New England Ski Museum, Ski history museum in Franconia, New Hampshire, US.
The New England Ski Museum is a ski history museum in Franconia housed in a former maintenance building that displays skiing equipment, apparel, and photographs across its exhibition space. The collection documents how the sport developed across the northeastern United States, with particular focus on regional innovations and the role of local mountains.
The museum was founded in 1977 and moved to its current location in 1982 next to the Cannon Mountain Tramway, which was the first aerial passenger tramway built in North America. This early infrastructure reflects the region's role as a pioneer in northeastern ski development.
The museum displays how skiing became central to the identity and economy of the New England region through its collection of equipment and apparel spanning decades. Visitors can observe the sport's evolution from a niche pursuit to a major recreational activity that shaped mountain communities.
The museum sits at the base of Cannon Mountain and is accessible from Exit 34B off Interstate 93, making it easy to visit while exploring the ski area. Entry is free, making it an accessible stop for anyone interested in winter sports history.
The museum holds a notable collection of military clothing and gear from the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. Many soldiers from this unit later became ski instructors and mountain guides, shaping the professional skiing industry in the region.
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