Ski Industry Reports Past Season Up 3 Percent, Honors Individuals
InDepthNH |
"Ski NH’s Lifetime Achievement Award was established in 1999 to recognize a member of the New Hampshire ski industry who has devoted a large part of their professional career to furthering the NH ski area experience for our guests.
This year’s award went to the Peabody family in recognition of their decades-long contributions to the state’s ski industry and outdoor recreation community. The Peabody family also received a formal Governor’s Commendation from Gov. Kelly Ayotte at the dinner, presented by Cannon Mountain General Manager Jace Wirth.
“The Peabody name is inseparable from the history of Cannon Mountain and skiing in New Hampshire,” said Wirth. “This family has shaped not only one mountain but also the identity of our state’s outdoor culture.”
Roland Peabody, the family’s patriarch, played a foundational role in the development of New Hampshire skiing. In 1933, he founded the Franconia Ski Club, opening doors for generations of youth to access the sport and grow the state’s skiing community from the ground up. He was instrumental in establishing the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway in 1938—the first passenger aerial tramway in North America—and served as Cannon’s first manager.
After Roland’s passing, his son Roger Peabody carried forward the family’s vision, involvement, and stewardship at the mountain. As manager of both Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park, Roger guided these public treasures into a new era while preserving their deep cultural roots. Roger’s children, including Jere, Jon, Jennifer, and others, have continued the tradition of service, leadership, and advocacy.
Cannon’s Peabody Base Lodge, the Peabody Express Chairlift, and the Roland Peabody Memorial Slopes stand as permanent testaments to the family’s pioneering influence on New Hampshire’s ski culture.
Beyond Cannon Mountain, the Peabody family has played a vital role in shaping regional ski area policy and development. Their commitment to public access, youth engagement, and community-driven leadership exemplifies the spirit of the Granite State."
