SAM Magazine-Franconia Notch, N.H., Dec. 31, 2010-It's been 26 years since a lift turned at Mittersill, N.H., but that changes Jan. 1 when Cannon Mountain opens the new Mittersill Double Chair. Mittersill has become a popular sidecountry destination for Cannon skiers, but the last time there was an operating lift at Mittersill was in 1984, when the ski area officially closed.

Cannon Mountain has received nearly four feet of natural snow since Dec. 22, and that allows the area to officially open access to Mittersill. The snowfall was also ideal timing, since the completion and certification of the lift took place on Dec. 30.

Cannon Mountain took complete ownership of Mittersill in March, 2009, when a land swap was complete with the U.S. Forest Service, and has operated Mittersill as sidecountry area with all-natural terrain (no snowmaking or grooming). Since Mittersill had no lifts, Cannon operated a shuttle service back to the base of Cannon during 2009 and 2010. Access was gained by hiking over an access trail from the summit of Cannon Mountain.

Mittersill Terrain Area is now considered part of Cannon Mountain and will remain all natural, with no snowmaking or grooming. The terrain is designated "Extra-Hazardous," and Cannon recommends that only expert-level skiers and riders should attempt it.

The Mittersill Double Chair will operate daily from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on days when Mittersill Terrain Area is considered open. Guests wishing to access Mittersill can purchase a Cannon lift ticket at Cannon's Peabody base; lift ticket sales will not be available directly at Mittersill.

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