Franconia Notch, New Hampshire — One of the best ski areas in New Hampshire is losing its General Manager to a nearby competitor.
This month, it was announced that Cannon Mountain General Manager Jace Wirth had left the position to accept a role at Bretton Woods. At that New Hampshire ski area, Wirth will serve as the new General Manager.
“Bretton Woods has always been defined by its people, its natural beauty and the unforgettable experiences that bring guests back year after year,” said Michael Medeiros, managing director of Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, to Ski Area Management. “As we continue investing in the future of the mountain, Jace’s leadership and deep industry expertise will help lead our efforts to deliver exceptional experiences in every season while preserving the character and traditions that make Bretton Woods truly one of a kind.”
During his time at Cannon Mountain, Wirth played a big part in moving forward with plans to replace the ski area’s aging aerial tramway. That process is now in the bidding stage. Other improvements during this tenure include snowmaking upgrades, lift enhancements, and a renovation to the base lodge. He also created a $50 million capital investment plan, which will help the ski area into the future following the eventual tram reopening.
Bretton Woods could also see some future growth. Last season saw the replacement of the Bethlehem Express. Earlier this year, they surveyed guests on a potential new base village.
The situation is the latest sign of the challenges the state park system faces in modernizing Cannon. The consensus is that Wirth’s tenure saw great improvements at Cannon. However, the pay for the job is considered below the industry average, which is due to this being a government role in a state with below-average tax revenue and minimal spending compared to other Northeast states. Also noteworthy is the need to better fund the ski area for capital investments, which has been a common critique among skiers and riders in the past.
In response, the state has listed an opening for a new General Manager. The job is also a lot more than operating just a ski area. Being a general manager of the state park includes operating the ski area, The Flume, Echo Lake, the Lafayette Campground, and other areas in the park. In comparison, the Omni Mt. Washington Resort & Spa has various facilities, but Wirth is only in charge of the ski area. You could argue that the Franconia Notch GM should be divided into separate roles, but there’s also an argument to have it all under one position due to their proximity to each other.
These complications make it challenging for the state in its attempts to upgrade Cannon Mountain in a continuously evolving ski industry.
Image Credits: Cannonball Pub, Cannon Mountain
