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Looking to go skiing in Massachusetts this winter? From beautiful cross-country trails to local favorite spots and the best slopes in the state, this guide covers all the top places to go for snow-filled fun!
Planning more adventures? Get more recommendations for the region in our guide to skiing in New England.
And check out even more fun things to do in MA in winter beyond the slopes.
Whether you’re a local or you’re visiting, you’ll love the variety of options across the state for snow bunnies and those who appreciate a little après ski.
Where to Ski in Massachusetts
Blue Hills Ski Area
Blue Hills Ski Area (4001 Washington St, Canton) is the best if you’re trying to decide where to ski near Boston.
Ski programs, lessons, rentals, and more are available at Blue Hills and have been for generations.
A lot of night skiing in Massachusetts is reserved for special events, but Blue Hills is open late almost every night.
If you’re coming from Boston, be sure to check out the world-famous Boston Duck Tour before leaving the city!
Blue Hills Reservation
Looking for something a little less downhill?
Cross-country skiing is available on every trail on the entire Blue Hills Reservation (725 Hillside St, Milton).
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation created this helpful guide with all their favorite trails, sharing how to access the top six cross-country trails in Blue Hills Reservation.
The Quincy location of Country Ski & Sport (161 Quincy Ave) is just an 8-minute drive from the reservation!
Note that Blue Hills is a general area, but the Blue Hills Ski Area mentioned above is the specific downhill ski area a few miles away.
Ames Nowell State Park
If you love cross-country skiing, Ames Nowell State Park (Linwood St, Abington) is perfect for your adventures.
Miles of trails wrap around the scenic Cleveland Pond and through the surrounding woods.
Country Ski & Sport (901 Winter St, Hanson) also has cross-country skis for rent just a 15-minute drive from the park.
Weston Ski Track
Just a 20-minute drive from Boston, the Weston Ski Track (190 Park Rd, Weston) is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning cross-country skiing.
Over 9 miles of professionally groomed trails, snowmaking, and a full rental shop makes this ski area a classic spot for an afternoon of adventure.
Be sure to check out their iconic lighted cross-country ski trail for exciting night skiing!
Plus, you can get in the holiday spirit this year in Boston with a Cocoa and Carols Cruise.
Nashoba Valley Ski Area
The Nashoba Valley Ski Area (79 Powers Rd, Westford) is a classic mountain if you’re looking for skiing near Boston, with 17 trails, 100% snowmaking, and nighttime hours.
Be sure to visit the Outlook Restaurant or the Sunset Tiki Bar to warm up and enjoy a delicious, hot meal after skiing.
They also have a tubing park for those in your group who aren’t quite ready for a ski adventure.
Ski Bradford
Ski Bradford (60 S Cross Road, Haverhill) boasts some of the best skiing near Boston, with excellent private lessons, night skiing, and trails for every level.
They have a great mix of skiing terrain, including 15 trails, glades, and a terrain park, as well as 100% snowmaking for lighter snow seasons.
This is a perfect ski area for the whole family, with something fun for everyone.
Maudslay State Park
For cross-country skiing near Boston to the north, visit Maudslay State Park (74 Curzon Rd, Newburyport).
This park is special for so many reasons, but its 19th-century gardens, walls, and layout make cross-country skiing within its 480-acre grounds truly magical.
Check out Sports Shop in nearby Wenham for ski rentals and more.
For a classic Newburyport experience, book your accommodations at Essex Street Inn & Suites (7 Essex St).
Maudslay also features in our list of the best things to do on the North Shore all year round.
Ski Ward Ski Area
For a laidback, no-frills ski experience, head to Ski Ward (1000 Main St, Shrewsbury).
Ski Ward is a smaller park compared to other places to ski in Massachusetts, but it still has all the elements for a great ski day with friends and family.
Speed down 9 trails spread across 45 acres, and stop into the fireside lodge to warm up and enjoy a snack after skiing.
Be sure to book your stay at Beechwood Hotel (363 Plantation St) in Worcester!
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
Wachusett Mountain (499 Mountain Rd, Princeton) is one of the larger ski mountains in Massachusetts, standing at over 2,000 feet at the summit.
Choose from any of the 27 trails or the terrain park when you visit, and be sure to explore the reservation-free Black Diamond trails if they match your skill level.
Northfield Mountain Cross Country Ski Area
More than 25 miles of professionally groomed cross-country ski trails are waiting for you at Northfield Mountain (Route 63, Northfield).
Lots of cross-country skiers prefer to avoid snowshoers, and this mountain features separate trails for both winter sports.
Be sure to look into rentals, lessons, and more at the ski center’s website.
Berkshire East Mountain Resort
Berkshire East (66 Thunder Mountain Rd, Charlemont) is the biggest ski resort in Massachusetts, boasting the most skiable terrain in the state and an incredible 31,200-foot long run.
This mountain resort is amazing in so many ways.
Enjoy top-tier snowmaking and trail grooming, incredible dining on the mountain, and gorgeous views of the iconic Berkshire Mountains.
Pick up your lift tickets online at their website.
Maple Corner Farm Cross-Country Skiing
Take part in an iconic New England winter activity: cross-country skiing through the trails at Maple Corner Farm (794 Beech Hill Rd, Granville).
This family-owned and operated farm has been a local institution since the early 1800s.
Located in the foothills of the Berkshire mountains, you can rent skis, take lessons, and enjoy the warm fire at the Ski Lodge after you’ve had an amazing cross-country adventure.
Otis Ridge Ski Camp
Otis Ridge (159 Monterey Rd, Otis) is a longstanding favorite Massachusetts ski resort, established in 1946.
Offering 10 trails, 4 lifts, and tons of lessons and programs, Otis Ridge is a great spot to ski for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
Be sure to stop by the historic Grouse House for lunch and drinks with a view of the ski trails.
Canterbury Farm Ski Touring Center
Canterbury Farm (1986 Fred Snow Rd, Becket) is one of the best Massachusetts ski areas.
This Nordic center offers rentals, lessons, and amazing grooming all winter long.
Check out more than 13 miles of trails through the mountains and at elevations up to 1,700 feet.
Bousquet Ski Mountain Ski Area
It’s not hard to find a good spot to ski in Mass, but Bousquet Mountain (101 Dan Fox Rd, Pittsfield) is one of the classic family ski areas in the state.
This truly gorgeous mountain affords amazing scenery, skiing at almost 2,000 feet elevation, and a more than 750-foot vertical drop.
Try night skiing at the first ski area in the country to offer it!
Hilltop Orchards
Hilltop Orchards (508 Canaan Rd, Richmond) features more than 200 acres of cross-country skiing through an iconic New England apple orchard.
This orchard in the heart of the Berkshires is groomed for skiing trails in the winter, and it’s a great spot to explore.
Stop by the Furnace Brook Winery for a tasting after your ski adventure!
Notchview
Notchview (Old Route 9, Windsor) is one of the most well-known spots for western Mass skiing.
Ski through more than 3,000 acres of trails, much of which sits above 2,000 feet of elevation.
The area is filled with gorgeous spruce trees and northern hardwood forests, making it a magical space to explore and get to know Massachusett’s natural beauty.
With many of the trails groomed for different types of cross-country skiing, you can make the most of your trip by trying out different methods!
Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center
Ski Butternut (380 State Rd, Great Barrington) is truly some of the best skiing in Massachusetts and the greater region.
With more than 100 skiable acres and 100% snowmaking capabilities, this is one of the top Mass ski mountains.
The mountain is thickly settled with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, making it a beautiful experience all winter long.
Mount Greylock Ski Club
One of the oldest ski areas in Massachusetts, Mount Greylock Ski Club (285 Roaring Brook Rd, Williamstown) was founded in 1937.
This ski area is perfect for young families or new skiers who are hoping to learn in a very uncrowded space.
From the smallest hilly meadows to twisting mountain trails, you’ll love skiing Mount Greylock this winter.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort (37 Corey Rd, Hancock) is a truly amazing western Massachusetts ski area.
Ski any of the 45 trails across 167 acres of beautiful Berkshire Mountains, and be sure to check out the incredible 2-mile run, the longest in the park.
This resort runs off of 100% renewable energy, so you can rest assured that you’re skiing the more sustainable choice in the Berkshires.
Ski Season in Massachusetts
The ski season in Massachusetts is pretty variable, but you can usually start skiing in early December through March.
January and February are the best months for skiing, even if it hasn’t snowed as frequently.
Most ski areas and resorts are well-equipped for snowmaking, which helps to extend the snow season into the late fall and early spring.
Final Words
Are you ready to hit the trails and slopes for some awesome skiing in MA this winter? We hope this guide helped you choose all the places you want to go.
Share your favorite local spots in the comments below.