Best Massachusetts Ski Areas near Boston

Ski guide for Boston slopes and luxury Berkshire resorts

"Winter" in Boston means skiing - and Massachusetts ski areas near Boston and beyond provide plenty of downhill and cross country options ranging from local to luxe.

This Ski Guide to Massachusetts areas will help you find the best local slopes near Boston, as well as classic New England ski resorts with lodging packages, and luxury ski resorts in the Berkshires.

Massachusetts ski areas can be divided into 3 categories:

• Convenient local ski slopes and trails - some for cross country skiing only - within an hour's drive of Boston
• Traditional New England ski resorts in central Massachusetts (plus just across the border in New Hampshire) perfect for day ski trips -  or a long weekend - and you can get to them without a car!
• Places to ski in the Berkshires - including some that fit the luxury ski resort category

Use this guide to Massachusetts ski areas help you find the best slopes, resorts, and ski vacation packages to get the most from this favorite winter sport. 

Massachusetts ski areas near Boston

Although expert skiers usually prefer more challenging slopes than those found close to Boston, I can vouch (as a non-expert skier) for their convenience and pleasant laid-back ambiance. 

If you're learning to ski or content with moderate terrain - or just short of time - you'll find a lot to like at these Massachusetts ski areas located within an hour's drive of the city, including a couple of cross-country skiing areas. 

Nashoba Valley Ski Area

Although Nashoba isn't as fancy or big as many of the New England ski resorts in New Hampshire and Vermont, it has grown quite a lot during the past few years but still retains its comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.  With 16 trails ranging from beginner to expert and 8 lifts, Nashoba offers snow tubing, racing, and snowboarding in addition to down-hill skiing.  Equipment rentals and lessons (individual and group) are available.  Open from mid-to-late November to mid-March (depending somewhat on the weather).

My favorite things about Nashoba:

• Only 45 minutes from Boston; one of the easiest-to-reach Massachusetts ski areas
• Lift lines are usually fairly short, and trails are well-groomed
• Good place to take lessons
• Rates for lifts and rentals are a little pricey - but hey, you're only 45 minutes from the city!
• Comfortable lodge; good burgers and fries

Address:  79 Powers Road, Westford, MA - or just follow the many signs saying "Nashoba Valley Ski Area"
More information:  978-962-3033; Nashoba website 

Weston Ski Track

Located at the MDC Leo Martin Golf Course in Weston, the Westin Ski Track provides trails, equipment, and lessons for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing just 30 minutes west of Boston.  15 kilometer course on mostly level ground.

What's great about Weston Ski Track

• Snowmaking equipment!!!  (for 2 kilometers of the trail)
• Cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing lessons
• Affordable rental and access rates
• Night skiing
• Wide range of lessons; very focused on beginning skiers, fitness, and enjoyment of the outdoors

Address:  198 Park Road, Westin, MA
More information about this Massachusetts ski area:  978-962-3033; Weston Ski Track website 

Great Brook Ski Touring Center

Located in the Great Brook Farm State Park in Carlisle just 25 miles west of downtown Boston, Great Brook Ski Touring Center offers cross-country skiing.  Open between December 1 - March 20 (when the weather cooperates), the 10 miles of machine-groomed trails provide various levels of challenge, although most are almost flat and perfect for beginners.

What you'll love about skiing here:

• Beautiful scenery as you ski past farmland, forests, streams, and ponds
• Very affordable fees and equipment rentals (plus you can rent snowshoes if you don't want to ski)
• Skiing by lantern light on Tuesday and Thursday evenings - try this when the moon is full for an especially memorable experience
• Hot chocolate and snacks by the wood stove in the rustic lodge
• If you have your own equipment, you can use the Park's ungroomed trails for free (you can also walk or ride a horse on them)

Address:  1018 Lowell Street, Carlisle, MA
More information about this Massachusetts ski area:  978-369-7486; Great Brook website 

Blue Hills

The Blue Hills Ski Area is part of the Blue Hills Reservation, owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  A number of companies have leased and managed the resort through the years, with mixed results.  The present company seems to have made some good improvements.

This Massachusetts ski area covers about 60 acres, with about 80% snowmaking coverage.  There's a vertical drop of 309 feet, 9 trails, and 4 lifts.  About half the area is lighted at night.

What you'll like:

• About 30 minutes south of Boston
• Reasonable rates for lift tickets, rentals, and lessons
• Lessons for skiing and snowboarding
• Family-oriented
• Relaxed; good place to learn

Address:  4001 Washington Street, Canton, MA
More information:  781-828-5070; Blue Hills website 

New England Ski Resorts for day trips - or longer!

Both of these New England ski resorts - one in Massachusetts, one in Southern New Hampshire - are only about 90 minutes from Boston. 

You can easily drive there and back from Boston in a day - but you can also make a good case for a weekend stay.  Even better, you can get to both without a car, thanks to the resorts.

"Resorts" may not even be the correct word . . . although both of these Massachusetts ski areas have nearby lodging, the focus is on comfortable rather than fancy - so that your focus can be where it belongs: on the slopes!

Wachusett Mountain

At slightly over 2,000 feet tall and with a vertical drop of 1,000 feet, Wachusett is the highest mountain in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River - even though "Wachusett" means "Great Hill" in Algonquin. 

Wachusett has 110 ski-able acres and 22 trails, divided fairly evenly between Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert.  Snowboarding is big here also.  Wachusett is the only one of the Massachusetts ski areas near Boston with its own lodging, making it a true ski resort.

Wachusett is about 90 minutes west of Boston

What you'll find to like here:

• Long season - open from the Friday after Thanksgiving through (normally) early April
• Large, full-service ski and snowboard school, and extensive children's programs
• Large lodge, multiple dining and drinking options
• Wachusett Mountain owns and operates Wachusett Village Inn, located in nearby Westminster.  Although we've never stayed here, we've enjoyed terrific breakfasts in the on-site restaurant on a couple of occasions
• You can take the Ski Train from Boston (i.e., the commuter rail from North Station to Fitchburg, where on Saturdays and Sundays, a special shuttle will take you to and from Wachusett - see the website for details.

Address:  499 Mountain Road, Princeton, MA
More information:  978-464-2300; Wachusett website 

Pats Peak

Just 90 minutes north of Boston near the small Southern New Hampshire village of Henniker, Pats Peak boasts some of the longest and steepest pitches in Southern New Hampshire. 

With 22 trails and slopes, 10 lifts, a summit elevation of 1,400 feet, a vertical drop of 710 feet, and 100% snowmaking all season, you'll find lots of good skiing here.

What you'll like:

• Night skiing on 100% of the mountain starting in late December - only beginner run in the state open day and night!
• Snow tubing on weekends, holidays, and school vacation weeks
• Lots of ski and snowboard instructors for all ages
• Homemade food in the cafeteria and pub food in the pub
• Affordable lodging nearby at Henniker Motel (check for ski and stay packages)
• Bus service from Boston on Saturdays - find details on their website

Address:  686 Flanders Road, Henniker, NH
More information: 1-888-728-7732; Pats Peak website 

Luxury ski resort options in the Berkshires

If you're looking for luxury ski resorts in Massachusetts, the Berkshires is where you'll find them - along with many affordable options as well. 

Berkshires ski resorts attract more visitors from New York and western Massachusetts rather than Boston, which is 2 1/2 - 3 hours away.  Bostonians tend to go north to New England ski resorts in New Hampshire and Maine, many of which are closer. 

However, you'll find terrific ski slopes in the Berkshires along with a lot of beautiful scenery, great restaurants, quaint villages, and cultural offerings such as museums, galleries, and performing arts.

Here are 2 of the biggest and best known of these Western Massachusetts ski areas:

Jiminy Peak - Hancock

A true luxury ski resort, with excellent ski slopes and deluxe lodging all in one spot.

Jiminy Peak is located in the village of Hancock, nestled in the northern Berkshires where you'll experience stunning views and the sense of being in another world.  This corner of the Berkshires is known for its rich cultural offerings, and is popular throughout the year.

With an elevation of 2,380 feet, a vertical rise of 1,150 feet, 170 acres, 45 trails, and 9 lifts, Jiminy Peak is a skier's paradise.  Add to this an average annual snowfall of 100 inches, almost 100% snowmaking coverage, and a run of almost 2 miles, and you can see why you might want to head west from Boston.

Jiminy Peak offers all the services and amenities that you'd expect in a luxury ski resort - all levels of lessons, a children's programs, several terrain parks, and lots of special touches such as occasional fireworks. 

Address:  37 Corey Road, Hancock, MA
More information:  413-738-5500; Jiminy Peak website 

Where to stay:

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock  - Right at the base of Jiminy Peak - you can practically fall out of your bed and be on the slopes.  Luxury accommodations in the inn as well as larger nearby vacation homes for families and groups.

Vacation Village Resorts at Berkshires, Hancock - Another high-end resort near Jiminy Peak, with indoor and outdoor swimming, tennis, a spa.  Designed for year-round enjoyment, in addition to being a popular Massachusetts ski area.

Bentley Brook Resort in Hancock - Owned by the Wyndham Hotel Group, Bentley Brook Resort is located at the foot of Jiminy Peak Mountain ski slopes, only 200 feet from the chair lifts taking you up the mountain to ski.  Deluxe accommodations range from studios to 2-bedroom suites.

Butternut Basin

At 110 skiable acres, Butternut is big . . . and with 22 downhill ski trails, 12 lifts, and a 5-lane tubing center, you'll find plenty to enjoy.  Extensive snow-making equipment ensures that you'll have plenty of white stuff to ski on. 

Butternut features a large professional ski school, designed to get everyone to at least an intermediate level quickly.

Located in picturesque Great Barrington, Butternut is close to several relatively economical places to stay and dine.  When you're not on the slopes, you can explore local museums, shops, galleries, and theater.

At many of the reasonably-priced lodgings near Butternut, you'll also be given a discount voucher to apply toward your lift tickets. 

Address:  380 State Road, Route 23, Great Barrington, MA
More information about this Western Massachusetts ski area:  413-528-2000; Butternut website 

Berkshire Comfort Inn and Suites in Great Barrington - Only a little more than 2 miles from Butternut, the Berkshire Comfort Inn provides bed and breakfast style accommodations, an indoor swimming pool, game room, and other upscale amenities.  Look for special packages and promotions.

Holiday Inn Express in Great Barrington - Economical accommodations while enjoying the wonderful skiing and other attractions in the Great Barrington area.

Cranwell Resort Spa and Golf Club  -  Lenox

This 4-diamond Berkshires luxury resort is best known for golf, its extensive spa services, and the sweeping vistas offered by its spectacular estate setting. 

By comparison, Cranwell's winter cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing falls into the "hidden secrets" category. 

But if you're looking for a romantic weekend where you can combine gourmet dining with some exercise and serious pampering, this is where you'll want to make reservations.  In addition to the skiing, you can also enjoy the luxurious glass-walled indoor swimming pool.

As for the skiing . . . you can take lessons, and rent equipment or bring your own.  If you're staying at the hotel, admission to the rink is free. 

For downhill skiing, head over to nearby Jiminy Peak or Butternut.

What you'll like here:

• Probably everything

Location:  Lenox, MA
Rates:  On Cranwell Resort's website, you'll usually find a few special packages, including at least one aimed at skiers (note: many of the website prices are on a per person basis). You should also check HotelsCombined as their booking agencies may show lower prices, especially if you don't want all the package amenities. 

What to do in Boston when you can't go skiing

Sometimes it happens . . . a major sleet storm turns local highways into treacherous sheets of ice . . . your work schedule changes, leaving you without enough time to even get to Nashua . . . house guests arrive for the weekend and you discover they despise outdoor winter sports.

Don't despair! 

You can still indulge your skiing obsession - I mean, passion - with ski-related activities.  Pop top-rated Breakthrough on Skis I: Expert Skiing Simplified into your DVD player for some off-slope instruction - Volumes II and III teach you even more advanced techniques to try later.

Or use your Wii to pretend you're skiing with We Ski

And for those house guests who aren't yet skiing fans?  Slip Steep into your DVD player.  While they're immersed in the fast-paced extreme skiing scenes, you can sneak out for some quality slope time in your favorite Massachusetts ski area.  Maybe they'll even look at you with new respect when you return.

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