Discover twelve fantastic ski areas, from small ones perfect for newbies to 1150'+ verticals for hot doggers, and everything in between. And the best part? They're all just a short drive away, right here in Massachusetts. Hit the slopes and support Massachusetts... SKI LOCAL!
Berkshire East
Blandford
Blue Hills
Bousquet
Bradford
Catamount
Jiminy Peak
Nashoba Valley
Otis Ridge
Ski Butternut
Ski Ward
Wachusett66 Thunder Mt. Road Charlemont , MA 01339 MAP IT
Phone: 413-339-6617 Visit Website
One of the best mid-sized mountains on the east coast, Berkshire East is a lot like Vermont resorts, only a bit smaller, less pricey, less crowded, and... not in Vermont.
Originally called "Thunder Mountain", Berkshire East is no joke. It has the steepest expert terrain and longest beginner trails south of Vermont.
Take the super scenic route; drive the Mohawk Trail.
41 Nye Brook Road Blandford , MA 01008 MAP IT
Phone: 413-848-2860 Visit Website
Blandford proves that bigger isn't always better by making the most of their small space. Skiiers and riders will enjoy two summit areas and plenty of trails, and beginners will get a kick out of Blandford's unique bunny hill.
Blandford is a ski club-owned property, which means they're all about skiing, not just making a profit. Plus, frequent skiers can get discounts by becoming club members.
Swing by School Street Bistro for warm, friendly service and their signature Seafood Strudel.
4001 Washington Street Canton , MA 02021 MAP IT
Phone: 781-828-5070 Visit Website
Part of the Blue Hills Reservation state park, Blue Hills offers great skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. They're also known for their great kids' programs.
Blue Hills is the closest ski area to the metro Boston area, located within the 128 Boston Beltway.
Vroom vroom! Experience the ultimate indoor kart racing experience at F1 Boston.
101 Dan Fox Drive Pittsfield , MA 01201 MAP IT
Phone: 413-442-8316 Visit Website
This family ski resort is the Berkshire's hidden gem; take advantage of its well-groomed trails, uncrowded slopes, and virtually non-existent lift lines. It's perfect for families, but also features some sweet tree skiing and a great race program.
Check out "Icicles" for rock drops and exciting terrain that rivals that of New England's most challenging trails.
The Berkshire Museum is anything but stuffy. See how they live up to their mission of sparking creativity and innovative thinking.
So Cross Road Bradford , MA 01835 MAP IT
Phone: 508-373-0071 Visit Website
Bradford focuses on ski lessons, and they do it right. They keep the lessons small, with a focus on teaching everyone at their own pace. It's the perfect place to learn with lots of easy trails, but they also offer a terrain park with rails and boxes for the more advanced skier.
Bradford is an excellent place to learn to ski, with a comfortable 248 vertical drop for Beginners.
Cheeks not rosy enough yet? Go ice skating at Winnekenni Park.
Route 23 South Egremont , MA 01258 MAP IT
Phone: 413-528-1262 Visit Website
Catamount, one of the oldest original operating ski areas in the Northeast, is a must-ski old school ski area, that's also got a burgeoning snow boarder population. Fans praise Catamount for it's challenging terrain, including the steepest and longest runs in the Berkshires.
You can ski into Massachusetts, then back into New York, and back into Massachusetts again. Remember to switch your accent!
The local, farm-fresh foods on the menu change with the seasons at the charming Allium Restaurant.
37 Corey Road Hancock , MA 01237 MAP IT
Phone: 800-882-8859 Visit Website
Jiminy Peak is a full-service resort, like the big guys up North, but right here in Massachusetts. It's the perfect place to spend a weekend, for both MA locals and visiting New Yorkers. Fantastic condos, great snowmaking, and three (!) terrain parks for skier and boarders make this one of the best ski resorts in Massachusetts.
Beat the crowds and take advantage of some of the best night skiing in the East by getting a twilight pass that runs from 3 - 10pm.
Visit the art world's cutting edge darling, MASS MoCA for amazing contemporary art.
79 Powers Road Westford , MA 01886 MAP IT
Phone: 978-692-3033 Visit Website
A great laid-back, family-friendly ski area. It's small size means you can get in a ton of runs in a short amount of time, and there's a fun 18-lane tubing park.
Can you say board-friendly? Nashoba was one of the first areas in the country to allow snowboarding.
Wine connoisseurs will not be disappointed by the award-winning Nashoba Valley Winery.
159 Monterey Road Otis , MA 01253 MAP IT
Phone: 413-269-4444 Visit Website
As its website says, Otis Ridge is "skiing the way it used to be". They take their skiing and ski lessons seriously here, historically even bringing in ski instructors from the Swiss Alps.
Check out the rustic Grouse House, which offers low key slope-side dining and a few cozy (and cheap) rooms for lodgers.
Soak up some Americana at the Norman Rockwell Museum.
380 State Road Great Barrington , MA 01230 MAP IT
Phone: 413-528-2000 Visit Website
Butternut is known for their outstanding conditions, affordable lift tickets, and convenient location to Western MA, NY, NJ and CT.
Don't feel like skiing? Butternut has a 7-lane tubing center and killer hot chocolate.
It's not just Shakespeare at Shakespeare & Company. See what they've learned after 35 seasons of rebellion and revolution.
1000 Main Street Shrewsbury , MA 01545 MAP IT
Phone: 508-842-6346 Visit Website
Ski Ward is perfect for beginners and families; it's low cost, low stress, and has virtually no lift lines.
A great place to learn to ski or snowboard!
From Bananas Foster to homemade S'mores, it doesn't get any sweeter than the extensive dessert and martini menu at Sweet Dessert Bar.
499 Mountain Road Princeton , MA 01541 MAP IT
Phone: 978-464-2300 Visit Website
In Algonquin, Wachusett means "The Great Hill", and many would agree; some even say this is the best skiing in Eastern Mass. This is a legitimate mid-sized mountain, with 8 lifts, 100% snowmaking coverage, and the #1 NASTAR ski racing program in New England.
You know what you won't find at just any ski resort? Hot waffles! Ski right up to the Waffle Cabin and get yourself a freshly made treat.
What's an EcoTarium? All you need to know is that it has nature trails, a railroad, a digital planetarium, and tons of family fun.
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TopThere's plenty more winter fun for everyone!
Boston Brew Tours
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Ice Skating at the Frog Pond
DCR Skating Rink
The Skating Club of Boston
Institute of Contemporary Art
Great Brook Ski Touring Area
Essex Ship Building Museum
Amesbury Sports Park
Discovery Museum
Peabody Essex Museum
Custom House Maritime Museum
Children's Museum in Easton
Travessia Urban Winery
Ocean Explorium
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Fuller Craft Museum
New Bedford Art Museum
Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
National Marine Life Center
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
Woods Hole Science Aquarium
Zooquarium
The warm breezes of spring have yet to arrive, but there is great ardor and closeness to be found while exploring a few of these sites with a favorite companion. You can gaze out along Boston Harbor on a winter day, make figure-eights in Cambridge,…