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.