9 New England Ski Resorts near Boston, Massachusetts
While the City of Boston is famous for its rich history and landmarks, ski resorts are probably not at the top of the list for most visitors. However, locals to the area know that there are plenty of great options for skiing and snowboarding within a short drive from ‘Bean Town’. New Englanders have an …
9 New England Ski Resorts near Boston, MassachusettsRead More
Guide to Massachusetts’ Ski Resorts
Massachusetts may not have the sizable ski resorts found in other New England states, but it has plenty of choices for those who favor small resorts, with all sorts of terrain at an affordable price.
Ski resorts in Massachusetts are either located to the west in the Berkshires or to the east in hills near Boston. In Western Massachusetts, the Berkshires are well-recognized for year-round festivals, art, and music. The area is also known for the many ski resorts found in this section of the Green Mountains. Closer to Boston, most ski areas are smaller but are easily accessible with plenty of options for lessons.
The ski areas in Massachusetts aren’t known for receiving a great deal of snow. The state receives an average of 51 inches per year and the Berkshires can see up to 64 inches. Most resorts rely upon manmade snow during the season, possible thanks to the cold winters. The ski season generally lasts from December through March.
Western Massachusetts Ski Areas
Berkshire East Mountain Resort – This resort, located in Charlemont, has 45 trails and a terrain park on 180 skiable acres. Trails are evenly distributed in difficulty. Guests can access several additional trails by snowshoeing or skinning with an Uphill Travel pass.
Bousquet Mountain Ski Area – There are plenty of learn-to-ski programs with a focus on racing at Bousquet Mountain Ski Area in Pittsfield. The resort, established in 1935, now has 24 trails, 3 terrain parks and 200 acres for snowboarding and skiing.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort – This spot in the northern Berkshires opens 21 of its 45 trails to night skiing. Shops, dining, and lodging are all available at its base.
Mount Greylock Ski Club – This ski area is run by the local ski club in Williamstown, and offers affordable skiing to those in the area. It only has 2 tow ropes taking skiers to beginner slopes on the face on the hill and tree skiing on trails at a slightly higher elevation. The ski resort is flanked by cross country areas and a section for snowshoeing.
Otis Ridge Ski Area – The small family ski area in Otis has only 11 trails, but many ski school options for all ages.
Butternut Ski Area – With 110 skiable acres, the Butternut Ski Area in Great Barrington has a multitude of options in the winter. There are 22 trails and 2 terrain parks, plus a snow tubing area.
Eastern Massachusetts Ski Areas
Ski Bradford – This small ski resort is in Bradford and has 60 acres of skiable terrain and 15 trails, while conveniently located near Boston. Ski Bradford has lots of lesson options for the entire family.
Blue Hills Ski Area – Located in Canton, Blue Hills Ski Area outside of Boston has 12 trails and 1 terrain park on its 60 acres.
Nashoba Valley Ski Area – In Westford, just an hour from Boston, Nashoba Valley Ski Area is spread across the mountain with more intermediate and advanced terrain than other nearby resorts. It has 14 trails and 1 terrain park on 52 acres.
Wachusett Mountain – More than half of the resort’s 27 trails are intermediate, but it still has several sections for beginning skiers. The summit elevation at this Princeton-based resort is 2,006 feet with a 1,000-foot vertical drop.
Ski Ward Ski Area – This small ski area in Shrewsbury has 4 lifts servicing 9 trails, but has one of the most impressive terrain parks in the area.
Known as the Bay State, Massachusetts has the cold winter temperatures needed to preserve the snow it gets. While the resorts aren’t the largest on the East Coast, there are a plethora of ski areas for locals and out-of-staters to enjoy.