Wachusett Mountain trails were first carved in the 1930s into two distinct areas called Balance Rock and Pine Hill. Today, Balance Rock is still operational and skiers ride both the lower and upper parts of the trail. T-Bars were implemented in the 1960s and became the longest of any T-Bar ski lift in the state of New England. These days, Wachusett Mountain ski area offers 22 ski runs covering both beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. There is also a downhill racing area and a Terrain Park that attracts freestyle skiers and snowboarders on ski vacations.

There are several Massachusetts ski mountains to choose between, including Jiminy Peak and Nashoba Valley. Wachusett Mountain serves thousands of skiers from Boston, and also from Princeton, which it is located in. Worcester locals also frequently use the mountain, especially during wintertime weekends. Considered a mid-sized ski area, the mountain is ideal for families and beginners, but can also accommodate advanced skiers and boarders with 4 black diamond runs. Intermediate levels are best accommodated with 11 mid-range runs while beginners can learn and ride on 7 of the easiest ski runs.

The longest run at Wachusett Mountain ski area is more than 4,000 feet with a vertical rise of 944 feet. It is serviced by a high-speed quad lift called Polar Express which heads up to the top of the more than 2000 foot summit. Polar Kids and Ollie’s Carpet service the two shortest runs—100 and 200 feet respectively— and are called magic carpet lifts used by kids and beginners. In total, Wachusett Mountain ski area offers five lifts, including two detachable quads, as well as cross country trails for a more grounded experience. With 100 percent snowmaking ability, all ski-worthy terrain is covered via five snow grooming vehicles.

Massachusetts Map

Wachusett is one of the favored Massachusetts ski mountains for its great facilities, including the base lodge, called Bullock Lodge Cider House. It’s situated on the lower mountain area and offers cold and hot apple cider provided by the local Red Apple Farm, as well as fresh cider pastries and a variety of other food. Originally constructed in the 1930s, the lodge has a history spanning more than five decades. It’s an ideal spot to take a ski break and grab a bite to eat while skiing Wachusett Mountain.

The Wachusett Ski Train is the easiest mode of transportation for getting to the Wachusett Mountain ski area from Boston. Affiliated with both the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, the Ski Train offers a lift from the North Station in Boston to Fitchburg on weekends only during the winter season, from mid-December through mid-March. A shuttle transports passengers to Wachusett Mountain ski area, less than a half-hour away. Wachusett offers a return shuttle just before 5:00 p.m., in time for the Ski Train back to Boston.

The Wachusett Village Inn is one of the nearby Massachusetts hotels built in Westminster. The country-style inn is ideal for a relaxing getaway and features 74 spacious guest rooms within the lodge and onsite cottages with colonial accents and period furnishings, some with operational fireplaces for the perfect, cozy backdrop during cold winter nights. A restaurant, café, pet-friendly rooms, and a gym are included.

Anyone looking for ski vacation packages will find several great deals for a ski-and-stay vacation at the nearby Chocksett Inn in Sterling for accommodation, lift tickets, and other amenities such as breakfast. During the day, skiers will find several dining choices by the slopes, including a cafeteria-style bistro, a lounge restaurant, and a pub-style eatery. As far as accessibility goes for Massachusetts ski mountains, Wachusett is one of the easiest and most affordable to get to via the Ski Train. It doesn’t, however, accommodate night skiers because of the early return time.