CANNON MOUNTAIN AERIAL TRAMWAY UPGRADE
CANNON MOUNTAIN AERIAL TRAMWAY PLUS

When I first began my research, I had assumed that they would be mostly used by skiers however, although some of them are located at ski resorts, they are by and large aimed at tourists (with the exception of the two commuter aerial tramways that are mostly used by commuters, but many tourists ride them as well). Many of these tramways are seasonal as well as are subject to closure during extreme weather, so be sure to check their websites or call before you go for hours and updated information. This Complete Guide to Aerial Tramways in the USA will be continuously updated and will serve as an easy reference to help you plan your next ski trip or sightseeing adventure. Some are located at ski resorts, some are located at national parks, 2 are commuter trams, and 1 is located at a winery.

Here in the U.S., “aerial tramways” or “aerial trams” is the correct terminology, so that is what I will use in this guide.īased on my research, there are currently a total of only 21 aerial tramways in the United States. A gondola lift has cabins suspended from a continuously circulating cable whereas aerial trams simply shuttle back and forth on cables. Aerial tramways are sometimes referred to (incorrectly) as gondola lifts. In British English, the usual term for an aerial tramway is cable car however, in American English, cable cars refer to a cable-pulled street tramway. Tramways have been traditionally associated with ski areas, but today these systems are also used in other visitor attractions, material hauling, and urban transportation. Since there are so few in the USA, they have become tourist destinations of their own right, and many have been featured in major blockbuster movies. These systems are very prolific in the Alpine regions of Europe however, (according to my research) there are only 21 in the United States and each is iconic and special. Visit for complete information and to make a reservation.According to Wikipedia, aerial tramways, aerial trams, sky trams, cable cars, or ropeways are a type of aerial lift that uses one or two stationary ropes (cables) for support while a third moving rope provides propulsion. Be forewarned, however, that Cannon is not providing one-way tickets for hikers this year. The tram provides access to New Hampshire’s highest lift-accessed point, with stunning views atop the mountain.

CANNON MOUNTAIN AERIAL TRAMWAY UPGRADE

An upgrade would increase capacity to up to 100 passengers.

CANNON MOUNTAIN AERIAL TRAMWAY PLUS

On average, that’s about 70 riders, plus the driver. The current iteration of the tram carries about 420 people per hour. “We lost a ton a money by not running the tram ,” DeVivo told New England Ski Journal earlier this year, “probably $2 million through the summer and fall seasons, just on the tram alone.” The attraction is particularly popular in the summer months, when the cable car brings visitors to the 4,080-foot summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes. Thus, to have the tramway operating again, after it lay dormant last summer and winter due to COVID-19 protocols, is a boon for New Hampshire State Parks. Not only is the tram an iconic, four-season fixture at Cannon, but it also provides a serious revenue stream for the state of New Hampshire. The current system has been in service since 1980. The tramway could even also be replaced by gondolas, according to the Conway Daily Sun. A new tramway would last between 40-50 years. Replacement would run anywhere from $20-$30 million.Īccording to the Union Leader, an upgrade would give the tram another 20 years of operation at the state-run ski area. Rehab would include replacing the tram cars, the hanger arms, carriage trolleys, electromechanical components, and the motor and braking system. The time appears to be right to seek federal funding, particularly with states receiving more than $195 billion in additional money from the American Rescue Plan, the COVID-19 aid package signed by President Joe Biden in March.Ĭannon Mountain general manager John Devivo told the Union Leader that rehabilitation of the tram could cost an estimated $10 million to $15 million. (Eric Wilbur)Ĭannon Mountain could be seeing an upgrade to its famed tramway in the near future.Īccording to the Union Leader, officials at New Hampshire’s Franconia State Park have expressed concern about the longevity of the popular tram. Franconia Notch State Park generate between $10 million and $11 million annually for the state of New Hampshire.

Cannon mountain aerial tramway