CONTACT:
Conservation Officer James Cyrs III
603-744-5470
603-271-3361
March 31, 2026
Franconia, NH – Shortly before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers were notified of an injured snowboarder out of bounds at Cannon Mountain Ski Area. The snowboarder, identified as Ethan Haust, 36, of Ashland, NH, had been snowboarding at Cannon Mountain with a group of his friends when they decided to finish the day in a zone, which is not patrolled or maintained, outside of the ski area facilities. While navigating through a steep, rocky section, Haust caught his edge and collided with a tree, resulting in a serious injury. Unable to evacuate or move through the very steep terrain with the severity of the injury, the group made a phone call to Ski Patrol for help. Due to the location of the injured party and because the ski area closed at 4:00 p.m., a call to NH Fish and Game was placed while two available ski patrollers responded to the location and rendered medical aid.
Upon notification, Conservation Officers and members of the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to the location. Due to the technical mountain terrain and the conditions that Haust was in, ropes were required to safely extricate and transport the snowboarder back to the base of the mountain. He was then transported by private vehicle to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities.