Franconia, New Hampshire — If you were hoping for a quick resolution to Cannon’s aerial tramway replacement, I’ve come bearing bad news.
InDepthNH reports that New Hampshire officials are exploring alternative funding after bids from the ski industry’s two main lift developers came in well over the expected cost. Cannon Mountain is a part of Franconia Notch State Park and is operated by the State of New Hampshire.
According to Lift Blog, the bids were $44,635,000 from Doppelmayr and $49,500,000 from Leitner-Poma. These estimates were just a bit outside of the $32,925,270 projection. This estimate was made following a structural analysis from the SCJ Alliance. However, external factors, such as inflation and tariffs, likely led to the higher-than-expected bids.
Last week, the bids were discussed at a New Hampshire Executive Council meeting. While funding was secured for the replacement, it was for the projected amount. It sounds like New Hampshire is still interested in the project with the lowest bidder, but they’ll need to find additional funding sources. That’s a challenge in a state with limited revenue resources (a.k.a. taxes).
“So we are assessing with the low bidder [Doppelmayr] on price reductions,” said Adam Crepeau, the acting commissioner of New Hampshire’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, during the meeting.
Working with Doppelmayr does make sense, as they have helped with recent North American tram projects at Big Sky (a new lift entirely) and Snowbird (new tram cabins). I do wonder whether separate gondola models, like a 3S that can hold up to 26 passengers, should be considered as an alternative. While it’s not a full-sized tram, it could reduce lift lines and feel more like a tram than a traditional gondola cabin.
Previous projections have put the new tramway’s opening date at late 2028, but that’s subject to change. Let’s hope NH can take a page out of New York State’s book and show Cannon the money.
Help Wanted
Cannon is also looking for a new General Manager to handle this tricky situation. The previous GM, Jace Wirth, departed for Bretton Woods to become their General Manager. There are reportedly two out-of-state finalists for the position.
Fall operations are planned at Franconia Notch State Park, but will not feature the tramway. The lodge that houses the base terminal will remain open for guests to come and visit.
Image/Video Credits: Ian Wood, Telemark New England / New England Ropeways, Cannon Mountain
