council approval) is expected to get underway soon to confirm renovation plans for the existing towers, terminals and foundations.
Prior to first winning election as governor in 2016, former Gov. Chris Sununu worked as the general manager of Waterville Valley (ski) Resort.
The analysis is also expected to help refine design and capacity requirements for the next-generation tram system.
The first tramway was built in 1938 and was smaller in scale, and was the first tramway in North America. That tram was retired in 1978.
While the original tram carried 27 riders per car, the current cars hold up to 80 — and the next generation could transport even more.
“The Cannon tram is a symbol of New Hampshire,” said Sarah Stewart, commissioner of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “Governor Ayotte has declared 2025 the ‘Year of New Hampshire State Parks,’ and this project ensures we continue investing in our most treasured places. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
In a letter sent to legislators in 2024, Stewart referred to replacing the tram as a “top priority” for state parks officials.
“A situation in which the tram was no longer part of our state parks enterprise system would have severe impacts on the state park fund which is how we manage to maintain a park system that is operationally self-funded,” wrote Stewart.
With the 85th anniversary of the original tram’s installation in 2023 and following the 45th anniversary of the current system’s commissioning in June, Cannon’s management team plans to wind down public operations after the fall foliage season as part of the transition to a next-generation system.
“This is a moment we’ve been preparing for,” said Wirth. “While we know the transition will bring change, it’s also an opportunity to honor the legacy of the tram while ensuring we move forward with purpose.”
CANNON MOUNTAIN is preparing to retire its second-generation, 80-passenger aerial tramway later this year after 45 years of service, paving the way for a third-generation tram system to be designed and built in the coming years.
The tram will be shut down this fall and is expected to remain closed for at least two years while a replacement is built.
Cannon — home to the nation’s first aerial tramway, launched in 1938 — is the only mountain in North America to reach a third-generation tram.
Since 1980, the current tram has carried more than 9 million passengers to the 4,080-foot summit, covering a 1-mile span in under seven minutes, delivering views of mountains across four states and Canada on a clear day.
“She’s aged gracefully, but like all legends, she deserves a dignified retirement,” said Jace Wirth, general manager of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park. “It’s time to begin writing the next chapter.”
With $27.2 million secured through House Bill 25, and additional capital resources anticipated, a structural analysis (pending gubernatorial and Executive Council approval) is expected to get underway soon to confirm renovation plans for the existing towers, terminals and foundations.
Prior to first winning election as governor in 2016, former Gov. Chris Sununu worked as the general manager of Waterville Valley (ski) Resort.
The analysis is also expected to help refine design and capacity requirements for the next-generation tram system.
The first tramway was built in 1938 and was smaller in scale, and was the first tramway in North America. That tram was retired in 1978.
While the original tram carried 27 riders per car, the current cars hold up to 80 — and the next generation could transport even more.
“The Cannon tram is a symbol of New Hampshire,” said Sarah Stewart, commissioner of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “Governor Ayotte has declared 2025 the ‘Year of New Hampshire State Parks,’ and this project ensures we continue investing in our most treasured places. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
In a letter sent to legislators in 2024, Stewart referred to replacing the tram as a “top priority” for state parks officials.
“A situation in which the tram was no longer part of our state parks enterprise system would have severe impacts on the state park fund which is how we manage to maintain a park system that is operationally self-funded,” wrote Stewart.
With the 85th anniversary of the original tram’s installation in 2023 and following the 45th anniversary of the current system’s commissioning in June, Cannon’s management team plans to wind down public operations after the fall foliage season as part of the transition to a next-generation system.
“This is a moment we’ve been preparing for,” said Wirth. “While we know the transition will bring change, it’s also an opportunity to honor the legacy of the tram while ensuring we move forward with purpose.”
I wouldn’t want that. One unique trail in NE and you want to change it into just another groomer?
I like the way you think (and no-one has ever used “fat” or “lazy” to describe me before, but I make sure I have a snack or some other reason to take a break after the uphill portion)Maybe they could cut a narrow path for a Rope Tow from behind the ski museum over to the base of Zoomer? That slog is a lot after skiing Kinsman.
Yes I'm also fat and lazy
You got the wrong hard
? I start most of my ski days Taft/Upper Hard/Middle Hard thru Red Ball run-out, I know I don’t want that to turn into Loon
thebigo
Well-known member
I always confuse middle and lower hard names. Snowmaking on lower hard would significantly improve traffic flow, clearly middle hard should be left the way it is.
Last edited:
Wait I got it wrong. Middle is the good one. I think he was referring to lower which is in the valley below Middle ravine and never really opened last year. My bad and yeah don't touch Middle that would suck
thebigo
Well-known member
Not much new in that article other some semblance of a schedule.
Do not think anyone is annoyed at the actual shutdown, it was inevitable and has been known about for years. I am annoyed by the timing of the announcement, lack of published schedule and plan.
The expectation should have been an announcement before april with a schedule, renderings and accommodation. By accommodation shuttle service on overflow parking days and whenever kinsman is open.
I know some pass holders who are annoyed by the shutdown as the Tram is a better start to the day on weekends than the Peabody side. More close / better parking than the Peabody side and an uncrowded lodge to boot up at. 1 lift and you're at the top.
They'll likely switch to parking close to Zoomer and booting up at their car while the Tram is out. But they'd absolutely prefer the Team and Lodge to start their day
They'll likely switch to parking close to Zoomer and booting up at their car while the Tram is out. But they'd absolutely prefer the Team and Lodge to start their day
machski
Well-known member
I have been up midweek and 4080 cafe has been open and stocked on days the Tram doesn't run. And a few of those days it was clear Tram hadn't budged in days as the track ropes were completely rimed up. So they must already have another way of supplying the top (likely a Cat).
thebigo
Well-known member
on days the tram is closed to the public, you will still see it make a run in the morning and afternoon. I always assumed it was inventory and staff in the AM, trash and staff in the PM
BodeMiller1
Well-known member
Sounds good, Cannon has lost its edge.
No maybe they'll open the steep stuff.
Let's face it Cannon would be better with three lifts.
Tram to top.
Gondola to top of Mitt.
The beginners base (fast lift, butt dangerously high)
BodeMiller1
Well-known member
You are correct.
Smellytele
Well-known member
Shhh!
Similar threads
