Franconia Notch, NH – New Hampshire’s Mittersill ski area, dormant for decades, was reborn today as adjacent Cannon Mountain ski area opened the new Mittersill Double Chair.nThe last time there was an operating lift at Mittersill was in 1984 when the ski area officially closed. An official Grand Opening Celebration will be hosted by New Hampshire Governor John Lynch at later date to be determined.

Cannon Mountain has received nearly four feet of natural snow since Dec. 22, which was enough to officially open access to Mittersill. The snowfall was also ideally timed for the completion and certification of the lift, which took place this week on Thursday.

Cannon Mountain took complete ownership of Mittersill in March 2009, when a land swap was completed with the U.S. Forest Service, and operated Mittersill as large “backcountry” area with all natural terrain and 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 and an “Extra-Hazardous” terrain designation for the near future. Only expert-level skiers and riders should attempt this difficult terrain, Cannon Mountain officials caution.

Skiers wishing to access Mittersill or ride the new double chair are required to purchase a lift ticket or season pass from the Notchview Welcome Center in the Peabody Base Area at Exit 34C from I-93. Lift ticket sales will not be available directly at Mittersill.