World Cup ski racing phenom Bode Miller grew up skiing here, which should be 'nough said for those looking for some classic New England skiing and challenging vertical. As a daring youngster, Miller honed his skills with free rein on the classic, narrow trails and the intimidating Front Five, which can be seen from I-93 and are as steep as you'll find in the East.

In the early 1930s, people came to Franconia Notch in winter for one reason: to ski Cannon Mountain. Trails had been cut by the legendary CCC crews to bring more visitors to the remote, yet scenic, area. More than 70 years later, people are still coming to ski, and now to snowboard, too. Like other historic ski areas, Cannon offers trails that wind their way down the mountain—for those not afraid to pick up some speed, it's possible to turn with the trail like it's a natural giant slalom course, as the trails make narrow, sinuous turns through the pine forest.

But that’s not to say that beginners and intermediates should head elsewhere. As much hard-corps terrain as there is at Cannon, there are even more intermediate and beginner trails. More than two-thirds of the trails off the summit are smooth, wide, blue runs with stunning views. From the top, skiers can see the Presidential Range of the White Mountains and no signs of civilization except for the highway and base lodges.

Cannon embraces its history. The mountain is home to the New England Ski Museum, located adjacent to the Tram base, It's well worth a visit. The Taft Slalom is part of the first racing trail in North America, cut in 1933. And when the original 1938 aerial tramway was replaced in 1980, Cannon didn’t tear down the base or summit stations. On a quiet day, you half-expect the ghost-of-skiing-past to fly out of the woods, but it's more likely to be the next Bode-Miller-in-training. Cannon is indeed a favorite for families with skiers and riders of all levels.

The recently renovated summit building now makes it easier for skiers and riders to access trails and the building. And the Tuckerbrook quad area, which is a completely separate beginner area with its own lift ticket at a lower price, is a perfect place for families with young children or beginners practising their first turns.

Summit elevation: 4,146 feet
Vertical drop: 2,146 feet
Base elevation: 2,000 feet

Expert: ++
Advanced: +++
Intermediate: ++++
Beginner: +++
First-timer: +++

Dining: ++
Apres-ski/nightlife: +
Other activities: ++

Address: Franconia Notch State Park, Franconia, NH 03580
Area code: 603
Ski area phone: 823-8800
Fax: 823-8088
Snow report: 823-7771
Toll-free reservations:
None
E-mail: info@cannonmt.com
Internet: www.cannonmt.com

Number and types of lifts: 9—1 70-person aerial tram, 1 high-speed quad, 2 quads, 3 triples, 1 surface lift, 1 moving carpet

Skiable acreage: 165 acres
Snowmaking: 97 percent
Uphill capacity: 11,000 per hour
Parks & pipes: 1 terrain park
Bed base: 13,000 nearby
Nearest lodging: About 1/2 mile
Resort child care: Yes, 6 weeks and older
Adult ticket, per day: $42–$54 (06/07)

Western White Mountain Facts:

Snow report: (800) 887-5464
Toll-free information:
(800) 887-5464
E-mail: info@skinh.com
Internet: www.skinh.com