Cannon Mountain is a ski area and the home of the first passenger tramway in America

Cannon Mountain is a ski area in Franconia, New Hampshire. The mountain was the site of the first passenger tramway in America that was in operation from 1938 until 1980. The Tramway became a major tourist attraction with over 163,000 passengers riding the tramway in its first year. The mountain has the highest vertical ski drop in the east, the mountain now features Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway II, which is 5,359 feet ascending the mountain, and travels at 1,500 feet per minute and can accommodate 770 passengers in either direction.

An average of 160 inches of snow falls at the mountain each season, the storms in Franconia can be erratic though so the ski area has to be able to provide visitors with excellent snow no matter the weather. The mountain is able to create quality snow and have it groomed to provide a safe skiing area. Snowmaking happens at any hour on the mountain, the grooming work is done at night to not interrupt skiers during the day.

The mountain's base is at an elevation of 1900 feet with the ski summit area 4080 feet; the temperature of the mountain is around 15-20 degrees colder then the town of Franconia. The snowmaking team has to constantly monitor conditions to make the best snow possible. The mountain uses water from Echo Lake, as the lake is replenished as quickly as it is pumped out, even as the mountain pumps 3000 gallons per minute from the lake. The water is pumped through 16 miles of pipes with valves around the mountain where the snow is to be pumped. The mountain uses three types of snow guns to groom the snow. To avoid the occurrence of moguls from skiers the groomers use a large tractor with a front blade and tiller to smooth out the snow and distribute it evenly.

A new pub opened in recent years at the mountain, The Cannonball Pub is 3000 square foot addition to Peabody Base Lodge. The pub is opened during the winter and features a 100 foot long bar, a full menu including apris ski parties and entertainment each weekend.

The Mountain takes pride in being a great destination to take the whole family. The mountain has a ski area that is dedicated to learning and a Family Fun area. The Tuckerbrook Family Area is located at the Peabody Base Area and features 13 trails, four lifts, beginner and intermediate slopes and 100% snowmaking. The mountain now hosts family fun nights with events such as night skiing at Tuckerbrook Mini Park, Movies for kids at Brookside Lodge and fireworks or torchlight parades held on special nights.

There is a range of accommodation types located in the area and only minutes away from Cannon Mountain. During the summer months visitors are still welcome to Cannon Mountain where they can ride the Aerial Tramway to the summit of the mountain or visit one of the many attractions located in Franconia Notch State Park.