Everything you need to know about the PSU ski package

Logan “Stache” Winny

He/Him

Columnist

2/23/24

This season, Plymouth State University’s ski package provides students with discounted rates at four mountains in the area, which is more than ever. This is huge for students and encourages getting involved with winter sports. Downhill and uphill skiing, tubing, night skiing, and lessons are available across the mountain list for up to 90% off retail prices.

Cannon Mountain:

PSU ID holder’s price: $10 on Saturdays.

RFID card cost: $5

Rentals and group lessons: $16

Private lessons: $45

Learn-To Ski package: $34

PSU guest pass: $42

Cannon mountain is a great local mountain rightfully nicknamed “Cold Cannon” as it is rated the second coldest ski mountain in the country. With 10 lifts servicing 97 trails over 265 skiable acres, it has been a popular and treasured location since its opening season in 1938. There are many things to love about Cannon including it being the home of the late Old Man of the Mountain, the first ski racing trail, and hosting the first Alpine Skiing World Cup races in North America. Tucked away in the Franconia Notch State Park, it is a reasonable 35-minute drive north on I-93. Cannon is the least forgiving of the mountains on my list, but also happens to be my favorite. The varying levels of difficulty, the size of the mountain, and the relatively consistent quality of the snow and conditions make it a reliable mountain for all levels.

Ragged Mountain:

PSU ID holder’s price: FREE until tickets hit $10k then is $52

RFID card cost: $5

Guest ticket: 25% discount

Group lessons: 25% discount

Ragged Mountain resort is located in Danbury, New Hampshire and is known as “New England’s Best Kept Secret” by the locals and regulars of the resort. A 35-minute drive from campus gets you to 5 lifts and 57 trails over 250 skiable acres, that are usually empty and well groomed. The mountain is smaller than others on the list, but that doesn’t mean Ragged falls short of the mark. In fact, it is home to some of the better glades in the area, amazing parks, varying levels in terrain and the best mountain pizza I’ve ever had. Due to the secrecy of the location, there is rarely a large amount of people on the trails nor is there a line to get on the lifts. These points along with the high quality of every aspect of the mountain make it a great choice for all levels of skiers.

Tenney Mountain:

PSU ID holder’s price: $5

Guest ticket: 50% discount

10% off all food and soft drinks

15% off merch

In 2010, Tenney Mountain closed, reopened 8 years later only to close again due to COVID for two seasons. This back and forth makes one question the quality of the mountain and if it is worth checking out. Being less than a 15-minute ride from campus paired with the $5 day pass makes Tenney a great option for getting some runs in between classes. 3 lifts, 48 trails, and 110 acres of skiable terrain classify it as the smallest mountain on the list, but definitely the most convenient. The new owner of Tenney Mountain is trying to completely refresh the entire resort which could make this the spot to be in the near future.

Waterville Valley Resort:

PSU ID holder’s price: $15 no weekends or holidays with a list of blackout dates

$25 rentals from Top Dog Rental Shop

Free beginner lessons on select days

Waterville, known as “New Hampshire’s Family Resort,” is a 25-minute drive from campus and offers 11 lifts servicing 50 trails over 265 skiable acres. This decent sized mountain is home to a great array of well-groomed trails including some of the most difficult black diamonds on the list making Waterville a perfect mountain for skiers of all levels. Waterville provides year-round activities and is the only mountain included in the ski package that provides night skiing.

Overall, Plymouth State’s ski package this year is super inclusive for all levels and provides a huge variety of trails and locations so that we can all enjoy the mountains. I just wish we had some powder to ski on…