Skiing Near Boston (Photos, Tips, Guides)

Where to ski in New England - New England Ski Resorts

New England ski areas give you lots of options for skiing near Boston; as well as snowboarding, tubing, ice skating, sledding and other snow sports.

For the beginner set, and closest to Boston, you might consider visiting Nashoba Valley Ski area in Westford, MA; Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, MA, Ski Bradford in Haverhill, MA and Blue Hills Ski Area in Milton, MA. Each of these locations are under an hour from Boston - and for a bit of a larger mountain definitely try Wachusett Mountain in Princeton.

Special MBTA Commuter Rail ski trains operate on weekends from Boston's South Station to Fitchburg station (1-1/2 hours), from which shuttle buses run you over to Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort (~20 minutes).

Skiing Near Boston, MA - Ski Areas at a Glance

Here's the quick scoop on what you need to know as you narrow down where you might want to hit the slopes.

Massachusetts

Ski Area	Distance	Trails	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Blue Hills	30min 12mi	12	13%	25%	62%
Nashoba Valley	45min, 25mi	17	18%	41%	41%
Ski Bradford	50min, 35mi	12	17%	33%	50%
Ski Ward	50min 45mi	9	30%	30%	40%
Wachusett	75min 64mi	25	30%	40%	30%
Blandford (closed)	2 hrs, 107mi	22	40%	40%	20%
Berkshire East	2 1/2 hrs, 138mi	47	30%	35%	35%
Bousequet	2 1/2 hrs, 136mi	23	34%	34%	33%
Ski Butternut	2 1/2 hrs, 136mi	22	20%	60%	20%
Jiminy Peak	2 3/4 hrs, 152mi	45	22%	45%	33%
Otis Ridge	2 1/8 hours 118 mi	11	70%	70%	30%

 

New Hampshire
Know Before you Go - 2020 Tips from SkiNH

Ski Area	Distance	Trails	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Crotched	2 hrs, 77 mi.	23	28%	50%	22%
Gateway Hills	1 hour, 47 mi.	2	100%	-	-
Pats Peak	90 min. 82 mi.	22	50%	18%	32%
Mount Sunapee	2 hours, 98 mi.	66	26%	49%	25%
Gunstock	2 hours, 99 mi.	55	12%	61%	27%
Ragged	2 1/4 hours, 101 mi.	55	30%	40%	30%
Whaleback	2 hours 20 min, 124 mi.	30	28%	39%	33%
King Pine	2 1/2 hours, 122 mi.	17	41%	31%	25%
Waterville Valley	2 1/2 hours, 129 mi.	54	30%	60%	20%
Loon Mountain	2 1/2 hours, 130 mi.	61	20%	60%	20%
Cranmore Mtn.	3 hours, 138 mi.	54	24%	46%	29%
Cannon	2.5 hours, 143 mi.	97	15%	52%	33%
Bretton Woods	3 hours, 159 mi.	102	35%	40%	25%
Attitash	3 1/4 hours, 176 mi.	68	33%	47%	20%
Black Mountain	3 1/4 hours, 159 mi.	44	34%	32%	34%
Wildcat Mountain	3 1/2 hours, 159 mi.	47	25%	45%	30%

 

Vermont
Know Before you Go: Tips from SkiVT

Ski Area	Distance	Trails	Beginner	Intermediate	Advanced
Mount Snow	2.75 hours, 150 miles	80	16%	66%	18%
Okemo	3 hours, 165 miles	119	32%	36%	32%
Stratton	3 1/4 hours, 157 miles	92	42%	21%	27%
Magic Mountain	3 1/4 hours, 164 miles	40	33%	30%	37%
Killington	3 1/4 hours, 160 miles	140	28%	33%	39%
Bromley	3 1/2 hours, 169 miles	43	35%	34%	31%
Bolton Valley	3 1/2 hours, 208 miles	71	36%	37%	27%
Burke	3 1/2 hours, 189 miles	50	25%	45%	30%
Stowe	3 1/2 hours, 200 miles	116	15%	59%	25%
Sugarbush	3 1/2 hours, 184 miles	111	20%	45%	35%
Middlebury College	3 3/4 hours, 195 miles	17	29%	21%	50%
Smugglers Notch	4 hours, 213 miles	78	19%	50%	31%
Jay Peak	4 hours, 227 miles	76	20%	40%	20%

New England Ski Resorts

Whether you're planning a big-time ski weekend at a top resort in Vermont or New Hampshire, or just a quick day trip to a nearby family friendly slope, you can certainly find a ski area that will suit your needs, and skill level.

Most resorts offer Alpine skiing, snowboarding and freestyling, snow tubing, and snowshoeing, and some offer Nordic cross-country skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, sleigh rides, sledding, and even ziplines.

Photo courtesy of Wachusett Mountain

Most large resorts offer ski & stay deals, or you can grab discount ski packages at places like Costco or from the resorts themselves and rent a place to stay through Airbnb.

• Massachusetts Ski Areas (10 choices; less than an hour to 3 hours from Boston)
• New Hampshire Ski Areas (18 choices; 1 - 4.5 hours from Boston)
• Vermont Ski Areas (15 resorts; 2.5 - 4 hours from Boston)
• Maine Ski Areas (ski areas and resorts, 2.5 - 6.0 hours from Boston)
• Connecticut Ski Areas (4 ski areas, 2.25 - 3 hours from Boston)
• Rhode Island Ski Area (1 ski area, 1.5 hours from Boston)

Massachusetts Ski Areas

Blue Hills Ski Area

Time and distance from Boston: From Downtown Boston on Rt 93S to Rt 128W, it's about 12 miles and 15-30 minutes driving time depending on traffic.
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding (lessons for kids and adults)
Mountain Stats: 309 foot vertical drop, 12 trails, 60 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 90% snowmaking
Trail difficulty: 13% novice, 25% intermediate, 62% advanced

Cool Perks: Closest skiing area in the Boston metro area; reasonably priced

More Information: 1-781-828-5070; Blue Hills

Nashoba Valley Ski Area

Nashoba Valley, is a small, full-service ski area offering lessons, rentals, skiing, and snowboarding.

• Time and distance from Boston: 45 minutes, 25 miles
• Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing (lessons for kids and adults, racing)
• Mountain Stats: 240 ft. vertical drop, 17 trails, 53 skiable acres, 9 lifts, 2 terrain parks, 100% snowmaking
• Trail difficulty: 18% novice, 41% intermediate, 41% advanced

Cool Perks: Close to Boston, low key, excellent instructors, great for learning to ski for kids, magic carpet, tow ropes, live music in the lodge several nights each week

More Information: 1-978-692-3033; Nashoba Valley

Ski Bradford

Ski Bradford is a small ski area located in the Bradford section of Haverhill, MA.  Just a half hour north of Boston, Ski Bradford has offered great skiing for decades with terrain for every skier and great ski lessons.

• Time and distance from Boston: 50 minutes, 35 miles
  Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding (lessons for kids and adults, full-service snack bar)
• Mountain Stats: 248 foot vertical drop, 12 trails, 48 skiable acres, 8 lifts, uphill capacity of 9,600 skiers per hour; 100% snowmaking; terrain park
• Trail difficulty: 17% novice, 33% intermediate, 50% advanced
• Cool Perks: Affordable prices, close to Boston, fun terrain park

More Information: 1-978-373-0071; www.skibradford.com

Ski Ward

Time and distance from Boston: 50 minutes, 45 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing (lessons for kids and adults)
Mountain Stats: 210 foot vertical drop, 9 trails, 5 lifts, 100% snowmaking
Trail difficulty: 30% novice, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced

Cool Perks: 50% Active Duty Military discount, racing teams for all ages; and the Summer TubaSlide

More Information: 1-508-845-1797; Ski Ward Hill website.

Wachusett Mountain

Photo courtesy of Wachusett Mountain

Time and distance from Boston: 1 1/4 hour, 64 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, (lessons for kids and adults, restaurant, cafeteria, coffee shop, apple dumpling slope-side lodge, base lodge lounge)
Mountain Stats: 1,000 foot vertical drop, 25 trails, 110 skiable acres, 8 lifts, 100% snowmaking, longest trail 1 1/2 miles, highest mountain in MA east of the Connecticut River
Trail difficulty: 30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced

Cool Perks: Weekend "Ski Train" service from Boston (From early December through March, take the 8:35am FItchburg Commuter Rail from North Station to Fitchburg, and Wachusett Mountain shuttle will pick you up at the station and take you to the mountain, and bring you back to the station in late afternoon).

More Information: 1-978-464-2300; Wachusett

Berkshire East

Photo courtesy of Berkshire East

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 138 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, racing (3 terrain parks, childcare)
Mountain Stats: 1,180 foot vertical drop, 47 trails, 400 skiable acres, 6 lifts, 100% snowmaking, 2 1/2 mile longest run
Trail difficulty: 30% novice, 35% intermediate, 35% advanced
More: Racing, 3 terrain parks, childcare program, zipline canopy tours and hiking in summer - New England's largest zip destination

Cool Perks: Green skiing: this family-run ski resort's huge wind turbine produces 100% of its power, making it the only ski resort in the world to meet all of its electricity needs with onsite energy.

More Information: 1-413-339-6617; Berkshire East

 

Blandford Ski Area (permanently closed)

Time and distance from Boston: 2 hours, 107 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding (lessons for kids and adults)
Mountain Stats: 465 foot vertical drop, 22 trails, 130 Skiable acres, 4 lifts, 80% snowmaking
Trail difficulty: 40% novice, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced

Blandford

Bousequet Ski Area, Pittsfield Massachusetts

Photo Credit: Bousequet Ski Area

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 136 miles
What you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing (lessons for kids and adults)
Mountain Stats: 750 foot vertical drop, 23 trails, 200 skiable acres, 5 lifts, 3 terrain parks, 85% snowmaking
Trail difficulty: 34% novice, 33% intermediate, 33% advanced

Cool Perks: Affordable rates

More Information: 1-413-442-8316; Bousquet website.

Ski Butternut - Great Barrington, MA

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 136 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, tubing (lessons for kids and adults, terrain park)
Mountain Stats: 1,000 foot vertical drop, 22 trails, 110 Skiable acres, 10 lifts, 100% snowmaking,
Trail difficulty: 20% novice, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced
More: Skiing and snowboarding

Cool Perks: Special rates for police, firefighters, EMS, military, college students, scout troops - and 5th graders ski free.

More Information: 1-413-528-2000; Ski Butternut

 

Otis Ridge Ski Area - Otis, MA

Otis Ridge is a small, old-school ski area located in Otis, Massachusetts. It first opened in 1946 with two surface lifts and a single trail and continues to operate to this day. The mountain is presently owned by Ski Butternut.

More information: 159 Monterey Road, Otis, MA 01253 413-269-4444; Otis Ridge

trail map photo courtesy of Otis Ridge

Jiminy Peak Mountain Area - Hancock, MA

Time and distance from Boston: 2 3/4 hours, 152 miles
What you can do: Skiing, snowboarding
What you'll find: 1,150 foot vertical drop, 45 trails, 170 skiable acres, 9 lifts, 96% snowmaking, longest run 2 miles
Trail difficulty: 22% novice, 45% intermediate, 25% advanced, 8% expert
More: Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, 3 terrain parks

Cool Perks: Southern New England's largest full-service ski resort features an exciting Mountain Coaster (3,600 feet of twisting fun through the woods!), lots of lodging and dining options

More Information: 1-413-738-5500; Jiminy Peak

 

New Hampshire Ski Areas

 

Crotched Mountain Ski Area, Bennington, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Transworld Snowboarding

Time and distance from Boston: 2 hours, 77 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing & snowboarding (with lessons for kids and adults, equipment rentals)
Mountain Stats: 23 trails, 75 skiable acres, 7 lifts, 100% snowmaking.
Trail difficulty: 28% novice, 50% intermediate, 22% advanced
Cool Perks: "Midnight Madness" night skiing until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights during January & February, with slopeside bonfires and concerts - 100% lighted slopes and terrain parks, and discounts for college students

More Information: 1-603-588-3668; Crotched Mountain

 

Gateway Hills Snow Park, Nashua, NH

Time and distance from Boston: 1 hour, 47 miles
What you can do: Skiing, snowboarding (lessons for all ages, equipment rentals)
What you'll find: 40 foot vertical drop, 2 slopes, 1 Magic Carpet lift, night lighting, affordable rates, 100% snow-making coverage
Terrain difficulty: 100% novice. A relaxed environment; good place to learn.

Cool Perks: An affordable option for novices and anyone who enjoys gentle vs more challenging slopes and terrain

More information: 1-603-821-9168; Gateway Hills

 

Pats Peak Ski Area, Henniker New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 1 1/2 hours, 82 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing (weekends and holidays), lessons for kids and adults, equipment rentals, free WiFi in lodges, 3 separate beginner areas with their own lifts, Snowbiking (rentals available), snowshoeing along a marked trail.
Mountain Stats: 710 foot vertical drop, 22 trails and slopes, 7 gladed areas, 72 skiable acres, 10 lifts, 3 terrain parks, 100% snowmaking, 1.5 miles longest run
Trail difficulty: 50% novice, 18% intermediate, 14% advanced, 18% expert

Cool Perks: "POP" (Pay One Price) program on Saturday nights gets you skiing, rental, lesson tips, tubing, and entertainment for one flat fee.

More Information: 1-888-728-7732; Pats Peak

 

Mount Sunapee, Newbury, New Hampshire

Photo Courtesy of Ski NH

Time and distance from Boston: 2 hours, 98 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, NASTAR racing (lessons for kids and adults)
Mountain Stats: 1,510 foot vertical drop, 66 trails, 230 skiable acres, 11 lifts, 97% snowmaking.
Trail difficulty: 26% novice, 49% intermediate, 25% advanced

Cool Perks: Discounts for college students and a variety of weekday savings deals for everyone. Offers the biggest slopes closest to Boston, a very doable day trip from Boston.

More Information: 1-603-763-2356; Mount Sunapee

Gunstock Mountain Resort, Gilford, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Gunstock Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 2 hours, 99 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), snow tubing, racing, cross country, snowshoeing, ziplines, 12 acre terrain park with jumps, rails & kickers and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Mountain Stats: 1,400 foot vertical drop, 55 trails, 227 skiable acres, 3 parks, 8 lifts, longest run 1.5 miles, 90% snowmaking
Trail difficulty: 12% novice, 61% intermediate, 27% expert

Cool Perks: Home to New Hampshire's longest tubing run, largest terrain park close to Boston

More Information: 1-603-293-4341; Gunstock

Ragged Mountain Resort, Danbury, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Ragged Mountain

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/4 hours, 101 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), racing, tubing, ski teams, 10-lane tubing park, and 100% snowmaking.
Mountain Stats: 1,250 foot vertical drop, 55 runs (including glades), 3 terrain parks plus a Learn to Slide beginner park, 244 skiable acres (trails and glades), 2,100 acres total, 7 lifts, 84% snowmaking.
Trail difficulty: 30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% expert
More: Skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids and adults, ski teams,

Cool Perks: Every day the Ski Patrollers hide a plastic flamingo named "Sweeps" somewhere on the mountain . . . if you find Sweeps the Flamingo, bring him to Guest Services, and you'll get a free day of skiing!. Lots of family-oriented fun here including a 10-lane tubing park with carpet lift. The terrain offers challenging slopes for intermediate and some for advanced skiers.

More Information: 1-603-768-3600; Ragged Mountain

 

Whaleback Ski Area, Enfield, New Hampshire

Time and distance from Boston: 2 hours 20 minutes, 124 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, racing (lessons and programs for kids and adults)
Mountain Stats: 700 foot vertical drop, 30 trails, 2 terrain parks, 60 skiable acres, 2 lifts, 85% snowmaking.
Trail difficulty: 28% novice, 39% intermediate, 33% advanced

Cool Perks: Whaleback is owned and operated by the Upper Valley Snow Sports Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to keeping Whaleback affordable to the community.

More Information: 1-603-448-1489; Whaleback

 

King Pine, East Madison, New Hampshire

Photo Courtesy of King Pine Ski Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 122 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), guided snowshoe tours, tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, night skiing, sleigh rides.
Mountain Stats: 350 foot vertical drop, 17 trails, 45 skiable acres, 6 lifts, 100% snowmaking;
Trail difficulty: 44% novice, 31% intermediate, 25% advanced

Cool Perks: King Pine is a part of the Purity Spring Resort located on a private lake, with a small ski village that includes shops, restaurants, entertainment; sleigh rides, fireworks, ice-skating, and kids activities.

More Information: 1-603-367-8896; King Pine

Waterville Valley Resort, Waterville Valley, NH

Photo courtesy of Waterville Valley Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 129 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), cross country skiing, snowshoeing, 4 terrain parks
Mountain Stats: 2,020 foot vertical drop, 54 trails, 255 skiable acres, 10 lifts, 100% snowmaking, 40+ miles of groomed trails
Trail difficulty: 30% novice, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced

Cool Perks: Large ski resort with ski village that includes nice shops, restaurants, a spa, and other amenities; bus ride/lift ticket combo from Boston; and entertainment at the Lodge.

More Information: 1-800-468-2553; Waterville

Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Loon Mountain Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 130 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing and snowboarding (lessons for kids and adults), day and night snow tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, indoor and outdoor climbing walls, ziplining and NASTAR racing.
Mountain Stats: 2,100 foot vertical drop, 61 trails, 370 skiable acres, 7 tree skiing areas, 12 lifts, 99% snowmaking, 6 terrain parks for every level of ability, 425 foot long superpipe, 27 miles of trails, longest trail 2.5 miles,
Trail difficulty: 20% novice, 60% intermediate, 20% advanced

Cool Perks: Activities and entertainment options abound at this resort , plus it has terrific snow-making system. Proximity makes Loon one of the more popular New England ski destination for Bostonians. A great weekend trip.

More Information: 1-603-745-8111; Loon

Cranmore Mountain Resort, North Conway, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Cranmore Mountain

Time and distance from Boston: 3 hours, 138 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), night skiing, tubing park, mountain coaster.
Mountain Stats: 1,200 foot vertical drop, 54 trails, 200+ skiable acres, 10 lifts, 100% snowmaking, longest run 1 mile, 3 terrain parks
Trail difficulty: 24% novice, 46% intermediate, 29% advanced (8 trails and 8 glades)

Cool Perks: Amenities include the mountain coaster, family fitness center, indoor tennis courts, indoor climbing wall, lots of dining options, fireworks, kids programs, and a supervised playroom for young children while you ski. Non-skiers in your group will love shopping in North Conway.

More Information: 1-603-356-5543; Cranmore Mountain

 

Cannon Mountain Resort, Franconia, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Cannon Mountain

Time and distance from Boston: 2.5 hours, 143 miles by I-93 (tolls required); 3.5 hours, 192 miles by I-93 and I-89
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, - spanning 2 mountains (lessons for all ages and skill levels), adaptive sports
Mountain Stats: 2,180 foot vertical drop (the longest in NH!), 97 trails and glades, 285 skiable acres, 11 lifts with 11,000 skiers/hour capacity, 65% snowmaking, terrain parks
Trail difficulty: 15% novice, 52% intermediate, 33% expert

Cool Perks: Cannon ski area spans two mountains: Cannon Mountain and Mittersal Mountain, and features the year-round Aerial Tramway. Childcare and family friendly activities are available. Grab breakfast at Polly's Pancakes!

More Information: 1-603-823-8800; Cannon Mountain

 

Bretton Woods, Carroll, NH

photo credit: BostonCentral

Time and distance from Boston: 3 hours, 159 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, cross country, tubing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ziplining, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, alpine eco tours, alpine racing
Mountain Stats: 1,500 foot vertical drop, 102 trails and glades, 464 skiable acres, 9 lifts with 14,000 skiers/hour capacity, 92% snowmaking, terrain parks
Trail difficulty: 35% novice, 40% intermediate, 25% expert

Cool Perks: With the historic hotel at its center, the enormous 4-season Bretton Woods/Omni Mount Washington Resort offers a huge variety of activities, amenities, and attractions, including one of the longest canopy tours in the U.S.

You'll also love the breath-taking scenery and views. welcoming firepit next to the base lodge, full service spa, & night skiing.  Ten lifts, including the new Bretton Woods Skyway 8-Passenger Gondola and four high-speed quads, make your ride up the mountain almost as fun as when you ski down.

photo credit: BostonCentral

View of Mount Washington from Bretton Woods (note tiny skier)

Places to stay & dine are somewhat limited (AirBNB is another good option):

• Omni Mount Washington Resort
• Omni Bretton Arms Inn at Mount Washington Resort (lovely, and includes breakfast and access to Mt. Washington Hotel Amenities).
• The Lodge @ Bretton Woods (motel-like, but includes access to Mt. Washington Hotel Amenities).

More Information: 1-800-314-1752 or 1-603-278-3320; Bretton Woods

Attitash, Bartlett, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Attitash Mounrtain

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/4 hours, 176 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), cross country skiing, race teams, mountain coaster
Mountain Stats: 2 peaks, 1,750 foot vertical drop on Attitash Mountain, 1,450 foot vertical drop on Bear Peak, 68 trails and glades, 311 skiable acres, 10 lifts, uphill lift capacity of 14,385 people per hour, 23 miles of trails, 98% snowmaking coverage
Trail difficulty: 33% novice, 47% intermediate, 20% advanced

Cool Perks: Large terrain park, with over 1,700 feet of ramps, table tops, huge air hits, jibs, and rails; interchangeable season passes and left tickets with nearby Wildcat Mountain; Mountain coaster covering almost a mile in length.

More Information: 1-603-374-2368; Attitash

Black Mountain, Jackson, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Black Mountain

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/4 hours, 159 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding (lessons for kids and adults), race programs
What you'll find: 1,100 foot vertical drop, 44 trails and glades, 143 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 98% snowmaking
Trail difficulty: 34% novice, 32% intermediate, 34% advanced

Cool Perks: This 4-season White Mountains resort offers terrific views, a southern exposure, a nice balance of trails, and smaller crowds than some of its other White Mountain neighbors. The nearby village of Jackson, features some great restaurants, music, entertainment, and shopping.

More Information: 1-603-383-4490; Black Mountain

 

Wildcat Mountain, Jackson, New Hampshire

Photo courtesy of Wildcat Mountain

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 159 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding (lessons for kids and adults), 1/2 mile long zip rider
Mountain Stats: 2,112 foot vertical drop, 47 trails, 225 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 90% snowmaking
Trail difficulty: 25% novice, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced

Cool Perks: Amazing views of Mount Washington, Mount Adams, and Mount Madison; Long top-to-bottom runs, (2.75 miles), and New England's most powerful quad chairlift (2,112' vertical in 6 minutes). Interchangeable lift tickets with nearby Attitash.

More Information: 1-603-466-3326; Wildcat Mountain;

 

Vermont Ski Areas

Bolton Valley Resort, Bolton Valley, Vermont

Photo courtesy of Bolton valley Ski Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 208 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), telemark, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, night skiing, snowshoeing, racing
Mountain Stats: 1,704 foot vertical drop, 71 trails, 300 skiable acres, 6 lifts, 60% snowmaking, 3 terrain parks, 312 inches average annual snowfall
Trail difficulty: 36% novice, 37% intermediate, 27% advanced

Cool Perks: The large indoor sports center for winter season features an indoor pool, spa, basketball, jacuzzi, sauna, aerobics, fitness equipment, and sports bar; affordable lift ticket prices for college students and night skiing.

More Information: Bolton Valley

Bromley Mountain, Peru, Vermont

photo credit: BostonCentral

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 169 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, zip riding, lessons for kids and adults; nearby: ice skating, dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country skiing
Mountain Stats: 1,334 foot vertical drop, 43 trails, 300 skiable acres, 10 lifts, 80% snowmaking, 4 terrain parks spanning the mountain
Trail difficulty: 35% novice, 34% intermediate, 31% advanced

Cool Perks: This is one of the few sun-facing mountains in the Northeast. All the fun family-oriented activities in the area; spectacular scenery; great amusement park to check out for a return visit during the summer

• More Information: 1-802-824-5522; Bromley Mountain

Burke Mountain Ski Area, East Burke, Vermont

photo credit: BostonCentral

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 189 miles
What you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), cross-country skiing, showshoeing
Mountain Stats: 2,011 foot vertical drop, 50 trails and glades, 178 skiable acres, 4 lifts with 4,780 person/hour capacity, 70% snowmaking, 3 terrain parks, average annual snowfall of 217 inches
Trail difficulty: 25% novice, 45% intermediate, 30% advanced

Cool Perks: Burke Mountain is home to the famous Burke Mountain Academy, producer of 45 Olympians. Tuning shop on-site for same-day service. Skiing is great and the lines are much shorter here. The resort recently opened a new slopeside hotel with lots of amenities.

More Information: 1-413-528-2000; Burke Mountain

Jay Peak Resort, Jay, Vermont

photo courtesy of Jay Peak

• Time and distance: from Boston: 4 hours, 227 miles
• Stuff you can do: Downhill, cross country, snowshoe tours, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, enormous indoor waterpark
• Mountain Stats: 2 peaks, 50+ miles of skiable terrain, 385+ skiable acres, 100+ acres back-country skiing, and 76 trails, glades, and chutes. Trails: 20% novice, 40% intermediate, 40% advanced. Longest trail is 3 miles.
• Cool Perks: Large indoor waterpark, a new hotel, a new lodge, a new ice rink . . . plus snowmaking upgrades and more. A year-round resort (think golf, hiking) and less than 3 miles from the Canadian border.

More Information: Jay Peak

Killington Resort, Killington, Vermont

Photo Credit: BostonCentral

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/4 hours, 160 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), cross country skiing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling

Mountain Stats: 6 mountains, 3,050 foot vertical drop, 140 trails, 752 skiable acres, 22 lifts with uphill capacity of 38,315 people/hour, 70% snowmaking, 7 terrain parks, 500 foot long superpipe, 71 miles of trails, 250" (635cm) of annual average natural snowfall
Trail difficulty: 28% novice, 33% intermediate, 39% advanced / expert

Cool Perks: Killington offers diverse terrain over the span of six mountains, the world's most extensive snow making system covering 600 acres, and a generally lengthy spring skiing season (conditions permitting). Renowned nightlife at Wobbly Barn, college student and military discounts; great variety of dining options.

More Information: 1-802-422-3261; Killington

Magic Mountain

Photo courtesy of Magic Mountain

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/4 hours, 164 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snow tubing (Skiing lessons for kids and adults), cross country skiing and showshoeing nearby at Viking Nordic Centre.
Mountain Stats: 1,700 foot vertical drop, 40 trails, 135 skiable acres, 4 lifts, 70% snowmaking

Trail difficulty: 33% novice, 30% intermediate, 37% advanced and expert

Cool Perks: Step back in time a for an old school skiing experience. Great terrain, old school lodge. Magic has 6 total lifts. 2 of them are fixed grip chairlifts that service the upper mountain. The Red Chair (2 person) and Black Chair (2 person ) service the top of the mountain. The Green chair (2 person) services the mid-mountain. Because these chairs are fixed grip, they are rarely on wind hold. 2 handle tows at the base service the terrain park and one that services the tubing park.

More Information: 1-802-824-5645; Magic Mountain

Middlebury College Snow Bowl

Photo courtesy of Middlebury Snow Bowl

Time and distance from Boston: 3 3/4 hours, 195 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding (lessons available for kids and adults)
Mountain Stats: 1,050 foot vertical drop, 17 trails, 110 skiable acres, boundary-to-boundary access to 500+ acres wooded terrain, 3 lifts, 35% snowmaking
Trail difficulty: 29% novice, 21% intermediate, 50% advanced

Cool Perks: Features a historic lodge with original fieldstone fireplace, and a cafeteria. Rentals & tuning onsite. Owned by Middlebury College, and popular with college students and local families. This is a great insider's choice for those wanting to escape the crowds at the bigger resorts.

More Information: Middlebury College

Mount Snow, West Dover, Vermont

Photo courtesy of Mount Snow

Time and distance from Boston: 2.75 hours, 150 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults, equipment rentals), tubing, dog sledding, ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Mountain Stats: 1,700 foot vertical drop, 80 trails, 588 skiable acres across all 4 faces of Mount Snow, 20 lifts, including one with 6-person bubble chairs (30,370 people per hour total capacity), 80% snowmaking, 37 miles of trails, 10 terrain parks across 100 acres, 1 superpipe
Trail difficulty: 16% novice, 66% intermediate, 18% advanced
Cool Perks: Carinthia is a high end, well maintained terrain park (separate mountain area & lodge) with 80 features and nearly 5 miles of terrain trails. Discounts for college students.

More Information: 1-800-245-7669; Mount Snow

Okemo Mountain Resort, Ludlow, Vermont

Photo Credit: BostonCentral

Time and distance from Boston: 3 hours, 165 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), NASTAR, alpine racing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing
Mountain Stats: 2,200 foot vertical drop, 119 trails, slopes, and glades, 632 Skiable acres, 19 lifts with uphill capacity of 33,450 riders/hour, 96% snowmaking, longest trail 4.5 miles, 5 mountain areas (2 peaks, 2 faces, 1 ridge), 6 terrain parks and 1 superpipe
Trail difficulty: 32% novice, 36% intermediate, 32% advanced/expert

Cool Perks: The 4-season Okemo Mountain Resort features a mountain coaster at the Jackson Gore Lodge, firepits, small tubing area with lift carpet, ice skating rink (artificial surface), ski and snowboarding school with 400+ teaching professionals. Known for being family-friendly.

More Information: 1-802-228-4041; Okemo Mountain

Smuggler's Notch

Photo Courtesy of Smugglers Notch Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 4 hours, 213 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults) cross country skiing, show-shoeing, dog sledding, snowmobile touring, snowcat tours, ice skating, zipline canopy tour, indoor pool, ice skating rink, arcade & gaming center.
Mountain Stats: 3 interconnected mountains with Vermont's biggest drop: 2,610 foot vertical, 78 trails, 1,000 skiable acres (largest in VT), 8 lifts, 62% snowmaking, 5 terrain parks, average annual snowfall of 322 inches.
Trail difficulty: 19% novice, 50% intermediate, 31% advanced - including 5 black diamond trails, and The Black Hole - the only Triple Black Diamond in the East.

Cool Perks: Three mountains with great terrain, this 4 season resort offers many family friendly activities, apres ski firepit, pool, hot tubs, winter carnival, shuttle busses, and on-site restaurants, including a Ben & Jerry's shop.

More Information: 1-802-644-8851; Smuggler's Notch

Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe, Vermont

photo courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 200 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), racing, dog sled tours
Mountain Stats: 2,360 foot vertical drop, 116 trails, 485 skiable acres, 13 lifts with 15,000 person/hour capacity, 80% snowmaking, 2 freestyle terrain parks, halfpipe, longest run 3.7 miles, average annual snowfall of 333 inches
Trail difficulty: 15% novice, 59% intermediate, 25% advanced

Cool Perks: Two mountains divided into 6 areas for skiers and snowboarders, Gondola to the peak, high-end lodge at the base with a restaurant, ice skating rink, firepits, spa, and lots of amenities. Town of Stowe also features great restaurants.

More Information: 802-253-3000; Stowe Mountain Resort

Stratton - Stratton, VT

photo courtesy of Stratton Mountain

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/4 hours, 157 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), cross-country skiing, NASTAR racing, ice skating on Stratton Village Pond, tubing, snowshoeing tours.
Mountain Stats: Highest peak in Southern VT, 2,003 foot vertical drop, 92 trails, 600 skiable acres, 39 skiable miles, 16 lifts (29,550 capacity), terrain parks. Trail difficulty: 42% novice, 31% intermediate, 27% advanced. 90% snowmaking.

Cool Perks: Great terrain parks for snowboarders. Free parking and free shuttle between resort areas and hotels, equipment rentals, plenty of dining options, indoor swimming pool and tennis, fitness center, shopping in Stratton Village, discount outlets 20 minutes away in Manchester, VT.

More Information: 1-800-787-2886; Stratton

Sugarbush

Photo courtesy of Sugarbush

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 184 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), NASTAR racing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice skating, mountain and outback tours

Mountain Stats: 2,600 foot vertical drop, 111 trails totaling 53 miles, 508 skiable acres, 16 lifts, 70% snowmaking, 2,000 acre wilderness area, 3 terrain parks, 269" average annual snowfall
Trail difficulty: 20% novice, 45% intermediate, 35% advanced/expert

Cool Perks: Resort includes 2 mountains, 6 peaks, a terrain park, 11 wooded areas, and lots of varied terrain. Amenities include indoor pool, indoor tennis and racquetball, rock-climbing gym, and a variety of restaurants.

More Information: 1-802-583-6300; Sugarbush

Suicide Six (now Saskadena Six),  Woodstock, VT

photo credit: BostonCentral

Time and distance from Boston: 2 1/2 hours, 141 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding (lessons for kids and adults),
Mountain Stats: 650 foot vertical drop, 24 trails and slopes, 100 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 50%snowmaking, 2 terrain parks; longest run is 1 mile (5,280 feet)
Trail difficulty: 30% novice, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced

Cool Perks: Smaller mountain with an old-school feel, pretty wooded trails, with a focus on family-oriented fun. Discounts for college students, military, and Woodstock Inn guests.

More Information: 1-802-457-1622; Saskadena Six

Maine Ski Areas

Sunday River Resort, Newry, Main

Photo courtesy of Sunday River SKi Resort

Time and distance from Boston: 3 1/2 hours, 170 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snow tubing, ziplining and night skiing.
Mountain Stats: 8 mountain peaks, 1,630 foot vertical drop on White Cap, with a total vertical descent across all 8 mountains of 2,340 feet, 132 trails, 671 skiable acres plus 1,000+ more acres for boundary-to-boundary skiing/riding, 16 lifts with a capacity of 40,000 skiers/hour, 92% snowmaking, 4 terrain parks, 1 superpipe, 1 mini pipe.
Trail difficulty: 33% novice, 36% intermediate, 31% advanced and expert

Cool Perks: This huge family-friendly ski resort stretches for 3 miles over 8 mountain peaks so there's plenty of space, and a wide variety of terrain. Fun music & entertainment at The Foggy Goggle, and fireworks.

More Information: 1-207-824-3000; Sunday River.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Carrabassett Maine

Time and distance from Boston: 4 1/2 hours, 230 miles
Stuff you can do: Skiing, snowboarding, (lessons for kids and adults), cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, ziplining

Mountain Stats: 2 mountains, 2,820 foot vertical drop, 153 trails and glades, 1,056 skiable acres, 15 lifts with capacity of 21,810 skiers/hour, 53% snowmaking, 3 terrain parks, superpipe, longest trail 3.5 miles, average annual snowfall 200 inches
Trail difficulty: 22% novice, 33% intermediate, 45% advanced and expert

Cool Perks: Largest ski area east of the Rockies; Only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the East. The greatest continuous vertical drop in New England. Concerts, nightlife. Overnight ski check service.

More Information: 1-207-237-2000; Sugarloaf

 

Where to Go Night Skiing in New England

New England Night Skiing	State	Info
Abenaki	NH	Open for night skiing until 7pm Wednesday-Saturday, and until 6pm on Sundays.
Bretton Woods	NH	Twilight (2pm-8pm) and Night (4pm-8pm) ticket options are  available.
Cranmore Mountain	NH	Open for night skiing until 8pm on Saturdays and holidays
Granite Gorge	NH	Night skiing is offered until 8pm Thursday-Saturday nights and 6pm on Wednesday nights.
Gunstock	NH	Night Sessions offers an all-mountain night lift ticket, rentals, Quick Tips from roaming instructors, and 2 runs on the Tubing Hill or the Mountain Coaster.
King Pine at Spring Resort	NH	Night skiing is offered from 4-9pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and during holiday periods.
McIntyre Ski Area	NH	Night skiing is offered until 6:00pm, Sunday-Tuesday and until 9:30pm Wednesday-Saturday.
Pats Peak	NH	Night skiing is normally offered until 9pm Monday-Thursday, and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights.
Wachusett Mountain	MA	Open every night for night skiing from 4pm - 10pm
Ski Ward	MA	Night skiing on weekdays from 4pm - 9pm; Saturday & Holidays 5pm - 9pm.
Ski Bradford	MA	Twilight M-F from 3pm - 9pm; Night skiing 5pm - 9pm
Nashoba Valley Ski Area	MA	Night/twilight skiing Wednesday-Thursday (3pm/5pm-8pm),  Friday (3pm/5pm - 9pm), Saturday (3am/5pm - 9pm),  Sunday 3pm - 9pm.
Blue Hills Ski Area	MA	Night skiing all week 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Bousequet	MA	Night skiing Monday - Saturday from 3:00pm - 9:00pm
Jiminy Peak	MA	Twilight skiing & riding through 10:00pm
Ski Blandford	MA	Open for night skiing MWF and Saturdays from 3:00pm - 9:00pm
Berkshire East	MA	Night skiing offered from Wednesday - Saturday nights from 4:30/5:00pm - 9:00pm

 

Where to go Cross Country Skiing in New England

Cross country skiing is another great way to get outdoors, into the wilderness, and explore trails covered with snow.  Visit our guide to Cross-Country skiing near Boston to find some terrific Nordic ski centers near you.

It’s also terrific exercise and can be much easier on your knees and joints than running on pavement or tackling rugged snowshoe trails.

Snow Tubing is another easy, fun winter activity to entertain kids of all ages.  There are several tubing mountains in the Boston area to enjoy.

For more information about things to do in the Boston Area in the Winter, visit our Winter Guide to Family Fun in Boston, a list of where to ice skate in Boston, and our February Vacation Guide.  

You can also stay on top of all the fun happenings in Boston with our Boston events calendar.  We highlight lots of family-friendly events and activities to help you make the best of your free time.  

Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for over 20 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.