Franconia Notch, NH – Several groups are collaborating on an initiative to develop a ski racing center on the Mittersill portion of Cannon Mountain ski area in New Hampshire.

The Holderness School, the Franconia Ski Club and other interested parties have launched a fundraising drive to build a new T-bar lift, snowmaking, trail widening and perhaps even night lighting at Mittersill, a ski area on Cannon Mountain that was closed for many years but was recently absorbed into the Cannon Mountain lift and trail system. The proposal, which would be subject to permitting requirements and acceptance by the New Hampshire Governor and Executive Council, is expected to cost roughly $2.5 million.

Ski teams from Franconia Ski Club and Holderness School in Plymouth, N.H., currently train on the mountain’s “Front Five” runs facing Echo Lake that are accessed via the ski area’s Zoomer chairlift. New new terrain would allow ski racers to train for speed events, including super G, on Baron’s Run, while slalom and giant slalom would take place on Taft Slope.

There is currently no snowmaking on Mittersill. With disappointing snowfall this past winter the lift there only operated for five days.

The earliest the upgrades could be implemented would be for the 2013-14 ski season.