Cannon/Mittersill land swap

[SIKSKIER]

The land swap deal for the state to gain access to the top of Mittersill is coming to a head.If the federal land is swapped over to the state that would be the first step towards opening neighboring Mittersill and connecting it to Cannon.
Here's WMUR's story:

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Land Swap Would Open Mountain To More Skiing
Cannon Mountain Could Expand Into Mittersill Property

POSTED: 11:07 am EST February 18, 2008


FRANCONIA, N.H. -- Government officials are considering swapping land adjacent to New Hampshire's Cannon Mountain ski area for 235 acres of land at Sentinel Mountain State Forest.

If approved, the deal could open the Mittersill property by Cannon Mountain to skiing as early as next year.

Under the proposal, the federal government would swap the Mittersill property for the state forest land in Piermont. If the state forest land is found to be more valuable, the federal government would pay the state the difference.

Skiing at Mittersill was discontinued decades ago. The state suggested a land swap last year.

The Cannon Mountain Advisory Commission will meet Thursday in Franconia to discuss the proposed land exchange.

 

[Joshua B]

Thanks for the update!

 

[KevinF]

So, assuming it goes through, what does this land swap mean in "real world" terms? i.e., Will Cannon put a lift in over at the Mittersill side, or will that terrain remain hike-to only? If that terrain remains hike-to only, will the only change be that you'll still be within resort area boundaries and thus the ski patrol will rescue you if you fall and break a leg?

 

[riverc0il]

Not anything we haven't heard dozens of times before these past few years. Lets see what type of news happens after this meeting on Thursday.

In regards to "real world" terms, the area is already hike to without patrol so Cannon would gain nothing from the land swap except additional financial responsibility, increased labor, and increased liability without adding lifts. The Sno-Engineering plans have been on the board for over a dozen years. I would assume that completing Phase III of the plan is the objective of the land swap. Sadly.

I can not think of any other area in New England that has this type of setup. Cannon has something special and unique right now that really separates the mountain from its peers. I think it is sad that something special and unique is going to be homogenized into an expansion. Though to be honest, this will be a bountiful windfall for intermediate and beginner skiers and one can only imagine what will happen to Mittersill Resort (I am sure SIKSKIER is pulling for the swap from at least a real estate perspective).