Cannon Mountain and Wildcat Mountain - 2 Often Overlooked New Hampshire Ski Resorts

When people I know talk about skiing in Northernto you accommodations before its gets dark with
New Hampshire several ski areas come up in theplenty of time to hit the town.
conversation. The more commonly referred toHow about this one? "There is no place to stay on
resorts are Waterville Valley, Mt Attitash, andthe mountain". My reply is, "Good". The less
Bretton Woods. These are all excellent ski resortsdevelopment on the mountain usually translates into
but two that don't come up as often as I wouldless people in your way on the trails or in the lift-line.
think are Cannon Mountain and Wildcat Mountain.Besides Cannon and Wildcat are both in the White
I often hear complaints about the weather at theseMountain National forest and building is very
two mountains. Wait a minute. We are talking aboutrestricted. The beauty of these resorts stays
skiing right? Of course it is going to be cold and morepreserved forever. I also think that the more
than likely windy no matter where you go. I believepopulace resorts rank higher in reader polls for
we wear jackets, hats, gloves, goggles etc, tomagazines because people who call them their "home
protect us from the weather and ski clothing hasresort" end up ballot stuffing like all star votes for
come a long way in helping to keep us warm and dry.pro sports.
I look at this factor as a positive. To me it meansFinally, these two resorts undeservedly get bypassed
less people will be on these slopes than at the otherbecause of their location on a map. Aside from
mountains which results in more space for me andBalsams Wilderness and Bretton Woods, Cannon and
less waiting in line. One other point about theWildcat ski resorts are the furthest North. They are
weather at these two resorts is that it is a directreally not that much more of a ride if you think about
result of elevation and vertical. These are the twoit. How much of a difference is there really between
highest elevation and vertical mountains in Newa three hour ride and a three hour and twenty
Hampshire.minute ride? Not Much.
Next is no nightlife. The way I see it is, "no nightlife,So what I am saying is if you are one of the people
no problem". I generally go skiing to ski. I do like tothat avoids these two resorts for any of the above
enjoy a few adult beverages but I don't really wantreasons, you need to rethink about it. You are
to be in a crowded bar until 2:00 AM. Oh yeah. I havemissing out on some awesome terrain without
done that and know that it makes a rough day oncrowds and also on lower prices than some of the
the slopes in the morning. Quality nightlife is what youother more popular resorts. So next time you go to
make of it. If it is absolutely necessary for you to goNew Hampshire give these resorts a shot. I doubt
out after skiing try this. Stay in Lincoln and do ayou will be disappointed. Remember that this is New
daytrip to Cannon or stay in North Conway andEngland and ski conditions will vary for every trip so
make the short trek up to Wildcat. You can be backdon't let one rough day discourage you permanently.