Cannonball
New member
Less than a month to go before the tram is done for the season (3/20). Even though it's their usual routine, it still always comes as shock so early in the season. Make the most of it!
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Cannon tram, get it while you can
- Thread starter Cannonball
- Start date
I thought that you were announcing that they were doing away with it altogether, based on the thread title. That would have been a surprise, and disappointing...
I doubt that they would raze it given its historical significance.
billski
Active member
It's probably also a big summertime attraction.
Cannonball
New member
Whoops, I can see how you'd think that.
Nope just wrapping up the season mid-March. Actually, considering that they only run it 4 days a week and have a very short season it's bordering on doing away with it completely. I think it only runs about 55 days of the season.
It certainly is. From a skiing standpoint, and folks can correct me if I am wrong, it really is of little use unless you are lapping Tram Line, Kinsmen Glade, etc. Most of the ski area is oriented around the HSQ and that side of the mountain.
well, someday it will need to be replaced. Going to cost a lot of dough to do it. We'll see if the state will foot the bill when that time comes.
Cannonball
New member
Most of the services are oriented on the other side. But from a skiing standpoint the tram is the way to go. It runs 15 minutes earlier than all other chairs, so it's the best option for first tracks. On brutally cold days it sure beats any chairlift. You can lap ~70% of the mountain and still get back to the tram (including 100% of the upper mountain) so it's not just for the areas you mentioned. It's far more preferable for T2B runs than the Peabody/Cannonball combo. Especially for snowboarders since the short run between the two is a waste of time. You can throw isolated Cannonball or Zoomer laps into your tram riding day to mix it up. Bathroom and snack breaks can easily be accomplished in the lower tram building without missing a beat. I could go on....
The services at the upper and lower tram stations have come/gone/changed nearly every year. They've never quite had it dialed in. I think it has the potential to be a mush bigger part of the operation if the marketed it that way. (of course then we'd all gripe about the crowds there.....)
Good points on first tracks, warmth, etc. Do you use the tram regularly? I always skied pods at Cannon when I visited with a tram run or two thrown in for good measure.
Cannonball
New member
Yes. I park at the tram. It's the shortest car-to-lift walk. At the end of the day I can usually ski right to the door of my truck.
Full tram lap to start the day. That gives you top to bottom conditions assessment. If its all good then repeat, repeat, repeat. If upper is better then head up again and lap the Cannonball, if lower is better head down and lap Zoomer. Or sidecountry options (including Mitt) in every direction from the tram top.
When it's not running it significantly impedes your options.
billski
Active member
I agree with you for all the upside you state. What I hate in general is that you don't get a chance to sit down (and wusses like me need it!) and you usually have to wait a long wait to get on during peak times. The gondi at Stowe is similar - first tracks and no lines is the way to go .
bobbutts
New member
same
I was never able to get my timing down to not require waiting for the Tram. I am sure that if I was a regular I would get it down. Good idea to use it as a means of assessing the mountain. I certainly understand the parking situation. Good call.
I think it is great to have Cannon getting love from here...lively discussion included!
I think it is great to have Cannon getting love from here...lively discussion included!
ceo
Active member
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2009
- Messages
- 422
- Points
- 28
The tram was an even more vital part of the lift network before they replaced the old, slow Peabody chair. I actively avoided Peabody base before the quad went in.
+ 1.
Cannonball
New member
I agree with you 100%. Although some people might have really appreciated the long slow ride on the old Peabody ......
Puck it
Well-known member
Don't forget that Cannon has the best current ability to be open early and late IF they wanted to with the Tram and Cannonball.
riverc0il
New member
Its actually very useful for going bottom to top when you are cycling Zoomer. I don't think cycling T2B on the tram is a very good way to ski Cannon (generally speaking) but its a good way to scoot up to the summit and also very effective on windy days. Also first tracks at 8:15am are nice. I don't usually ski Cannon without hitting the tram at least once or twice during the day.
riverc0il
New member
Its funny how when you ski the mountain frequently, this approach is a total no brainer. But I think a lot of folks not familiar with the mountain don't understand how to best utilize the tram. Its a completely different beast than gondolas that can be lapped. It needs to be utilized with planned purpose. If not, then the mountain will dictate your day instead of the other way around. Conditions assessment on first tracks is invaluable. You get the full top to bottom sampling with various aspects and you're 15+ minutes ahead of everyone else, especially if Zoomer is the place to be. If its identified as the best option on a powder day, you get 4 untracked laps before the crowds catch up. Then you zip back up to the summit and begin working plan B....
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