Mittersill Backcountry Area

Overview

Mittersill Backcountry Area sits on a sub‑peak of Cannon Mountain (also called Mittersill Peak/Mt. Jackson). It’s now part of Cannon, but it keeps a rugged backcountry feel—popular for backcountry skiing in winter and low‑key hiking the rest of the year. Expect a self‑reliant day: this isn’t the groomed, amenity‑heavy side of the mountain, and that’s the appeal.

How It Works Today

After closing as a standalone ski area in 1984, Mittersill was incorporated into Cannon in 2009, initially as a backcountry‑only zone. Cannon opened it to lift‑served access in 2010 and added the Mittersill Double Chair in 2011, bringing skiers back to terrain that had been idle for decades. A phased improvement plan (proposed in 2012) included selective trail work, snowmaking lines, and a training T‑Bar. Follow all posted openings/closures—the state manages this area carefully and conditions change fast.

Why It’s Special

This is living ski history. Mittersill’s roots run to 1939–40, when Austrian Baron Hubert von Pantz envisioned a Tyrolean‑style resort. By the 1946–47 season it had New Hampshire’s second T‑Bar, a skating rink, and a budding ski school led by Swiss racer Paul Valar (later joined by US Olympian Paula Kann Valar). The terrain earned a reputation for fun when snow was good, but its exposure means wind can strip trails—part of the place’s character then and now.

What to Expect

• Winter: backcountry and lift‑assisted laps when operations and snowpack allow; conditions can swing quickly with wind and minimal snowpack at times.
• Non‑winter: hikers use routes like the Tucker Brook area to reach Mittersill Peak; it’s a quieter alternative to the marquee notch hikes.
• Amenities: assume none at the backcountry access itself—no running water and possibly no restrooms.

Practical Logistics

• Restrooms/water: Use nearby state‑park facilities when they’re open. Echo Lake Beach and Lafayette Place Campground have seasonal bathrooms; off‑season they’re typically closed and you must be self‑sufficient.
• Seasonal rhythm: The park’s main day‑use season runs roughly Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day; in 2025 Columbus Day is October 13. After that (from October 14, 2025 through late May), expect carry‑in/carry‑out and no water/sewer hookups at Cannon RV Park, with bathrooms at the beach locked at night. If in doubt, call the park office (603‑823‑8800) for day‑of status.
• Nearby private resort amenities (pools, sauna, pub) are for registered guests only and not part of the backcountry area.

Best Time to Visit

• For skiing: mid‑winter when coverage is solid and winds are cooperative. Be flexible—Mittersill shines after storms but can be firm or thin when the wind bites.
• For hiking: summer into early fall for drier footing and longer daylight. Aim for early mornings to catch cooler temps and avoid the busiest parking areas elsewhere in the notch.

Bottom Line

If you’re after history‑rich terrain and a wilder vibe than the main lifts, Mittersill is worth your time—just come prepared and respect the operating status and closures.