Cannon Mountain Glades

[Johnskiismore]

Recently there was a press release about all of the upgrades at New Hampshire ski areas for this upcoming season. It was said that Cannon was going to have 5 or so new glades added, which like most Cannon Mountain fans probably got you nervous (if you like the trees). So I just found out that a glade is going to be cut off of Gary's, and the others are the glades that the locals know about. They are going to be listed on the trail map, I don't precisely which trails, but I have a strong hunch.

So, for Cannon skiers/riders, what do you think?

 

[roark]

I don't know the glades at Cannon, but putting more on the map is rarely if ever a good thing IMHO. The people that can ski it will, regardless of whether it's on the map. Those that can't will now be enticed in.

 

[thetrailboss]

IMHO the glades at Cannon suck because the terrain is so steep and rough. It takes a ton of snow to open Kinsman Glades or anything else. There is just too much rock and ledge for any good glade skiing. Now obviously there are exceptions (such as hiking over to a nearby former ski area), but in my experience the terrain and lack of snow just don't make it work.

 

[Geoff]

IMHO the glades at Cannon suck because the terrain is so steep and rough. It takes a ton of snow to open Kinsman Glades or anything else. There is just too much rock and ledge for any good glade skiing. Now obviously there are exceptions (such as hiking over to a nearby former ski area), but in my experience the terrain and lack of snow just don't make it work.

The other way to look at this is that Cannon's big problem is that they don't get enough snow. 150" does not make for reliable tree skiing other than very flat and manicured spots. Outside of Vermont, only Wildcat and Sugarloaf break the 200" barrier.

 

[deadheadskier]

My thoughts on places like Cannon (mind you I haven't skied there in over twenty years and am basing this comment purely based on what I read about the place) is that cut and marked glades are a good thing IF they are maintained.

When I say places like Cannon, I mean mountains that average under 200 inches a year of natural snow. Sure if they're on the map, they'll get tracked out and beat up more quickly, but I still believe they will be 'open' and skiable more often than if left unmaintained.

 

[Beetlenut]

I think it's good news! I definitly plan to hit up Cannon again this year.

 

[Tin Woodsman]

The other way to look at this is that Cannon's big problem is that they don't get enough snow. 150" does not make for reliable tree skiing other than very flat and manicured spots. Outside of Vermont, only Wildcat and Sugarloaf break the 200" barrier.

I would agree, though I am a little confused on the snowfall figures. The data from Tony Crocker indicates that Cannon receives a confirmed 156" per year, but that's measured at the base at an elevation of 1800'. See this link for details.Given Cannon's location on the far northwestern edge of the Whites, with little to the west or northwest but the CT River Valley and the plains of Canuckistan, I would think it would receive a healthy amount of upslope, wrap-around snow, at least at higher elevations. If that 156" figure is really measured at 1800' as Tony indicates, then I'd be surprised if Cannon didn't receive over 200" at the summit.

Also, FWIW, I think Saddleback claims more than 200" per year as well.

 

[Geoff]

I would agree, though I am a little confused on the snowfall figures. The data from Tony Crocker indicates that Cannon receives a confirmed 156" per year, but that's measured at the base at an elevation of 1800'. See this link for details.Given Cannon's location on the far northwestern edge of the Whites, with little to the west or northwest but the CT River Valley and the plains of Canuckistan, I would think it would receive a healthy amount of upslope, wrap-around snow, at least at higher elevations. If that 156" figure is really measured at 1800' as Tony indicates, then I'd be surprised if Cannon didn't receive over 200" at the summit.

Also, FWIW, I think Saddleback claims more than 200" per year as well.

I was reacting to a comment that Cannon's glades are too steep and have too much ledge. I think steep ledge in the trees is just fine as long as you get enough snow.

 

[thetrailboss]

I was reacting to a comment that Cannon's glades are too steep and have too much ledge. I think steep ledge in the trees is just fine as long as you get enough snow.

Agreed, but IIRC there is a lot of talus and glacial till in the woods....that would require lots of snow to cover.

 

[Johnskiismore]

Agreed, but IIRC there is a lot of talus and glacial till in the woods....that would require lots of snow to cover.

You would have enjoyed the trees a lot last season!

 

[Rushski]

I haven't skied there in quite some time. But, my oldest bro is a regular and says that people (not workers) regularly cut hidden trails and thought it was laughable everyone was so excited about the guys caught at Jay.

My guess is that they are probably opening up a couple of these, potentially making them safer. Plus that way it would be less work than surveying, clearing brush, ...

 

[Geoff]

I haven't skied there in quite some time. But, my oldest bro is a regular and says that people (not workers) regularly cut hidden trails and thought it was laughable everyone was so excited about the guys caught at Jay.

My guess is that they are probably opening up a couple of these, potentially making them safer. Plus that way it would be less work than surveying, clearing brush, ...

I think the Jay thing was about the width of what they cut and the number of trees. IIRC, they cut 50 feet all the way down. When most people are cutting a stash, they're doing it with pruning shears, not a chainsaw.

 

[powderman]

I'd like to try NH areas like Cannon and Wildcat, but it will take a while to hit em' given their limited snowfall, bad weather, and the fact that the MRV is closer than both of these ski areas for me

 

[riverc0il]

I don't precisely which trails, but I have a strong hunch.

So, for Cannon skiers/riders, what do you think?

Given the location suggested in the FTO press release, I have a strong hunch as well. :angry:

What do I think? Cannon Ski Patrol is going to be working over time next season. :beer:

But... it makes sense for Cannon to try to expand its expert terrain since the groom most of their best trails. Bummed on a personal level though but it is just the tip of the ice berg.

 

[riverc0il]

IMHO the glades at Cannon suck because the terrain is so steep and rough. It takes a ton of snow to open Kinsman Glades or anything else. There is just too much rock and ledge for any good glade skiing. Now obviously there are exceptions (such as hiking over to a nearby former ski area), but in my experience the terrain and lack of snow just don't make it work.

It does take a lot of snow to get Cannon's glades functionable. But when Cannon has the snow, their glades are legit. My best day of the season in 07-08 was at Cannon skiing trees every run. My biggest grip about more on map glades is how often ski patrol will keep the trees closed when they are legit skiable. The increased traffic will likely deteriorate conditions quicker leading to even fewer days worth going in. Much as Cannon is one of my favorite mountains and I love skiing trees there, I only skied there less than 10% of my days last season. It needs the snow but that doesn't mean the glades aren't the nuts when the snow is there.

 

[thebigo]

Ill be making cannon my home base this year, i sent them an email regarding the new glades. New upper moutain glades are as follows:

Lost Boys off Upper Cannon
Go Green between Skylight and Profile
Global Warming between Upper Ravine and Skylight
Mushroom along Upper Hardscrabble

 

[thetrailboss]

Who came up with those names???? 'Go Green?' "GLOBAL WARMING?'

 

[Geoff]

Who came up with those names???? 'Go Green?' "GLOBAL WARMING?'

No kiddin'. Don't hit me with them negative waves.

 

[jackstraw]

IMHO the glades at Cannon suck because the terrain is so steep and rough. .

you should trade your skis in for some slippers and hang by the fire all day. that is truly the lamest post i've ever seen in a ski forum...pathetic!

 

[thetrailboss]

you should trade your skis in for some slippers and hang by the fire all day. that is truly the lamest post i've ever seen in a ski forum...pathetic!

Sorry...we aim to please. :roll: Now setting the ad hominem attack aside, have you skied said glades? If you have, you'd understand my point...that is the terrain is filled with glacial till and talus and is so steep that it can't hold snow well. You'd also understand that because of the debris the terrain requires a lot of snow...and as a result these areas are often unskiable. I know this from skiing Cannon and not by hanging around the fire all day...you need only look at the several trip reports, which I believe outnumber your postcount, to understand that. :roll: