Best time to visit Boston

Skiing near Boston

Take advantage of the snowy New England winter

Best time: December–March (best in February)

Skiing near Boston
Ski trail at Mt. Sunapee
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New England is famous for its high-class ski resorts, and being in Boston, you can choose between the Green Mountains in Vermont and the White Mountains in New Hampshire, both offering premium-quality trails, excellent service, and luxurious accommodations. However, when planning just a short weekend trip, you might want to look at locations closer to the city. The ski season in New England usually runs from December through March, while some resorts at high altitudes open in late November and stay open till mid-April. The best time for skiing in terms of snow and weather is usually February.

Ski resorts in New Hampshire: Sunapee, Gunstock

White Mountains of New Hampshire are among the best ski destinations of the Northeast. In about a 1.5 hour drive north (100 mi or 160 km) you can reach Mount Sunapee. It's known for its perfect snow conditions, excellent grooming, and breathtaking views of Lake Sunapee. With ten lifts and 66 trails, Sunapee offers something for everyone. One day won't be enough to explore its 233 skiable ac (94 ha). If you drive a bit further north and then east of Boston, you can reach Gunstock Mountain, located near Gilford, NH. It's usually a bit less crowded than Sunapee, though a bit smaller as well. Gunstock features six lifts and 25 mi (40 km) of skiable slopes. Additionally, snow tubing and night skiing are available to riders. Top New Hampshire resorts, like Bretton Woods and Loon, are not that far from Boston. You can get there in about 2.5 hours by car.

Ski resorts in Massachusetts: Wachusett, Blue Hills

Massachusetts resorts are generally smaller than those of Vermont or New Hampshire. However, they are also closer to the city. Wachusett Mountain in Princeton is a decent-sized ski resort that is located just over a one-hour drive from Boston. The mountain is known for its well-lit trails for night-time skiing and snowboarding. With a vertical drop of 1,000 ft (304 m), it offers 26 trails and 110 ac (45 ha) of slopes. While Wachusett is a good option for a one-day ski trip, Blue Hills Ski Area is even closer! It is located just a 40-minute drive from Boston. This small resort in Canton, Massachusetts, has eight trails and a vertical drop of 309 ft (94 m). The area suits beginners and families with children.

Practical info

When is the ideal ski season in the New England region?

Ski season in the New England region runs from late November to mid-April. However, the optimal time for skiing is February, as weather and snow conditions are often most favorable then. Resorts at high altitudes stay open the longest, closing no earlier than March. Show more

Which ski locations are easily reachable from Boston?

Boston is conveniently situated near numerous top-notch skiing areas in the Northeast. Among these ski locations are the Green Mountains in Vermont and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Mount Sunapee, Gunstock Mountain, Bretton Woods, and Loon in New Hampshire and Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts are also great options. Each of these ski locations is within driving distance from Boston and will take approximately three hours to reach by car at maximum. Show more

What is the average travel time to skiing locations from Boston?

While the distance varies, the optimal skiing locations near Boston typically range from a 40-minute to a three-hour drive. For instance, Wachusett Mountain and Blue Hills Ski Area are respectively located an hour and 40 minutes away. Mount Sunapee, Gunstock Mountain, and Bretton Woods take about two hours to reach from Boston while Loon Mountain might require up to two and a half hours of travel time. Show more

Are there skiing resorts near Boston offering night skiing?

Wachusett Mountain and Gunstock Mountain have options for night skiers. Wachusett Mountain stands out for its spectacular, well-lit trails that are ideal for night skiing and snowboarding. Gunstock Mountain, on the other hand, permits late-night skiing and snowboarding. Additionally, Blue Hills Ski Area has a small selection of slopes available for night skiing and snowboarding. Show more

Can individuals with limited skiing experience enjoy the skiing near Boston?

Yes, Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton, Massachusetts, a small resort with eight trails and a vertical drop of 309 feet is available locally, making it a great selection for family outings and first-time skiers. Wachusett Mountain and Gunstock Mountain also carry beginner-friendly trails alongside tutorial options, making the skiing area ideal for families and individuals with minimal skiing expertise. Show more

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Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen