Franconia, New Hampshire (December 2, 2021). The Franconia Ski Club (“FSC”), in partnership with Holderness School, will officially open the Mittersill Performance Center, a lodge at the base of the Mittersill slopes of Cannon Mountain, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021. This event marks the completion of a seven-year project that began in 2014.

The construction of the 9,200 square foot Mittersill Performance Center (“MPC”) represents FSC’s partnership with the State of New Hampshire, Holderness School and the U.S. Ski Team. These organizations joined with many generous individuals to raise nearly $7,000,000 in total for a variety of enhancements to the Mittersill slopes. Enhancements include snowmaking guns and a $600,000 compressor, a new t-bar lift, and the homologation of two race trails. The capstone achievement is the new MPC lodge at the base of the Taft Training Slope. While ski racers and the general skiing public have enjoyed the Mittersill slopes for years, they lacked a lodge with basic amenities like restrooms, lunch tables and sufficient warming space. The Mittersill Performance Center will provide all these and more, including space for athletes to consult with coaches, a Timing Room for race administration, and flex space for race warm-up activities. Mittersill was named an official training site of the U.S. Ski Team in 2015, and the MPC’s impressive new facilities will enable Mittersill to host larger and more prestigious ski races such as Nor-Am Cup races and U.S. Championship events.

“The completion of the Mittersill Training Venue marks the beginning of a new era for ski racing in the Northeast,” said FSC Program Director Eric Price. “We are now one of the top venues for ski racing in the country. This will have an impact on every level of Eastern Region ski racing, from local school programs to NCAA racing to the development of our national team.”

The design of the Mittersill Performance Center reflects the traditional Austrian chalet-style of architecture seen in the surrounding village. The MPC puts a modern twist on the design with contemporary amenities and large expanses of glass, which offer some of the best views of ski racing in the Eastern United States.

“The Mittersill Performance Center, and the entire Mittersill project, is the culmination of a grand idea:  Any kid who has a passionate dream for this wonderful sport can have access to the storied Franconia Ski Club and a training facility that matches his or her passion and dream,” said Tim Tapply, President of FSC’s Board of Directors.

This project was proudly undertaken by all New Hampshire based companies. The Mittersill Performance Center was designed by Evan Mullen of Port One Architects, Inc. Construction management for the building was provided by the firm Bonnette, Page & Stone Corporation, and the site work was performed by Presby Construction, Inc. The FSC Building Committee was led by FSC parent John Agostinelli.

"Transformative is sometimes an overused word, but the vision for Mittersill to provide an accessible world-class training facility for Northern New Hampshire is truly exciting,” said Holderness Head of School Phil Peck. “We are honored to have played a role in making this remarkable facility and program a reality, not just for Holderness and FSC but for countless future generations of young New Hampshire skiers who will be able to achieve their potential, thanks to Mittersill.”

"This is a monumental step forward for both Holderness and FSC's athletes and staff,” added Holderness Director of Snow Sports Ben Drummond. “We now have an exceptional facility that is a perfect complement to the on-hill training site at Mittersill. We are paving the way for all our athletes to reach their goals, whatever they may be."

In addition to the Franconia Ski Club and Holderness School, the Mittersill ski racing venue serves as home base for Plymouth State University, the University of New Hampshire, and several local public high schools. Many other colleges and universities in the area also train and race extensively at Mittersill.

Remarked Cannon Mountain’s general manager, John DeVivo; “Fifteen years ago, this entire three-phase revitalization of the Mittersill terrain area was just a dream. What an incredible opportunity we’ve had to enhance the guest experience here at Cannon Mountain by bringing State, Federal, non-profit, school-based, and private entities together for the common good. This entire journey has resulted in a tremendous win for our local community and the North country economy.”

*Please note: The Mittersill Alpine Resort is a separate entity, independentlyowned and operated. Cannon Mountain and FSC are not affiliated with the Mittersill Alpine Resort.

About Franconia Ski Club:

Founded in 1933, the Franconia Ski Club is one of the oldest continuously operating ski clubs in the country, and currently provides ski training for over 200 young athletes. U.S. Ski & Snowboard honored FSC by naming it 2020 Development Club of the Year. FSC’s mission is to impart the joys of skiing and the life-long lessons of healthy competition. The club achieves its mission by providing thoughtful, caring and professional instruction in skiing and ski racing. For more information about FSC, please visit www.franconiaskiclub.com.