Massachusetts Skiing
Winter in Massachusetts should be about outdoor frosty fun, between Patriots' games anyways - sledding, sliding, skiing and riding at some of the small ski mountains and hills throughout the Bay State. Several Mass. family areas are just perfect for getting your family skiing and riding. Call it the ski feeder state of New England, Massachussetts' ski areas have fine-tuned learn to ski and ride programs. That is what they do, and they do it well.

Here is our Guide to Massachusetts' Ski Areas:

Wachusett
“Wachusett” is the Algonquin Indian word for “The Great Hill.”
Wachusett has a remarkable ski and snowboard school, with over 200 instructors and lessons offered day and night, after school and weekends. This family ski resort is all about making it easy for parents – from its easy access, to an immense base lodge with one level convenience. Wachusett’s web site even has tips to make your day on the slopes organized and less stressful. Now Wachusett introduces a Ski Train www.mbta.com from Boston for $7, which the ski area will credit toward the purchase of a lift ticket.

Wachusett has kids covered, starting with all-inclusive Polar Kids programs for first timers as young as four. Up the learning curve, Wachusett’s seasonal “Dev” team for ages six and up meets all winter long. For kids whose parents don’t own condos up North, their race and freestyle programs introduce competitions as early as age eight. Wachusett even plans three-day camps over school vacation weeks.

Though its about half the size of northern New England resorts, with 1,000’ vertical drop and two high-speed quads, Wachusett provides a big mountain feel with day trip convenience and cost. Call it the 8-hour vacation.
Wachusett, Princeton, MA
978-464-2300 Lodging 800-SKI-1234
Vertical Drop: 1,000’
Skiable Terrain: 110 acres
8 Lifts, 22 Trails
100% snowmaking

Jiminy Peak
Traveling west, the Berkshires are not just about summer symphony. Come snowfall, Jiminy Peak is a winter snow-sliding playground. Jiminy Peak celebrates 60 years this season. Recent improves include the Welcome Center, all-suite Country Inn and state-of-the-art Children’s Center for ski and snowboard lesson programs and childcare.

As Massachusetts’ largest resort, with 1,150’ vertical and a six-passenger lift plus two quads, Jiminy has is convenient and complete for families learning to turn.
Jiminy Peak, Hancock, MA
1-413-738-5500 Lodging 800-882-8859
Vertical Drop: 1,150’
Skiable Terrain: 170 acres
9 Lifts, 44 Trails
93% snowmaking


Butternut
Ski Butternut, also in the Berkshires, is a 1,000’ vertical ski area, with a 40-year history of family ski programs. Butternut’s snowsports director for four decades, Einar Aas must have a deep love of teaching, and a deeper pocket of patience. Mountaineers half or full day camp starts kids on skis as early as four, and miniriders starts snowboarders at age 7. With 110 acres of gentle terrain, plus two terrain parks for skier sand riders, Butternut is worth a look.
Butternut, Great Barrington, MA
413-528-2000
Vertical Drop: 1,000’
Skiable Terrain: 110 acres
10 Lifts, 22 Trails


Nashoba Valley 
Nashoba Valley in Westford, only 45 minutes from Boston, is open every day and night of the winter season, with extensive learning and race programs. In fact, Nashoba claims to have one of the largest ski and snowboard schools in New England, and like the burger chain, “over a million lessons taught.” And with three triple chairs, they keep people moving – up and down, pizza pie to French fries (the ski school mantra).
Nashoba Valley, Westford, MA
(978) 692-3033, Snow Phone: (800) 400-SNOW

Blue Hills
Blue Hill makes the list as a feeder frenzy ski area. With new management this season, and the previous owners involvement with Ragged in NH, this Boston metro ski hill is putting plenty of city kids on snow. Since Blue Hill’s programs are modeled after the success at Ragged, parents can be assured that their kids will receive quality ski and snowboard instruction, whether through a school trip or a family visit.

Nicknamed Big Blue (clearly management has a sense of humor too) and located on public land, it provides a veritable public service by introducing skiing and riding to kids who might not otherwise have the chance. Blue Hills is also carving out quite a reputation for terrain park events with the gravity defying generation.
Blue Hills, Canton, MA
(978) 692-3033
60 acres, 9 trails, 4 lifts including tubing handle tow, 80%snowmaking, 50 terrain lit at night.

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