Big Crowds at Cannon

[SIKSKIER]

I know I've been very spoiled by many years of sparse crowds at Cannon.Of course the usual big weekends like this one,I expect a larger volume.Have not seen lines like I did at Zoomer on Sunday and The Cannonball summit quad on Saturday for quite a while.The amount of people crowed around the Peabody base area was incredible for us.I had a hard time getting through in front of the lodge to get down the bunny(Brookside) slope to get to my car yesterday.Wow!What's really amazed me is the crowds inside the Peabody lodge.Cannon put on two very large additions,adding almost 10,000 sq ft and it's all been very full all season.I'm wondering where we put everyone else in the past before this expansion.I'm complaining for selfish reasons but by this guys eyes,Cannon has had a very good start to the season.

 

[Mildcat]

When I was there on New Years Day the lodge was busy but there were no lift lines. I couldn't quite figure that out. Glad to see they're doing well though. Maybe some people are finally realizing it's worth the extra 15 minutes of driving past Loon.

 

[rtibbs4]

Cannon has some of the cheapest lift tickets for the terrain it offers. I can see why they are getting more of a crowd than usual.

 

[wa-loaf]

Last I went I stuck with the old lodge. Seemed busy, but not too crowded.

 

[riverc0il]

Cannon has some of the cheapest lift tickets for the terrain it offers. I can see why they are getting more of a crowd than usual.

This used to be the case. Cannon is no longer a bargain or a "value" ticket unless you get a mid-week twofer or NH residents day. Personally, I think they are getting more of a crowd for other reasons which prove that full ticket prices don't truly matter for success such as good area for beginners and intermediates (Tuckerbrook), more emphasis on the family experience, on mountain improvements such as more snow making and grooming, and most of all better marketing (they even have dupped people into thinking that they are still a good value despite increases lift ticket prices about $20 in half a dozen years or so.

 

[Bumpsis]

Another myth that's out there is that Cannon is a tough mountain. Most of the trails off the very top, especially those leading from the tram (Vist Way, Tramway and Upper Cannon) are essentially beginner trails. I don't know why they are labeled as intermediate. The pitch is just very gentle. The top of Cannon is kind of flat.

The only trails that are interesting are the various parts of Hardscrabble and the trails (skier's left) off that top chair that reaches the summit.
Otherwise, the best slopes are the bottom 1/3 or 1/4 of the of the mountain (Avalanche, Pauline's etc,). Often, I'll be just lapping the Zoomer chair becuase that's the most fun. Short, but fun. If they were selling a ticket just for that chair, I'd opt for that and skip the rest.

So whenever I ski that place, I'm just amazed that such a big mountain can feel so small. In perspective, it's still my number one choice for day tripping when solo.
Now that they raised prices, I'm there a bit less often, especially when with family in tow.

 

[deadheadskier]

trail ratings are always in relationship to other areas on the mountain. The top trails certainly have more pitch than the tuckerbook trails no?

 

[Angus]

skied on Sunday and parked over at the tram. putting my boots around 9:45, a regular was taking his off and going home. Noted the crowds and fact that Cannon doesn't ski well with lots of people on the trails. My comments would be the top 2/3 of mountain were socked in all day with a wicked wind blowing. My last ride up the high speed quad was a joke - a vicious wind blowing right into your face. Mid-day the tram slammed into a bumper and as I got off, I heard the driver remark to another employee he'd never hit that hard in all his years. The other thing is the way the wind blows pushes snow off alot of trails which forces people onto a select few. Vista Way was empty all day - of course, there was no snow on skiers right! best snow and bumps were found off zoomer lift which was reason for crowds. I did not ride profile lift once - first time ever due to weather. there is a good amount of snow up there but a lot of boilerplate on alot of the more traveled runs.

 

[riverc0il]

Another myth that's out there is that Cannon is a tough mountain. Most of the trails off the very top, especially those leading from the tram (Vist Way, Tramway and Upper Cannon) are essentially beginner trails. I don't know why they are labeled as intermediate. The pitch is just very gentle. The top of Cannon is kind of flat.

Try taking a beginner down from the top, I think they would disagree! There is nothing beginner about any of the trails from the top of Cannon (not to mention that Vista is usually not groomed and could likely use a diamond rating at times due to coverage and bumps). These blue trails are the same pitch as many other blue square trails in New Hampshire and much steeper than green trails at Cannon's Tuckerbrook area so they are relatively well rated. Though even compared against other mountains, I don't know how you could call those trails beginner trails. I know of no other mountain any where that has beginner trails that steep.

And if you don't think Cannon is a tough mountain, you aren't skiing the right parts of the mountain.

 

[billski]

The lines have always been there, but with the economy in the tank, people are staying closer to home (read: northeast) and watching their purse strings much closer I expect to see bigger lines this year. I expect most of ski93 ticket sales to benefit, but lodging and meals to suffer. I've also noticed a lot more cut rate deals on ski/stay lodging in New England, even Stratton is discounting more than in past. Finding a last minute room has proved to be a snap this year, though they are holding the line on single-night rates. I suspect Cannon has a larger day tripper base than most. One way to save is to pay a full fare ticket, no season pass, and day trip it.

I've met a lot more of unemployed skiers this year who are still getting out, but less often. They've time, but little money, so they do it by brown bagging and day tripping.

 

[KevinF]

Try taking a beginner down from the top, I think they would disagree! There is nothing beginner about any of the trails from the top of Cannon (not to mention that Vista is usually not groomed and could likely use a diamond rating at times due to coverage and bumps). These blue trails are the same pitch as many other blue square trails in New Hampshire and much steeper than green trails at Cannon's Tuckerbrook area so they are relatively well rated. Though even compared against other mountains, I don't know how you could call those trails beginner trails. I know of no other mountain any where that has beginner trails that steep

While it's not in the north-east, Snowbird's "Big Emma" trail (a green !) is steeper then any blue-square trail I've ever seen anywhere.

 

[Bumpsis]

Try taking a beginner down from the top, I think they would disagree! There is nothing beginner about any of the trails from the top of Cannon (not to mention that Vista is usually not groomed and could likely use a diamond rating at times due to coverage and bumps). These blue trails are the same pitch as many other blue square trails in New Hampshire and much steeper than green trails at Cannon's Tuckerbrook area so they are relatively well rated. Though even compared against other mountains, I don't know how you could call those trails beginner trails. I know of no other mountain any where that has beginner trails that steep.

And if you don't think Cannon is a tough mountain, you aren't skiing the right parts of the mountain.

The main point of my post was that Cannon looks much bigger and tougher than it really is. We can bicker about degree lean of the Tramway/Vista/Upper Cannon but the fact is that these trails can very easily be negatiatied with just a few, lazy GS turns, becuase the they are so shallow.

Anyone who can actually link a few wedge turns, can just as easily control their speed and safely descend down those trils. Any beginner who can put his tips together can do this. That's why I'd call them beginner trails. Granted, I would not take a sheer first timer up there, but these trails are definitely on the flatter side. Definitely not intermediate. I can understand why the mountain doesn't want to lure beginners to the top - things do get steeper half way down, but come on, the top is rather flat

As to the tougher parts of the mountain, I only know of Tram Line and Kinsman Glade, both of which I've never caught at the right time (enough snow). My knowledge of the mountain is limted only to what's on the map.

I'd love to know what you and other people who seem to know Cannon well would recommend for a challange - I don't mean for this to be a "pissing match" of any sort, I'm honestly looking for advice.

I'd like my times at Cannon to be as much fun as possible. When conditions are nice, I consider Cannon to be my first choice (still). I like steep and winding trails, woods, not so much, unless I get them freshly filled with powder, but that rarely happens since I'm a day tripper with good 120 miles to cover before I can get to the goods.

If you don't feel like disclosing any secret info publically, shoot me private message, otherwise this "you aren't skiing the right parts of the mountain. :spin" is just an empty boast.

 

[St. Bear]

Cannon is definitely still perceived as an "expert's mountain". When I tell my family and friends that I'm going there, the first thing they always say is, "Isn't it too windy and icy?".

But getting back to the original post, in spite of this perception and the recent hike in ticket prices, a big reason Cannon is still very popular is the location. Being directly on 93 is a huge marketing tool that many ski areas can't take advantage of.

 

[Smellytele]

The main point of my post was that Cannon looks much bigger and tougher than it really is. We can bicker about degree lean of the Tramway/Vista/Upper Cannon but the fact is that these trails can very easily be negatiatied with just a few, lazy GS turns, becuase the they are so shallow.

Anyone who can actually link a few wedge turns, can just as easily control their speed and safely descend down those trils. Any beginner who can put his tips together can do this. That's why I'd call them beginner trails. Granted, I would not take a sheer first timer up there, but these trails are definitely on the flatter side. Definitely not intermediate. I can understand why the mountain doesn't want to lure beginners to the top - things do get steeper half way down, but come on, the top is rather flat

As to the tougher parts of the mountain, I only know of Tram Line and Kinsman Glade, both of which I've never caught at the right time (enough snow). My knowledge of the mountain is limted only to what's on the map.

I'd love to know what you and other people who seem to know Cannon well would recommend for a challange - I don't mean for this to be a "pissing match" of any sort, I'm honestly looking for advice.

I'd like my times at Cannon to be as much fun as possible. When conditions are nice, I consider Cannon to be my first choice (still). I like steep and winding trails, woods, not so much, unless I get them freshly filled with powder, but that rarely happens since I'm a day tripper with good 120 miles to cover before I can get to the goods.

If you don't feel like disclosing any secret info publically, shoot me private message, otherwise this "you aren't skiing the right parts of the mountain. :spin" is just an empty boast.

Try Hard Scrabble

 

[steve112112]

Was at Cannon on Saturday (1/16). Parked at the tram lot which wasn't too bad (got there around 9am). Tram lodge is small and was a bit crowded but reasonable given the holiday weekend and compared to the reports of other places.

First time to Cannon in many (many) years. Lift lines were pretty reasonable (I don't think we waited more than 15 minutes, and usually 5-10) but trails were crowded. Lots of merging trails seemed like an accident waiting to happen.

Overall conditions were OK. We skied all over. Most of the steeper stuff (cannonball, and the black diamonds off zoom) were very hard packed (but not glare ice). Their intermediate trails seemed to be in much better shape.

We ate at the tram lodge and managed to find a table but all tables were full. We only did the tram in the first morning run and at lunch but didn't have to wait either time.

Summary, I'd go again but will probably wait until after some new snow arrives.

 

[Puck it]

The main point of my post was that Cannon looks much bigger and tougher than it really is. We can bicker about degree lean of the Tramway/Vista/Upper Cannon but the fact is that these trails can very easily be negatiatied with just a few, lazy GS turns, becuase the they are so shallow.

Anyone who can actually link a few wedge turns, can just as easily control their speed and safely descend down those trils. Any beginner who can put his tips together can do this. That's why I'd call them beginner trails. Granted, I would not take a sheer first timer up there, but these trails are definitely on the flatter side. Definitely not intermediate. I can understand why the mountain doesn't want to lure beginners to the top - things do get steeper half way down, but come on, the top is rather flat

As to the tougher parts of the mountain, I only know of Tram Line and Kinsman Glade, both of which I've never caught at the right time (enough snow). My knowledge of the mountain is limted only to what's on the map.

I'd love to know what you and other people who seem to know Cannon well would recommend for a challange - I don't mean for this to be a "pissing match" of any sort, I'm honestly looking for advice.

I'd like my times at Cannon to be as much fun as possible. When conditions are nice, I consider Cannon to be my first choice (still). I like steep and winding trails, woods, not so much, unless I get them freshly filled with powder, but that rarely happens since I'm a day tripper with good 120 miles to cover before I can get to the goods.

If you don't feel like disclosing any secret info publically, shoot me private message, otherwise this "you aren't skiing the right parts of the mountain. :spin" is just an empty boast.

Profile, I mean Cannonball. The glades are the best there. Upper glades are skiing pretty well. Mittersill is a great option too.

 

[KevinF]

Was at Cannon on Saturday (1/16). Parked at the tram lot which wasn't too bad (got there around 9am). Tram lodge is small and was a bit crowded but reasonable given the holiday weekend and compared to the reports of other places.

First time to Cannon in many (many) years. Lift lines were pretty reasonable (I don't think we waited more than 15 minutes, and usually 5-10) but trails were crowded. Lots of merging trails seemed like an accident waiting to happen.

You waited 5+ minutes in a lift-line at Cannon??? Wow. I skied there for years and I've never waited anything close to five minutes. I guess it really is getting crowded. :-(

Cannonball / Profile Trail is always a mess. That thing isn't worth skiing.

 

[KevinF]

The main point of my post was that Cannon looks much bigger and tougher than it really is. We can bicker about degree lean of the Tramway/Vista/Upper Cannon but the fact is that these trails can very easily be negatiatied with just a few, lazy GS turns, becuase the they are so shallow.

Anyone who can actually link a few wedge turns, can just as easily control their speed and safely descend down those trils. Any beginner who can put his tips together can do this. That's why I'd call them beginner trails.

Given the logic above, along with the number of people making wedge turns down Zoomer Trail, that must be a beginner trail as well?

 

[Puck it]

Cannonball / Profile Trail is always a mess. That thing isn't worth skiing.

Not always true. Opening day of it was awesome. Fresh tracks under the lift were awesome. Minus the core shot on a pipe. 1/3 was good also. It is also great when it gets bumped up and the snow is good. Kinda like a mini OL.

 

[SIKSKIER]

Not a pissing match but what?

The main point of my post was that Cannon looks much bigger and tougher than it really is. We can bicker about degree lean of the Tramway/Vista/Upper Cannon but the fact is that these trails can very easily be negatiatied with just a few, lazy GS turns, becuase the they are so shallow.

Anyone who can actually link a few wedge turns, can just as easily control their speed and safely descend down those trils. Any beginner who can put his tips together can do this. That's why I'd call them beginner trails. Granted, I would not take a sheer first timer up there, but these trails are definitely on the flatter side. Definitely not intermediate. I can understand why the mountain doesn't want to lure beginners to the top - things do get steeper half way down, but come on, the top is rather flat
.

Flat?I don't know when the last time you skied there,maybe erosion has taken place.Things do not get steeper halfway down,they start right at the top.If anything they get less steep until you get to the Zoomer slopes which are at the bottom.You think Upper Cannon,Profile,and Skylite are beginer trails?Cannon is on average with all the big mountains as far as difficulty rating.I do agree that it's reputation as experts only is certainly overated,however,there is so much there you will never know about.It's taken me all of my 35+ years there to find incredible challenging lines on,next to,and behind the trails you see on the map.There is nothing scary at all at Cannon or any other northeast area excluding the presidentials for me but I don't know where you get the "the top is flat" thing.And sorry, I will not show just anyone where the goods are.Keep looking and watching.

PS you'll need to stash a car for some real adventure fun