By Kimberly Kirchner
Photo: Stephanie Zollshan
Ski Butternut
Great Barrington | skibutternut.com
100 acres; 22 trails, two terrain parks, tubing hill
All of Ski Butternut’s trails are equipped for artificial snowmaking, making it a reliable destination even in unreliable weather.
Off the slopes: You can enjoy a cocktail—and great views—from any of the resort’s decks while watching the skiers zip by. A leveled-up drink menu features local craft beers and spirits, and the “Fe-BREW-ary” event returns this winter, with free beer tastings every Saturday in February at the Upper Lodge.
Insider tip: Skip the ski lift and carry yourself up the mountain: Uphill travel, or “skinning,” is available on select trails during normal hours. Guests can climb to the summit and downhill back, or hike both ways in snowshoes. (Uphill passes are required for visitors without a season pass, and all guests need to check in at the Main Office before heading up.)
One more thing: Waffle service is returning at the base of Main Street, along with the Burrito Bar in the Upper Lodge on weekends. FYI: The french fries and jumbo hot dog combo are a Ski Butternut tradition dating back to 1963.
Otis Ridge
Otis | otisridge.com
60 acres; 18 trails
Otis Ridge first opened in 1946, and retains much of its retro charm: no RFID cards here, for instance. All lift tickets are stamped, the old-fashioned way.
Off the slopes: Visitors can relax in comfort at one of the Ridge’s rental homes. The 4-bedroom, 2-bath Pinnacle House comes with a dedicated office and an outdoor dining area with a gas grill. The 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath Ridge House has a cozy fireplace. Stays can be booked on Airbnb.
Insider tip: The Women’s Sip & Ski Clinic, a four-week course for levels 1 to 4, combines a weekly ski lesson from the pros at Otis Ridge with a night out at the Grouse House, drinks included. Groups are available on Wednesday and Thursday nights, starting January 15 and 16.
Bousquet Mountain
Pittsfield | bousquetmountain.com
200 acres; 22 trails, terrain park, tubing hill
The first ski area in the U.S. to offer night skiing, Bousquet Mountain continues to offer new experiences.
Off the slopes: The recently refreshed Drifters Bar & Restaurant is a cozy après-ski spot. You can warm up with a signature winter cocktail while taking in views of the mountain slopes from the bar or relaxing by the fire.
Insider tip: If it’s your first time visiting (or first time in a long time), Bousquet offers a package deal that bundles a group lesson, lift ticket, and equipment rental. The First-Timer Package includes a basic introduction to turning, stopping, and riding the carpet, and access to the beginner area (magic carpet lift) of the mountain. The Return to Learn Package assumes a little ski or board experience and includes a regular 8-hour lift ticket. Both packages are available to adults, and to children 5 to 17.
One more thing: In the lodge, visitors can find fashion-forward winter layers and Bousquet-branded apparel at a satellite location of The Garden Skate Shop.
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
Hancock | jiminypeak.com
167.4 acres; 45 trails, three terrain parks
Jiminy Peak is one of the largest ski areas in the region and a truly all-inclusive getaway, with multiple restaurants and a general store for groceries.
Off the slopes: If the outdoors are calling, but the slopes aren’t your speed, Jiminy features a network of snowshoe trails covering over 5 miles and 1,200 vertical feet. The most challenging route—a 3.5-mile loop consisting of the John Hancock, West Way, and Left Bank trails—rewards hikers with a view of the Jericho Valley at its summit. Snowshoes are available to rent from Mountain Sports.
Insider tip: Keep an eye on the Snow Report on weekends and holidays for updates on family-friendly activities hosted by the Jiminy Peak Fun Squad (think s’mores-making on the patio or cornhole in the courtyard).
One more thing: The Country Store functions as an all-purpose general store for Jiminy and the town of Hancock, with a coffee shop, deli, catering, groceries, and post office.
Berkshire East Mountain Resort
Charlemont | berkshireeast.com
180 acres; 45 trails, terrain park, tubing hill
Berkshire East is a proud eco-innovator, becoming the first ski resort in the world to generate 100 percent of its electricity from on-site, renewable sources.
Off the slopes: The Crazy Horse Bar & Grill features live music on most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting in late December (schedule available online).
Good to know: Berkshire East’s Snow Tubing Park is no mere bunny hill: It features three 500-foot-long lanes, all groomed to the same standards as the ski slopes, plus a magic carpet to carry riders back to the top and even a dedicated parking lot for ease of access. Sessions take place on weekends through the winter seasons and the full week of Presidents Day, February 17 to 25. (Sessions often sell out; spots can be reserved ahead of time online.) FYI: Riders must be at least 42 inches high.
Catamount Mountain Resort
Egremont, MA and Hillsdale, NY | catamountski.com
119 acres; 44 trails, three terrain parks, tubing hill
Catamount spans the border of New York and Massachusetts. Come nighttime, 22 of the trails are lit up for skiing after dark.
Off the slopes: Fat Cat Burgers & Fries serves up half-pound patties on Berkshire Mountain Bakery buns, in inventive combinations like the Stray Cat (caramelized mushrooms, pickled onion, cheddar, and sriracha mayo). Breakfast can be picked up at the Campfire Bar & BBQ, which has breakfast burritos, gluten-free donuts, and bagels from Great Barrington Bagel Co.
Insider tip: For an offbeat take on downhill racing, check out the annual Cardboard Classic in early 2025. Participants of all ages speed down the slopes in elaborate sleds built with cardboard and tape, competing for awards like Most Creative and Best Team Spirit.
Mohawk Mountain
Cornwall, CT | mohawkmtn.com
112 acres; 26 trails, tubing hill
Mohawk Mountain was opened by snow-making innovator Walt Schoenknecht in 1947, and has stayed in the family ever since. Pine Lodge, the ski-in, ski-out restaurant located midway up the mountain, was once the Schoenknecht family home.
Off the slopes: MMS Outfitters, located on the lower level of the Main Base Lodge, carries snowsport equipment and apparel, as well as accessories and Mohawk Mountain-branded merch.
Insider tip: Mohawk Mountain’s Owlets program is a weekly intro-to-snow session for kids 18 months to 4 years, designed to get kids excited about the wintry outdoors. Each hour-long session is split between an indoor learning activity and an outdoor experience like hula-hooping or snow-castle building. Signups are on a week-to-week, drop-in basis, or can be reserved for the entire 10-week program at a discount.
