The project price tag has jumped from $29 million to $45 million.
Saturday, September 5, 2026, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
The Cannon Mountain tramway renovation project has hit yet another roadblock, as the two bids received this summer were more than $11 million greater than the state estimate, according to a bid document first shared by liftblog.com.
Both Doppelmayr and Leitner Poma issued bids this summer, with Doppelmayr coming in at $44.6 million and Leitner Poma at $49.5 million. The state estimated the project cost at $32.9 million. The bids are greater than the combined value of Cannon's entire lift fleet.
In 2024, Leitner Poma's $29 million bid was $11 million more than the state appropriation of $18 million. Doppelmayr declined to bid on the project the time. The project reportedly would have replaced controls, cabins, and line equipment, retaining existing terminals, towers, and other equipment.
The current aerial tramway was installed by Agudio Corp. of Italy between 1978 and 1980 at a cost of $4.6 million with a reported 80-year engineered lifespan. Millions of dollars have been subsequently invested in the lift, including a major overhaul in 2001, a motor rebuild after a well-publicized evacuation in February 2016, and a recent $400,000 carriage assembly rebuild. According to the Union Leader, circa 2021 the tramway cost between $350,000 and $500,000 per year to operate and maintain. The only other tramway in New England is located at Jay Peak, which was installed in 1966 and refurbished in 2016 for $4.9 million.
Talk of a replacement began circa 2021 when state management looked maximize federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. At the time, Cannon management estimated the cost of a rebuild at $15 million and a full replacement at $20 to $30 million, citing figures provided by Doppelmayr. Federal funding was sought, as Cannon Mountain is unable to self-fund the project (capital projects in recent years have been financed by the state general fund, Mt. Sunapee lease revenue, and the Franconia Ski Club). When efforts to secure ARPA funds were unsuccessful, state funding was sought.
The Cannon Mountain tramway operated on a part-time basis during the ski season starting in 2008, excluding its closing from March 2020 through May 2021 due to COVID concerns. Citing age, the lift was closed for good in the fall of 2025.
The state has not announced next steps.
Located in Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain is the only state-owned and operated ski area in New England. The area is currently seeking a new general manager, as Jace Wirth departed for Bretton Woods in July.
