Mittersill Terrain Improvement Project – Over the last few years, Cannon Mountain and the Franconia Ski Club have been working on an improvement project to better the ski terrain on the Mittersill side of Cannon Mountain. The focus of the project is to create a world-class training and racing slope on Baron’s Run. Based on the little I know abut the project, it seems like it will benefit the ski area and the younger generation of skiers.
But not all are happy with this project and with the way Cannon Mountain operates. And great lengths are being taken to create the illusion that Cannon Mountain is a money sucking worthless enterprise that is costing New Hampshire taxpayers millions. Maybe it is time to consider building condos on Cannon Mountain (joking).
In 2012, Senate Bill 217 was introduced to the New Hampshire legislature. The main focus of the bill was the leasing of the Cannon Mountain Ski Area, which essentially would have removed it from Franconia Notch State Park. Can you imagine the center piece of Franconia Notch not being part of the state park? The bill was a failure except the development of a hiking corridor on Mittersill was approved. But because of the ongoing construction, the hiking trail is currently closed (above).
There also has been unsupported claims of environmental damage on Mittersill. And this is where I come into the picture. No matter what you are told or read on social media, I have no involvement with Cannon Mountain. And anyone who attempts to associate my name or my business, directly or indirectly, with any issue on Cannon or Mittersill Mountain is flat out lying.
I reported to Forest Service, in my opinion, one of the more disturbing displays of conservation I have seen along the White Mountains trail system. And since doing this a young trail volunteer, who I do not know (Forest Service verified the name), has been on a crusade to destroy my name and business. This volunteer is making indirect false claims on social media that suggest I am part of a cover-up on Cannon Mountain. I ignore the backlash that comes with documenting environmental issues. But with social media being what it is I will protect the integrity of my business. I am not part of any cover-up on Cannon Mountain.
At any rate, this project will benefit many generations to come. And in the 21st century, it is essential that we give the younger generation opportunities to pursue outdoor recreation, such as skiing, in the White Mountains region. Who knows, maybe this world-class training and racing slope will produce a few more Olympians.
If you are looking for more information about the Mittersill Terrain Improvement Project it is best to go straight to the source, Cannon Mountain’s website.
Happy image making..
Revised 2017
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.