Cannon.

What more can I say that has not already been said both by myself and so many others? It is a mountain that is much beloved by so many skiers. It is often loved despite–and because–of its many shortfalls. But it has never fell short on history.

Meghan McCarthy McPhaul details much of Cannon’s extensive history in this slender yet rich paperback. The early history of Cannon is given the works but middle and especially later years are glossed over briefly. McPhaul’s writing is well done but not fully engaging. Both a high compliment and a criticism, each chapter reads like a New England Ski Museum Journal article. Unlike engaging contemporary pop history authors such as David McCullough, the history does not get brought to life by the words. McPhaul often begins and ends each chapter with reverent whimsy regarding what makes Cannon special. But such regard doesn’t extend into the history itself. Die hard Cannon fans will appreciate but not be moved by the writing whereas skiers unfamiliar with Cannon probably won’t feel the magical connection and bond.

What the book lacks in a unifying current and pulse it makes up for in excellent history detailing all of Cannon’s biggest historical moments and figures. Chapters are mostly chronological but recent Cannon history is barely a footnote. I enjoyed reading the history that I was familiar with and delving into new and interesting factoids brought to light. My favorite slice of enlightenment was learning that trails such as Banshee, Gremlin, Spookie, and Jasper were named after the Tabby cats that have roamed the Tram Station throughout its history. You haven’t been indocturnated into Cannon culture until you’ve booted up in the Tram Station sitting next to a kittie. Also, I was delighted to finally learn the namesake of the aptly named Hardscrabbles is “Hardscrabble Hill”, better known to me as Route 18.

The chapter on Cannon’s trails is pathetically short. Much of a mountain’s character is contained within its trails and topography. Cannon’s trails have changed tremendously throughout the years (some for better, many for worse). But the character has been retained so well that almost everyone remembers present Cannon for its twisty, quirky, and windy old school trails. But in reality, despite recollections of the contrary, the vast majority of trails have been widened significantly more than similar character rich “Skier’s Mountains” such as Wildcat, Burke, Mad River Glen (of course), and Jay. But even the wide trails are special at Cannon (excepting Cannonball nee Profile). A history of Mittersill’s trails is entirely omitted. And the classic Tuckerbrook and Coppermine trails are glossed over whereas Taft (appropriately) gets the royal treatment.

Most astonishing is that Cannon’s three phase plan for recreating a new and improved Cannon is essentially missing. Cannon was significantly changed in many ways beginning a dozen years ago and concluding last year with the opening of Mittersill. This short shift suggests the journey of Cannon’s trails are a destination rather than a journey. So many details are missing. I am left with unanswered questions such as why did Cannon employees nick name a lift the Hong Kong? The lift is mentioned but no history is provided!

If a recent event such as opening Mittersill is covered, then a dozen years of changes leading up to that opening deserve some ink as well. But trail and lift changes that happened between the original opening of the Peabody Slopes and the beginnings of the three phase renovation are missing for the most part. Some significant events are only noted in the book ending Timeline.

If I sound overly critical it is perhaps because my high expectations. The history is rich in classic New England Ski Museum 1930s-1960s style focus but the title fails to be a comprehensive volume. Perhaps this is why I feel the writing falls short of conjuring emotional attachment with the mountain. The linear reading takes a massive jump between the 1967 World Cup to the reopening of Mittersill and fails to connect the past to the present in a meaningful way. Maybe it is poor criticism to fault a history book for not covering more recent memory. But the author opened the flood gate by writing about the reopening of Mittersill. The context and connection falls short because forty years of history is missing.

Despite my criticisms, this is an excellent book that is both concise and easy to read. It details Cannon’s beginnings and the people that defined the mountain during its formative and industry leading years. You will not form special attachments to Cannon just by knowing the mountain’s history. But those that love Cannon have a deep need to seek definition of the present by learning about its past. Cannon has an identity that is easy to assume and ingrain; a mantle of toughness and wonder. The mountain’s current slogan “I am Cannon” is apt and fitting.