Even though we are yet to see a snow storm here in Massachusetts this winter (rain, rain, go away!), the upcoming long weekend is the perfect time to hit the slopes! Skiing is a winter hallmark and although the resorts have not been getting any help from Mother Nature, they’re ready for action. The majority of New England and Massachusetts ski resorts have snow-making abilities and have opened many trails this season. Go ahead and plan that relaxing getaway on the slopes, and despite the lack of storms here in MA, you need not look any further than our list of top rated Massachusetts ski areas and beyond!
- Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA is approximately an hour outside of Boston and features multiple different varieties of trails and is open until 10PM every night! It is also accessible by public transportation and visitors who want to stay overnight are welcome to book a room in the Wachusett Village Inn. Lift ticket prices vary. (Western MA) http://www.wachusett.com/TheMountain/AboutWachusett/DirectionsHours/tabid/56/Default.aspx
- Berkshire East is a family run mountain that features 45 trails, 18 for night skiing, as well as tubing trails. While there is no lodging facility on site, there are multiple B&B’s in the area. There is also a children’s play and ski center which offers child care and a “Learn to Ski” program for children ages 2-5. (Western MA) http://www.berkshireeast.com/
- Ski Butternut is also located within the Berkshires, however is in the southern region of the mountains. Featuring 110 skiable acres, Butternut is the perfect vacation spot for both skiing experts and beginners. There are endless activities to keep the entire family busy including terrain parks, a tubing center, a ski shop, ski lessons, and also snowboarding lessons. Afterschool lessons are also available for locals and theme days such as retro day and a Jimmy Buffett festival are scattered throughout the season. Ski Butternut is the perfect place to experience big mountain skiing while staying close to home. (Western MA) http://www.skibutternut.com/
- Gunstock Mountain Resort is the closest major ski resort to the Boston Area. Located just two hours outside of the city, Gunstock offers a nationally recognized and award winning learn to ski or ride program, Mountain Magic, perfect for first time skiers. It also includes tubing trails, snowboarding and skiing trails, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing facilities. Gunstock is associated with multiple lodging partners in the area as well for the convenience of their guests. (Lakes Region of NH) http://www.gunstock.com/
- Mount Sunapee Resort is located about 90 minutes from Boston and often features races, scavenger hunts, camps, contests, and clinics. Currently, 37 trails are open for business while snowmaking which is underway will allow more to open as the week goes on. Ski and Stay packages are available for guests looking to stay overnight. (Western NH) http://www.mountsunapee.com/mtsunapeewinter/index.asp
- Okemo Mountain resort is about a three hour drive from Boston and is a top rated ski resort in Vermont. They pride themselves on constantly improving and demand very high standards when it comes to customer service. With 96% snow coverage and 119 trails, Okemo is definitely one of the larger mountains in the area.Don’t miss their savings event going on this January offering up to 33% off lodging and kids ski and ride for $1. (Southern VT) http://www.okemo.com/okemowinter/
- Killington is another well-known Mountain region in Vermont which features “The Beast”, a series of six mountains, 140 trails and over 70 miles of terrain at Killington which will keep the whole family occupied for hours. They have the world’s most extensive 600 acre snowmaking system as well as 250 inches of annual snowfall! With these conditions there will be no shortage of powder on the slopes! (Central VT) http://www.killington.com/winter/index.html
Ski season in New England is already in full force! Don’t miss your chance to take advantage of these Massachusetts winter getaways before it’s too late!
All these New England ski resorts are within driving distance. Be careful out on the winter roads! Brush up on driving in the snow and make sure your auto insurance policy is up to date. Stay safe!
Photo by yourcoco