Massachusetts ski areas are an excellent way to enjoy a winter vacation in New England. Although much of Massachusetts is regarded as a summer destination, many people visit the state all year long. Massachusetts is a relatively small state, comparatively speaking, though there are significant climate differences in the west and east areas. The whole state of Massachusetts has cold winters and warm summers but the Berkshires in the west experience the coldest winters making the skiing in Massachusetts the best in the west.

There is some great skiing in Massachusetts, especially at Berkshire East ski hill near Pittsfield. This ski area in the Berkshires is located roughly 1 hour north from Springfield and 2.5 hours from Boston with the best time to visit being February when the mountain's conditions are at its best. Average January temperatures in Pittsfield and the Berkshires are around 22°F (-6°C)while the average July temperature is 68°F (20°C), quite a bit lower than cities and towns near or on the coast such as Nantucket.

Berkshire East has 5 lifts servicing the hill with 17 novice runs, 18 intermediate and 8 expert runs with 2 extreme runs for more adventurous skiing in Massachusetts. There are quite a few dining options at and around Berkshire East making meals convenient, easy and affordable. There are 2 food courts and a lounge on the premises and over 10 various restaurants very close to the ski area. When choosing this area for skiing in Massachusetts there are also many options for accommodations with over 25 lodges, vacation rentals, hotels, inns and B&Bs within the immediate area. Rates vary from $25.00 to $48.00 with full and half day skiing available as well as ski and snowboard rentals. Inquire at the hill for details and check rates before purchasing passes.

Massachusetts Map

Bousquet, MA is another Massachusetts ski resort located in this well known ski area just south of Pittsfield near Springfield. 21 trails that are fairly divided by skill level, 2 double chairs and 3 surface lifts are found at this Massachusetts ski resort. Popular with skiers from Pittsfield seeking a nearby location to hit the hill, this Massachusetts ski resort was established in 1935 and enjoys a great reputation as a relaxed and family oriented ski area. Bousquet offers 750 feet of vertical drop, modern grooming and snow-making and nice, long runs all with the beautiful Berkshire Mountains in the backdrop. Rates run from $15.00 to $32.00 and lessons, night skiing and rentals are available. Be sure to confirm rates. Plenty of dining and lodging is available near Bousquet. Pittsfield is also a great stop for lodging, dining and shopping being so close to Bousquet.

When exploring skiing Massachusetts does have a variety of ski hills which are concentrated in the western region of the state. Butternut Basin, located in Great Barrington near the southwestern Massachusetts/New York border is a great choice when skiing Massachusetts is on the agenda. Butternut has 22 trails, 110 skiable acres and 10 lifts with 3 quads carrying over 13,000 skiers per hour. Elevated at 1800 feet, the longest run is 1.5 miles with a vertical drop of 1000 feet and 100% snowmaking . Rates are assorted as there are many Ski & Stay packages, especially mid-week so inquire at the hill. When skiing Massachusetts Bousquet there is an array of convenient lodging and dining nearby.

Massachusetts ski holidays are popular among residents and visitors as well especially as things to do during a day trip. Other ski hills include Blandford Ski area also found near Springfield, Otis Ski Ridge Area in Otis and Wachusett Mountain in central Massachusetts if going west isn't a Massachusetts ski option. Massachusetts ski hills may not quite compare with ski hills such as those in Vermont, but they do pack a punch and have a range of trail runs suitable for everyone, even the very experienced adrenaline junkie!