The Berkshire Mountains, stretching through western Massachusetts to the New York border, are an excellent winter destination boasting several quality downhill ski resorts. The area is also famous for its groomed cross-country trails that attract skiers from all over New England. The ski season in Massachusetts' largest resorts usually runs from late November or December through the end of March. However, February is the most reliable month for snow conditions.
Cross-country skiing
If you like winter sports, cross-country or Nordic skiing in Massachusetts should be on your bucket list. Put on your thermals and visit the beautiful countryside where many working farms offer perfectly groomed trails for ski skating and classic skiing. Stop by the historical Canterbury Farm and B&B in Becket, offering 20 mi (32 km) of trails. At Hilltop Orchards Farm in Richmond, you can finish off the day of skiing with wine tasting at a local winery. Maple Corner Farm in Granville offers especially scenic views, snowshoeing, and 12 mi (20 km) of marked ski trails for skate and track skiing. One of the largest ski areas in Massachusetts is Notchview in Windsor, a beautiful nature preserve at an elevation of 2,000 ft (610 m), with about 45 groomed trails and a special area for children. Thanks to the higher elevation, the snow stays here longer.
Alpine skiing and snowboarding
Even though Massachusetts mountains are not as tall as in neighboring states, it boasts over a dozen alpine ski resorts that provide decent service and snow conditions. One of the best is Wachusett Mountain, which is located not in Western Massachusetts, but in Princeton, 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. Butternut is the largest ski resort in Massachusetts with 14 mi (22 km) of slopes, ten lifts, and 22 runs. It is conveniently located near the major highways, not far from Great Barrington. Butternut also has a 7-lane tubing track and is quite affordable. Located on the border with New York State, Jiminy Peak is the highest ski resort in Massachusetts, taking riders to an altitude of 2,375 ft (724 m). It has nine lifts, 45 runs, and three terrain parks for skiers and boarders.
Practical info
When is the optimal period for skiing in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts usually has a ski season for its largest resorts from late November or December until the end of March, with February being the most dependable month for snow conditions. Preserving slopes for alpine skiing works best at a temperature range between 15 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit. For cross-country skiing, clear-and-cold days are ideal, while poor skiing may result from an overcast sky or snowfall. Show more
Which places offer cross-country skiing in Massachusetts?
Canterbury, Hilltop Orchards Farm, Maple Corner Farm, and Notchview are among the beautiful Massachusetts countryside destinations for cross-country or Nordic skiing. Canterbury Farm and B&B present 20 miles of trails, Hilltop Orchards Farm in Richmond offers ski trails and wine tasting at a local winery. Notchview has about 45 groomed trails and a special area for children at an elevation of 2,000 ft, while Maple Corner Farm provides scenic views, snowshoeing, and marked ski trails for skate and track skiing. Show more
What are Massachusetts' Berkshire Mountains ski resorts?
Western Massachusetts to the New York border contains the Berkshire mountains, a winter destination that has several downhill ski resorts. Butternut, Wachusett Mountain, Notchview, and Jiminy Peak are among the most prominent and popular resorts. Butternut is Massachusetts's largest ski resort, complete with ten lifts, 22 runs, and 14 mi (22 km) of slopes. Wachusett Mountain offers well-lit trails specifically for night-time skiing and snowboarding. Jiminy Peak features nine lifts, three terrain parks, and 45 runs for skiers and boarders. Show more
Can I ski on farms in Massachusetts?
Yes, certain farms in Massachusetts feature ski trails for Nordic or cross-country skiing. Canterbury Farm and B&B at Becket offers its visitors a choice of 20 mi (32 km) of trails to enjoy. Hilltop Orchards Farm in Richmond also provides ski trails and a winery to visit. Notchview in windsor showcases around 45 groomed trails and a unique area for children's activities. Maple Corner Farm in Granville offers scenic views, marked ski trails for skate and track skiing, and snowshoeing. Show more
What sets Wachusett Mountain apart from other Massachusetts ski resorts?
Wachusett Mountain, located in Princeton that's just over an hour drive from Boston, is one of Massachusetts's best ski resorts. It is most notable for its well-lit trails that specifically accommodate night-time skiing and snowboarding. Wachusett has 110 ac (45 ha) of slopes, a vertical drop of 1,000 ft (304 m), and 26 trails in total. Wachusett offers other activities such as hiking and snowshoeing that make it stand out from the rest. Show more
