4 Best Ski Resorts in Massachusetts, 2023/24

4 Best Ski Resorts in Massachusetts, 2023/24
Karl Sander
Written by Karl Sander / Photos by Jack Lee
Last updated May 22, 2022

The resorts might not be as large but the northern location means you can find some great snow at affordable prices in Massachusetts! Most being family-friendly, they make a perfect destination for a quick getaway from cities including Boston, Albany and Hartford. Here are our top 4 picks!

Ski with stunning views over the Wachusett Lake (Photo credit: Wachusett Mountain)

Why Ski Wachusett Mountain

With over 60% of intermediate terrain, Wachusett may be small but it's a great family-friendly ski resort. In particular, kids will love events like magician visits and “Science on the Slopes”. Boasting beautiful views over the Wachusett Lake and snow making covering 100% of terrain, you’ll be skiing in a winter wonderland! The resort also has 8 lifts that keep the crowds moving. Check out the fantastic dining and bar options both at the base lodge and on-mountain.The freshly baked Belgian waffles are hard to resist! Nearby towns including Princeton and Westminster offer lodging and dining options. Easily accessible from Boston, you can get here in just over an hours drive.

Known for

Small mountain with night skiing and two family trails

Highlights

  • Cheap lift tickets
  • Ideal terrain for beginners and intermediates
  • Good snow coverage with updated snowmaking system
  • Small ski area so it might get crowded

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 23 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Boston Logan Intl. Airport - 98 km (1 hour drive)
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - 106 km (1 hour drive)
Ski with stunning views over the Wachusett Lake (Photo credit: Wachusett Mountain)

Why Ski Wachusett Mountain

With over 60% of intermediate terrain, Wachusett may be small but it's a great family-friendly ski resort. In particular, kids will love events like magician visits and “Science on the Slopes”. Boasting beautiful views over the Wachusett Lake and snow making covering 100% of terrain, you’ll be skiing in a winter wonderland! The resort also has 8 lifts that keep the crowds moving. Check out the fantastic dining and bar options both at the base lodge and on-mountain.The freshly baked Belgian waffles are hard to resist! Nearby towns including Princeton and Westminster offer lodging and dining options. Easily accessible from Boston, you can get here in just over an hours drive.

The high speed lift will whisk you up the mountain (Photo credit: Jiminy Peak)

Why Ski Jiminy Peak

A fantastic resort for new skiers, over half of Jiminy Peak’s 45 trails are suited for beginners. If you’re wanting to have some skiing time for yourself, the KidsRule programme provides an all day ski school inclusive of meals. The fun for kids doesn’t stop there; the Fire and Funzone’s fire pit is a must-visit to enjoy some delicious s’mores or take a ride on the thrilling Mountain Coaster. Jiminy Peak has it all, offering night-skiing on 21 of its trails, three terrain parks and a number of dining options at the base.The Country Inn in the small alpine village offers convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodation and there are more lodging options close by.

Known for

A great resort to learn to ski and offers night skiing

Highlights

  • Efficient lift system with a six-passenger high-speed
  • Lodging options at the mountain and close by
  • Great kids programs and activities
  • Further to travel if you’re coming from Boston

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Nov 25 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Albany Intl. Airport - 61 km (50 min drive)
The high speed lift will whisk you up the mountain (Photo credit: Jiminy Peak)

Why Ski Jiminy Peak

A fantastic resort for new skiers, over half of Jiminy Peak’s 45 trails are suited for beginners. If you’re wanting to have some skiing time for yourself, the KidsRule programme provides an all day ski school inclusive of meals. The fun for kids doesn’t stop there; the Fire and Funzone’s fire pit is a must-visit to enjoy some delicious s’mores or take a ride on the thrilling Mountain Coaster. Jiminy Peak has it all, offering night-skiing on 21 of its trails, three terrain parks and a number of dining options at the base.The Country Inn in the small alpine village offers convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodation and there are more lodging options close by.

Beginner-friendly slopes (Photo credit: Ski Butternut)

Why Ski Ski Butternut

Priding itself on its affordability and family-friendly slopes, Butternut is located inland amongst a beautiful forest landscape. It’s a great resort for intermediate skiers with 60% of its 22 trails being cruisey blue runs, however there’s also a separate beginner area serviced by four magic carpets. Freestylers will love the two sizable terrain parks at the resort. The Twisted Terrain park has unique natural features such as log rides and rock jibs. Besides the great skiing, Butternut has one of the largest snow tubing parks in Massachusetts! With 11 lanes and a designated tubing carpet, you’ll want to spend all day there! On site there are some great dining options, but Great Barrington is just a 7 minute drive away for more restaurants and accommodation.

Known for

Great intermediate trails and fantastic tubing course

Highlights

  • Unique terrain park features
  • Impressive tubing park
  • Snowmaking on all trails
  • No ski-in/ski-out lodging

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 17 2022
  • Closing Date: Apr 02 2023

Closest airports

Albany Intl. Airport - 93 km (1 hour drive)
Beginner-friendly slopes (Photo credit: Ski Butternut)

Why Ski Ski Butternut

Priding itself on its affordability and family-friendly slopes, Butternut is located inland amongst a beautiful forest landscape. It’s a great resort for intermediate skiers with 60% of its 22 trails being cruisey blue runs, however there’s also a separate beginner area serviced by four magic carpets. Freestylers will love the two sizable terrain parks at the resort. The Twisted Terrain park has unique natural features such as log rides and rock jibs. Besides the great skiing, Butternut has one of the largest snow tubing parks in Massachusetts! With 11 lanes and a designated tubing carpet, you’ll want to spend all day there! On site there are some great dining options, but Great Barrington is just a 7 minute drive away for more restaurants and accommodation.

Ski just 30 minutes from Boston! (Photo credit: Blue Hills)

Why Ski Blue Hills

Just a 30 minute drive from Boston, Blue Hills can’t be beat for its accessibility. Although a very small resort covering 25 ha of skiable terrain, there is a mix of beginner to advanced terrain. It’s a great resort for new skiers to learn with a designated beginner area, two magic carpets and affordable ski lessons.There is also night-skiing available on 80% of terrain and you can take advantage of the great lift ticket deals after 5pm! If you’re looking for some dining options, the nearby towns of Canton, Dedham and Norwood have charming restaurants and shops. Blue Hills is more suited for a day trip if you’re staying in Boston.

Known for

Closest ski area to Boston, suitable for beginners on a day trip

Highlights

  • Closest ski resort to Boston
  • Affordable ski lessons
  • Night skiing available
  • Not much challenging terrain for intermediates or advanced

22/23 Ski Season:

  • Opening Date: Dec 28 2022
  • Closing Date: Mar 23 2023

Closest airports

Boston Logan Intl. Airport - 32 km (25 minute drive)
Ski just 30 minutes from Boston! (Photo credit: Blue Hills)

Why Ski Blue Hills

Just a 30 minute drive from Boston, Blue Hills can’t be beat for its accessibility. Although a very small resort covering 25 ha of skiable terrain, there is a mix of beginner to advanced terrain. It’s a great resort for new skiers to learn with a designated beginner area, two magic carpets and affordable ski lessons.There is also night-skiing available on 80% of terrain and you can take advantage of the great lift ticket deals after 5pm! If you’re looking for some dining options, the nearby towns of Canton, Dedham and Norwood have charming restaurants and shops. Blue Hills is more suited for a day trip if you’re staying in Boston.