It’s hot in New Hampshire, but on top of Cannon Mountain, 4146 feet about sea level, it’s a little cooler. It’s an easy enough hike, but the aerial tram will save you the sweat. The current tram was built in 1980 and replaced the 1938 tram. The 2100 foot climb from the base takes a mile of cable each way, and the two cars make a trip every fifteen minutes.
A round trip costs $10, and they run from 9 AM to 5 PM. I’d pay extra to run it at sunrise or sunset, but it’s not to be. I guess I’ll just have to hoof the climb up the mountain if I want orange light.
The folks who run the tram are more than happy to explain the details, to point out interesting bits of engineering, and to tell the history. You’ll see a composite photo of the tram car control panel below.
Also at Cannon Mountain is the New England Ski Museum. Admission is free, so you won’t mind that the exhibits aren’t very large, and you’ll probably appreciate what they do have.