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Resort Comparison

Cannon Mountain vs Waterville Valley Resort

Waterville Valley Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Cannon Mountain offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Waterville Valley Resort's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Cannon Mountain leads with 3 wins
Best for Families
Waterville Valley Resort

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall
Cannon Mountain

105.6" average season

Best Terrain
Cannon Mountain

Impressive mountain

Best Value
Cannon Mountain

$99 day pass

Easiest Access
Waterville Valley Resort

Easy mountain roads

Best Village Vibe
Waterville Valley Resort

Charming, walkable village

Cannon Mountain
New Hampshire, USA
$Indy
Waterville Valley Resort
New Hampshire, USA
$$Ikon

Family

Ski School Age
4+
3+
Full-Day Program
Beginner Terrain
5.5
8.0
Walkability
6.0
8.0
Village Vibe
5.0
8.5

Mountain

Vertical
2,180'
2,020'
Skiable Area
285 ac
255 ac
Green Runs
21%
20%
Trails
97
50
Lifts
10
11

Getting There

Airport
MHT
MHT
Drive Time
1.7h
1.3h
Road Ease
8.0
8.0

Cost

Passes
Indy
Ikon
Day Pass
$99
$109
Cost Tier
Budget
Moderate

Village

Dining
Limited
Moderate
Grocery
Spa
Pool
Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Cannon Mountain

105.6"

avg season

2024-25 season

99" total

94%

Waterville Valley Resort

87.9"

avg season

2024-25 season

79.6" total

91%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
106"53"0"
Cannon Mountain
Waterville Valley Resort

Key Insights

Waterville Valley Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Cannon Mountain offers more terrain for diverse skill levels. Waterville Valley Resort's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

  • Waterville Valley Resort's beginner terrain score (8.0) exceeds Cannon Mountain's (5.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Waterville Valley Resort's walkability score (8.0) exceeds Cannon Mountain's (6.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
  • Waterville Valley Resort's family village atmosphere score (8.5) exceeds Cannon Mountain's (5.0), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Waterville Valley Resort's ski school accepts children from age 3, while Cannon Mountain starts at age 4
  • Cannon Mountain is budget-friendly while Waterville Valley Resort falls in the moderately priced category

Best For

Cannon Mountain

  • Budget-conscious families
  • Parents wanting full-day ski school programs
  • Expert skiers (42% advanced terrain)

Waterville Valley Resort

  • Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
  • Those seeking a walkable village experience
  • Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere

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Explore More

Regions

Colorado
Utah
British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners
Most Walkable
Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide
Best Time to Go Skiing