Whether or not snow is scarce in New England this winter, it doesn’t mean that hitting the slopes is out of the question. If you’re in the Boston area, there are a number of options to consider whether you are planning a trip for one, two, three or more people. Here are the best places to ski when you’re flying solo, want a couple’s getaway, or have your family in tow.
5 Fun Boston Ski Trip Ideas
1. I just want to hit the slopes—alone!
Blue Hills Ski Area, 4001 Washington Street, Canton, MA
For individuals who want to make a quick weekend ski run, the Blue Hills Ski Area is the closest skiing to Boston that you can get. It’s just 16 miles (or 24 minutes) from Boston, located just off I-93, I-95, and Route 128, so it’s easily accessible for solo travelers.
Why it’s great for individuals:
- 9 trails over 60 acres, 4 lifts—intimate enough to make new friends, but large enough if you want to keep to yourself
- Accessible by public transportation! Take the T from South Station to Route 128 for $6.25
- Season pass discounts for college students, evening only tickets, or midweek runs
- New Adult Learn to Ski program on Wednesday evenings offered for first timers or beginners
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Wednesday: 1 pm– 9 pm
Thursday-Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm
Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
*Holiday hours differ; closed Christmas Day
Cost of Adult Lift Tickets:
Monday-Friday: starts from $29-$39
Saturday-Sunday: starts from $35-$45
For More Information:
781-828-5070; www.ski-bluehills.com
2. I want a romantic ski getaway
Stowe Mountain Resort, 416 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672
For couples planning a luxurious weekend away, Stowe Mountain Resort offers fine dining, spa treatments, and plush lodgings in addition to 6 terrain parks for skiing and snowboarding.
Why it’s great for couples:
- More than 45 on- and off-mountain restaurants for date night after a day of skiing
- Over 75 unique stores to buy your loved one a last minute gift
- R&R at Topnotch Resort Spa, ranked as one of the best spas in North America
- Take a mountain tour, go ice skating, watch a show at the Performing Arts Center located in the alpine village of Stowe Mountain Resort
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: earliest slope opens at 7:30 am – 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 am – 4 pm for most slopes (holiday hours are 7:30 am – 5:30 pm on some slopes)
For more information on specific trails, check out the timetable provided on the website.
Cost of Adult Lift Tickets:
$72-$115 (prices may vary according to dates and times of purchase)
For More Information:
800-253-3000; www.stowe.com
3. No romance for me, let’s keep things platonic
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 41 Mile Hill Road, Westminster, MA 01473
If you’re planning a strictly platonic ski trip with a friend, then Wachusett Mountain Ski Area not only has over 22 trails for skiing and snowboarding, but also hosts events such as “Wine, Cheese, Chicks, and Skis” and discount promotions like “Bring a Friend for Fun.”
Why it’s great for a duo:
- The combination of wine, cheese, and skis? Need I say more?
- Cliff Air Bag Event lets participants jump on giant air bags for fun
- Satiate your need for speed by participating in Race Clinics to shave seconds off your run time or by joining a league of racers (no need to be an expert skier/boarder)
- The MBTA provides ride services to Wachusett on the weekends
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 9am – 10pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8am – 10pm
Cost of Adult Lift Tickets:
Monday-Friday: $53-$58
Saturday-Sunday: $60-$65
*Prices for Night lift tickets/Super tickets vary
For More Information:
(978) 464-2300; www.wachusett.com
4. I will be traveling with a group of friends
Waterville Valley Resort, 1 Ski Area Road, Waterville Valley, NH 03215
If you want to plan a getaway with friends but haven’t had a change to work out the logistics, Waterville Valley Resort posts last minute lodging deals on its website. Besides skiing, visitors can also go tubing, take sleigh rides, or go on dogsled excursions.
Why it’s great for groups:
- The town of Waterville has a Recreation Department that puts on events and activities for the general public
- Groups of 20 or more receive complimentary group tickets for leaders, as well as discounts on lift tickets, food vouchers, etc.
- The vacation package deals include access to facilities such as the swimming pool, snowshoes, fat bikes, or sauna.
- Snow tubing, an attraction offered at Waterville, is more fun with a group
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 9 am – 4 pm
Saturday-Sunday/holidays: 8am – 4pm
Cost of Adult Lift Tickets:
Adults: $57-$77
For More Information:
(603) 236-8311; http://www.waterville.com
5. I need to plan a family ski trip
Smugglers’ Notch, 4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Smugglers’ Notch, VT 05464
Smugglers’ Notch has been ranked the number one for families 15 years running by SKI Magazine. Perhaps it’s because off-slope activities include zip-line canopy tours, indoor pools, and rope courses. Or perhaps it’s because there’s a little something for everyone, whether he (or she) is an adventurous child (snow tubing, ice skating, arcade), the harried parent (Mountain Massage Center), the family man (Funzone Family Entertainment Center), the “hip” relative (Bootleggers’ Lounge), or the one who just doesn’t want to be there (check out some of the surrounding nearby hotspots here.)
Why it’s great for families:
- It’s close to the Ben and Jerry’s Factory where families can take tours and learn more about ice cream production
- There’s a child care center, a reliable babysitting operation, and even a program for teens
- A variety of housing options, from studios to 4-bedroom condominiums
- Different vacation packages to fit your family’s needs
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Sunday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (varies by mountain trail)
Cost of Adult Lift Tickets:
Adults (19-64): $56-$72
Youth (6-18) & Senior (65 & older): $44-$54
For More Information:
(800) 419-4615; http://www.smuggs.com
This article was written by Hanna Choi.