FRANCONIA, N.H. – The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Passenger Tramway Safety Board announce a joint investigation is underway after a chairlift malfunction at Cannon Mountain.
Today’s lift issue occurred four days after an incident at Attitash Mountain Resort in Bartlett, in which a chair detached from the Flying Bear lift and fell approximately 20 feet to the ground. One person was on the chair at the time of the incident and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger, an adult male, was assisted by Ski Patrol and transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released. No other injuries were reported. Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears a mechanical failure caused one of the chairs to dislodge from the cable. Engineers employed by the manufacturer of the lift were on scene today, along with a tramway inspector from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, to continue assisting in the ongoing investigation. The lift remains closed at this time.
State inspections of both lifts were performed within the past year, as required by the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules. The State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Passenger Tramway Safety Board will remain in contact with representatives of both ski areas to ensure any necessary repairs are made.
“Governor Ayotte is aware of recent lift incidents, and our office will continue to work with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Passenger Tramway Safety Board, and our partners across New Hampshire’s resorts to ensure skiers can safely enjoy the season,” said John Corbett, spokesman for Governor Kelly Ayotte.
Anyone with information that may assist either investigation is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.
No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.
Cannon Mountain statement: On Wednesday February 5th, 2025 at approximately 10:13 a.m., a bolt affixed to the power take-off (PTO) shaft failed on the Peabody Express Quad lift. A rope evacuation was performed by Cannon Mountain Ski Patrol and with the assistance of additional mountain operations personnel onsite. All sixty-four (64) passengers were safely evacuated by 12:23 p.m.
The Peabody Express Quad will remain closed for the day. There will be reduced operations for the remainder of the day, with service available at the Mittersill Double, Tuckerbrook, Eagle Cliff and Zoomer lifts.
While all chairlifts and equipment at Cannon undergo regular inspection and testing, mechanical issues can occasionally occur. All guests at the mountain were offered the option of a refund or a credit for a future visit, in addition to complimentary hospitality at the base area.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. We also want to recognize the efficiency, skill, and dedication of our staff, whose priority remains the safety and experience of our valued guests.
