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Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Those who learn to love winter sports (and those who always have!) can take advantage of all four Massachusetts seasons. Whether you are a beginner or a lifelong skier, there are many options for both. Here’s a guide to skiing in Massachusetts, from inexpensive night skiing to slope side luxury.

Family-Friendly and Wallet-Friendly: Skiing in Massachusetts

In general, it is much less expensive to go cross-country (Nordic) skiing. It is a great workout, very family-friendly and a perfect introduction to the sport. For veterans, it’s easy; just grab some skis, check the snow temperature and head out to the nearest suitable spot.

If you are new to skiing, head over to the Weston Ski Track in Weston where you can rent skis, get a lesson, and have the knowledgeable staff help you. Weston has 15 km of natural snow trails and 1- 2.5 kilometers of trails made with help from the Charles River. The snowmaking trails are lit for night skiing, too, which is a good touch.

For children 6-12, a beginner pass, which covers rental, lesson and trail pass, is $59. Over February break, children can take the School Vacation Series, where they’ll meet for one-hour sessions on three days during the week from 2:00-3:00 p.m.; taking part in the series is $192 per student. The Weston Ski Track offers a wide variety of lesson options for adults as well.

mountain with ski trails lit up for night

Berkshire East Night Skiing

For saving on downhill ski trips, take advantage of twilight or night skiing. This is especially good for travel days, because if you are driving to a spot nearby for a long weekend or February vacation, you can settle into your hotel or rental and then spend the late afternoon skiing and grabbing dinner at the local ski hill.

Here are some of the places to explore in the 2025 season (pricing is subject to change; check each resort’s website for restrictions and blackout dates):

Berkshire East – Night tickets start at $28.99

Blue Hills is located moments outside of Boston and $20 ticket for 4:30 – 6:00 on Sunday nights

– Did you know that Bousquet Mountain debuted night skiing in 1936? Twilight tickets start at $46.

Ski Bradford is turning 75 and offering a $25.75 Saturday night ticket

– Night tickets start at $32 at Catamount Mountain Resort

– You can get up to 7 hours of night skiing at Jiminy Peak starting at $54

– If you live in the Greater Boston area, grab a couple hours of midweek runs at Nashoba Valley Ski Area for $55 – be sure to cheer on the student race teams

Otis Ridge is ‘skiing the way it used to be’ and the night skiing rate of $25 is definitely a throwback.

Ski Ward has been the first ski area in the US to open in 2023 and 2024 – check out their night skiing, starting at $45.

– One of the quietest times to ski at Wachusett Mountain is 7:00-9:30 p.m. Rates start at $52.

– While they don’t offer night skiing, you can take an extra weekend day off and head to Ski Butternut for a $25 lift ticket.

All Massachusetts ski areas offer an array of family events, après ski, and packages to make your time with them festive and fun. Not ready to strap on skis or a snowboard? Many ski areas offer a tubing option – a great way to enjoy the winter no matter your ability.

From Ski Slopes to Spas: Luxurious Winter Getaways

Skiing can be intimidating for late learners (aka adults). Massachusetts ski areas are known for their welcoming atmosphere and professional instructor staff. A private ski lesson may be just the thing for you! While many kids seem to do best in group lessons, parents and caregivers deserve to treat themselves to a little one-on-one time. Private lessons generally range from typically start around $150.

picture of a living room and fireplace

Lobby at Tourists Welcome, North Adams, Mass.

For a little off-slope luxury in the Berkshires, the famed Red Lion Inn is a great place to stay, featuring amazing food, a partner spa, grocery and lunch delivery, a reading room, movies and more. TOURISTS Berkshires feels like it brings the outdoors in. The North Adams location is close to everything from snowshoe and cross-country ski trails to famed museums like MassMOCA. All year, there are family arts and adventure classes, S’mores around the fire pit, and the popular ‘Sing for Your Slumber’ live music sessions.

If winter wellness is your thing, you’ll want to explore Nordic Winterland at Canyon Ranch in Lenox. Besides access to groomed cross-country ski trails, activities vary and include winter forest bathing, meditation, yoga, and immune-boosting comfort foods.

Does the ski lodge at lunch time ever feel a too crowded? Are you traveling with teens who insist on a video game break or with little ones who need a quiet place to nap? The Wachusett Mountain Suites are the perfect place to ski-in, ski-out from “your own private living room.” Inside the suite, you can enjoy your meals and downtime while still being in the heart of the action.

 

This post was written by Leah Klein and originally published in 2015.
It was updated in 2025 by staff at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

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