"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." - Mark TwainLease supporters have used a thicket of statistics to paint a critical picture of Cannon Mountain. Here we debunk some common pro-lease claims. And for some much-needed perspective, it's worth noting that the state's two-year budget is slightly more than $10 billion -- yes, that's billion, with a "B."
CLAIM: Cannon has cost taxpayers $6.7 million over the past decade.
FACTS: Lease supporters ignore or fail to grasp one of the fundamentals about Mount Sunapee lease revenue. By law, Mount Sunapee’s lease payments to the state are directed to the Cannon Mountain Capital Improvement Fund. The lease backers count this as an EXPENSE when in fact it’s REVENUE for Cannon. If you own a business, imagine how much different your balance sheet would look if a large chunk of revenue was removed from the revenue column and dropped into the expense column. In addition, it’s a stretch to call lease revenue “taxpayer money.” Is it state money? Absolutely. But it’s not a case of Concord digging into taxpayers’ pockets -- this money came from the paying customers at Sunapee. In fact, the Sunapee lease was designed specifically so that taxpayers didn't have to fund capital improvements at Sunapee or Cannon. There is one exception, however: The Mittersill Double Chair -- the key component of the rebirth of the long-dormant Mittersill ski area -- was 50 percent funded by general funds (read: taxpayer dollars) and 50 percent by the Cannon Mountain Capital Improvement Fund. Without opposition the Legislature approved this $1.3 million as a stimulus for the North Country and a 30-year economic development investment.
CLAIM: Cannon is seeking millions in taxpayer money for capital spending for snowmaking improvements and expansion, as well as a new lodge at Mittersill.
FACTS: First, any capital improvements would be funded by a combination of Cannon revenue and Mount Sunapee lease revenue -- not taxpayers. Second, the Department of Resources and Economic Development's (DRED) long-term capital documents are more of a wish list than a blueprint. This much is certain: Over the next two to three years, Cannon's capital improvements will focus on snowmaking. In fiscal 2013, the mountain aims to install a new snowmaking compressor that will boost capacity by 20 percent. The following year, it plans to install snowmaking at Mittersill that will be privately funded by the Franconia Ski Club and gifted to the state; and, down the road in fiscal years 2014-15, additional snowmaking improvements. For the anticipated near-term capital needs, click here and see the last section of the document.
CLAIM: Cannon is not really a value for New Hampshire skiers and riders.
FACTS: Not so. But don't take our word for it. The SKI Magazine readers poll has named Cannon the Top Value in the East five years in a row. Cannon's season passes don't have blackout dates yet are the least expensive among comparable New Hampshire ski areas. And you don't need a spreadsheet -- or even a calculator -- to figure out that two-for-$68 Tuesdays and Thursdays is a great deal, or that $36 Wednesdays for New Hampshire residents is a bonus. And then there are the discounts available for seniors, veterans and members of the military. For more information on how Cannon stacks up and what Cannon value means for a family of four, click on the image below.
