Franconia, NH – After 45 years of service, a legendary tram will be retiring later this year.
Today, Cannon Mountain announced that it will be retiring its 45-year-old aerial tramway after fall operations. Seeing that ski season is coming up after its closure, this may seem like a head-scratching decision. However, Cannon’s tram sees most of its ridership during the offseason. In addition, the tramway actually only operates on weekends and holidays during the ski season.
Since Cannon is a state-run ski area, funding will come from the state government. The primary source of funding will be from New Hampshire House Bill 25, which provides $27.2 million for the project. Additional capital resources are also planned. Subject to Governor and Executive Council approval, a structural analysis will help determine the refurbishment plans for the towers, foundations, and terminals. This structural analysis will also help refine design requirements and load considerations for the next tram.
“The Cannon tram is a symbol of New Hampshire,” said Sarah Stewart, the Commissioner of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “Governor Ayotte has declared 2025 the ‘Year of New Hampshire State Parks,’ and this project ensures we continue investing in our most treasured places. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”
The first aerial tramway at Cannon opened in 1938. It was replaced by the tramway that remains operational to this day, which can host 80 passengers in each cabin. The tramway travels one mile to the 4080-foot summit in under seven minutes. This current iteration of the tram has carried more than 9 million guests.
“She’s aged gracefully, but like all legends, she deserves a dignified retirement,” said Jace Wirth, the General Manager of Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch State Park. “It’s time to begin writing the next chapter. This is a moment we’ve been preparing for. While we know the transition will bring change, it’s also an opportunity to honor the legacy of the tram while ensuring we move forward with purpose.”
The tram remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (the last tram heads down at 5 p.m.). Its final day of operations will be October 26th.
Image Credits: Cannon Mountain
