First Timer's Guide to Cannon
New to skiing/snowboarding? Being prepared prior to your visit will make all the difference this year.
Read through all tabs on the "2024/25 Operating Plans" page.
Proper clothing, equipment & essentials
Proper Clothing
The two most important layers are the ones closest to your skin and the one on the outside. The best underlayers are absorbent and "wick" perspiration away from your skin. The outermost layer, including pants, should be wind and water resistant (cotton clothes such as jeans and sweatpants absorb water, making you wet & cold) You'll also need warm, weather resistant gloves/mittens, warm socks (wool or synthetic), a neck warmer & COVID appropriate face covering (strongly recommended) and a hat or helmet. For children, as well as adults, the best way to stay warm is to dress in layers. As conditions and weather change, you'll want the option to add or remove layers to adjust to temperature. Remember, you will NOT be able to store bags or extra gear in the lodge so plan appropriately.
Proper Eye & Skin Protection
Infrared and ultraviolet rays can be extremely harmful to your eyes, especially at higher altitudes. Snow also reflects sun rays, making them even more intense. Sunscreen and SPF lipbalm are always recommended to prevent sun damage to your skin. Good quality sunglasses and goggles are an important investment. Wind, blowing snow, cold, rain or fog can be very uncomfortable on your eyes. Always bring both sunglasses and goggles with you as weather changes rapidly in the mountains.
Ski & Snowboard Equipment
It is very important to get boots that fit. Boots should allow you to wiggle your toes a little but not move your foot around. Skis and snowboards must have steel edges, ski brakes, runaway straps or snowboard leashes. Have ski bindings safety checked and adjusted to your boot at an accredited sport shop. Our Repair Shop offers this service and if you don't have your own Ski or Snowboard Equipment, you can rent it with advance online rentals from our Rental Shop. Both are located slopeside in the Peabody Lodge.
Helmets
The National Ski Areas Association recommends that skiers and snowboarders make the right choice about wearing a helmet. Ultimately, whether to wear a helmet is personal or parental choice - it's up to you to educate yourself about their benefits and limitations. The best helmets are light, comfortable, warm and allow you to see and hear clearly. Helmets are available to rent in advance online from our Rental Shop or purchase in Cannon Sports Shop.
Food & Water
Sun, wind, perspiration and altitude rob your body of fluids and you can become dehydrated long before you even feel thirsty. Stop frequently for water or carry some with you. A healthy breakfast and lunch are very important for a good day on the slopes and always carry snacks with you to refuel your body throughout the day. You can also find food & drink options at one of our establishments on the mountain here.
When You Arrive
It's easy to get to Cannon - access directly from I-93 from the north, or south.
Once you have reached Franconia Notch State Park, I-93, take Exit 34C. Turn onto Route 18 and drive to the Main Base Area.
Dropoff / Pickup
Located in the main lot in front of Notchview Lodge / Guest Services. There is a large pull through area where you can unload your family & ski/snowboard gear before you park. Parking attendants will guide you where to park.
Get here early
The earlier you arrive, the closer you will park to the lodges & slopes and you'll find shorter lines at the Ticket Windows, Cafeteria & Rental Shop.
Where you can sit / eat
There is seating upstairs in the Notchview Lodge, both rooms downstairs in the Peabody Lodge and upstairs in Peabody Lodge. Picnic / brown bag lunches are not allowed upstairs in the cafeteria area of Peabody Lodge or the Cannonball Pub. They ARE allowed in Notchview and the lower level of Peabody Lodge. Coolers are not allowed in lodges this season. See gear storage information below. You cannot leave bags, shoes, personal belongings in the lodges when you leave.
Finding your way around
In the Main Base Area & Mittersill, Exit 34C
Notchview Lodge:
Tickets, Guest Services, Season Passes, Retail Shop, Cafe, First Aid, Seating, Restrooms
Peabody Lodge:
Bag Check, Equipment Rentals, Tuning Center, Main Food Court, Cannonball Pub, Seating, Restrooms
Brookside Learning Center:
Lessons
Mittersill Warming Hut:
Seating, Outdoor Restrooms
Ernie's Haus
Seating, Restrooms
At the Aerial Tramway, Exit 34B
Tram Base Lodge:
General Store w/ food, Seating, Restrooms
Tram Summit Lodge:
Cafeteria, Bar, Seating, Restrooms
New England Ski Museum
Gift Shop & Museum
Lodge Access Details & Rules
*Subject to change*
We will operate at normal building occupancy, with the exception of the Tram Summit building which will operate at 50% occupancy in order to maintain our water conservation initiatives.
In all buildings, please limit your time inside to 30 minutes or less.
No claiming tables, no all-day lodge parents.
No bags, shoes, personal belongings
You can
bring items into the lodge to change/get ready, but you must then take
them with you when you leave, utilize our bag check or utilize our
outdoor cubbies. No items may be left inside the buildings. No coolers
in the lodges.
Gear Storage options are:
-Use our inexpensive Bag Check Service downstairs in Peabody Lodge (see below)
-Store belongings in your car
-Utilize our outdoor cubbies
-Take your belongings in a small backpack with you when you leave the lodge
-All unattended items will be removed (both midweek and weekend/holiday)
Lost & Found
Located at Bag Check in the lower level of Peabody Lodge.
Bag Check Details
Don't want to bring your gear
back to your car? Use our new Bag Check located conveniently in the
lower level of Peabody Lodge. $3 per unit, in and out access all day
(cash & cards will be accepted). Storage space for ski &
snowboard gear ONLY is 18” H x 18” W x 24” L. Opens & closes in
conjunction with building times for Peabody.
Main Base Area - Peabody & Notchview Lodge Hours:
8am - 5pm Weekends / Holidays
8:30am - 4:30pm Midweek / Non-Holiday
Tram buildings
The Summit lodge will be open 7
days a week whenever the summit trails are open. The Tram Base Lodge
will be open when the Tram operates on Saturdays & Sundays and other
select Holiday days TBD (check report)
Ernie's Haus
Will operate as a temporary warming
area for the public this season on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays.
Restrooms & cubbies available. No items may be left on the floor.
Mittersill
Public warming hut open, no gear storage allowed, outdoor pit toilets available.