Free midweek senior skiing at Cannon may end
 

According to this article in Tuesday's Union Leader:
http://www.unionleader.com/Bill-woul...hose-65-and-up

"Senate Bill 441, approved by the state Senate and scheduled for consideration today in the House, would give Parks and Recreation latitude in setting discounts that the self-funded agency is now required by law to give to state residents who are 65 and older.

Currently, seniors receive free admission to the state’s 93 park facilities, including Cannon Mountain ski area, the Cannon Tramway and the Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park.

The bill would eliminate free weekday skiing at Cannon, but offer seniors up to two-thirds off during the week and one-third off on weekends and holidays."

The caption under a picture of Cannon says: "Free skiing for seniors at Cannon Mountain ski area will be the topic of conversation during an April 14 community meeting at Franconia Town Hall sponsored by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation."

No such thing as free anymore.. Not really surprised they're trying to out this.

I was looking forward
 

to free skiing at Cannon and now my dreams are shot! All good things does not come to those who wait?

Gunstock offered lifetime passes 65+ changed over the years to 80+, now the rumors is $75 a yr for 80+. Old lifetime pass holders and past and current commissioners pass are honored. I can still use my dad's and my uncles passes as long as I keep my helmet and goggles on!

65-79 pass for Gunstock is $299. Last season was $199 with the weekday pass at $149. Not sure what the weekday pass is for next season.

Loon is $30 for 80+. A bargain these days. 65-79 is $715 but you can buy the weekday pass for $339.

Like to 'ski around'? You can get the Max Pass for an additional $299 on top of your season pass. A bargain if you ski both side of the continent.

Although I would be a liar to say I haven't done this my self, be careful as it is considered "theft" and can be punishable according to the laws. Ask a friend of mine who did not know the birthday of the person whos pass he had :laugh:

Cannon is for skiers
 

It is a shame, but understandable that lift ticket prices are going up for those over 65. The boomer bubble, slower aging and the rise in skiing popularity during the 70's means there are more elderly skiers than ever before. The opportunity to make money off that group is too hard to pass up.

Hopefully the ski areas understand that as skiers age, the hours on the slopes diminishes. Rather than a first to last chair day, some will only put in two or three hours and call it a day. A 2/3 discount off full price isn't that good during weekdays at Cannon, when Tuesday and Thursday are half price anyway and Wednesday is $25 for NH residents. Perhaps an hourly priced lift ticket would work.

In the end, Cannon may end up with fewer skiers over 65, no extra money and take the quality of living in NH down a notch.

Is it true that Bernie Sanders does all his skiing at Cannon because the price is right, plus he likes to go schuss the Taft Race Course trail .... something for Bernie to do as he skis off into the sunset!

Maybe the State of NH can come up with a specific Cannon Mt tax on all cars that cost more than $25,000 for a 1/4% sales tax, to give Cannon skiing to +65-year olders who show up in their old Ford Escorts from the 1990's ...... and keep Bernie skiing!

First of all, Bernie would have to pay $499 for a pass since he is not a resident. Second, the free pass for NH seniors is for midweek only. A fulltime pass costs $374 by this weekend or $396 by the end of May for early discount pricing. Senior tickets now are 30%. FWIW