Industry News
Cannon Mountain has announced that it is retiring its second-generation aerial tram after 45 years of operation. Cannon was the first ski resort in North America to open an aerial tram back in 1938. The second-generation tramway has carried more than 9 million guests to the top of Cannon to take in the breathtaking views and carve down its iconic slopes.
$27.2 million of funding has been secured through New Hampshire House Bill 25 in June, with additional funding anticipated. Pending a structural analysis and government approval, plans to replace the current tramway’s towers and terminals are in the works. Tram operations will wind down after this fall, and installation of the new system will follow in the coming years.
The tramway at Cannon has become an icon of New Hampshire and symbolizes the history of outdoor recreation in the state. “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,” Sarah Stewart said, Commissioner of New Hampshire’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Cannon Mountain is home to some of New England’s most iconic terrain, highlighted by DJ’s tramline. This run, while rarely open, is one of the toughest lines in the East as the run is littered with boulders, cliff drops, and a sustained pitch that will challenge your endurance. Not only do you have to deal with all these obstacles, but everyone is watching from the tram above.
Cannon boasts the biggest vertical drop in New Hampshire and some of the best views in the East. Cannon sits within the boundaries of Franconia Notch State Park, one of the most scenic areas in all of New England, with striking peaks like Mt. Lafayette and Mt. Lincoln surrounding the area. The aerial tram has provided guests with the opportunity to experience this scenic area from the highest ski area summit in New Hampshire, and management hopes to continue this for years to come with the installation of the third-generation tramway.
