20 Best Ski Resorts Near Boston (‘23-’24 Season)

a person riding skis down a snow covered slope

Hitting the slopes at one of the many ski resorts near Boston is the perfect winter activity. And if I’ve learned anything as a long-time Boston local, it’s that New Englanders are serious about their winter sports. 

Luckily, many ski resorts can be done as weekend getaways or day trips from Boston. This list covers the best nearby ski areas highlighting local favorites, popular tourist resorts, and amenities at each place.

Whether you’re an expert skier or a family hitting the slopes for the first time, there’s a ski destination for you. 

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20 Best Ski Resorts Near Boston

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area

⛷️ A medium-sized resort for all ski levels, plus views of the Boston skyline.

people standing in the snow next to a building

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Wachusett Mountain Ski Area is the best ski resort near Boston. It has terrains for beginner, intermediate, and expert levels. There are 26 trails for skiing and snowboarding.

The ski resort offers day and night skiing with views of the Boston skyline. When you need a break, snack on freshly made cider donuts with warm cider to wash it down. 

Fun fact: “Wachusett” is Algonquin for “great hill,” which is perfect since this ski resort overlooks the city of Boston.

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 24
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 76 inches / 193.04 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,000 feet / 304.8 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 2,006 feet / 611.42 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 53 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$

Bousquet Mountain Ski Area

⛷️ The local community is what makes Bousquet Mountain special.

people riding on top of a ski lift

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The Bousquet Ski Area is a family-oriented ski resort in Western Massachusetts. It is located in the heart of the Berkshires on Taconic Mountain. It’s the oldest ski resort in the area and has 23 trails for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. 

The Bousquet Ski Area recently opened a new lodge. It has a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic. It features a lobby, communal spaces, ski equipment rental, and a new restaurant with mountain views.   

Fun fact: President John F. Kennedy visited Bousquet Ski Area in 1958. The ski area has also produced top skiers like Olympian, Heidi Voelker.

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 14
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 83 inches / 210 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,125 feet / 343 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 572 feet / XX cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 136 miles
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $

Blue Hills Ski Area

⛷️ The closest skiing area to Boston with stellar views of the city.

people riding skis on top of a snow covered slope

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The Blue Hills Ski Area is the closest resort to Boston, located in Canton, Massachusetts on the Great Blue Hill. This is the highest point in the greater Boston area. Blue Hills offers a variety of terrain with amazing views of the city.

The Blue Hills Ski Area is a wonderful place for families to enjoy winter sports. It offers 60 acres of accessible skier and rider terrain. So, you can ensure that everyone can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in a fun and safe environment. 

The ski area has 12 trails for skiing and a terrain park. Blue Hills offers night skiing on most of its terrains. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 26
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 19 inches / 48.26 cm
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 635 feet / 193.55 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 17.6 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $

Ski Bradford

⛷️ Affordable family skiing located an hour outside of Boston.

a young boy riding skis down a snow covered slope

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Ski Bradford is a small ski area just 40 miles north of Boston in the town of Bradford, just outside of Haverhill, Massachusetts. Here, you can enjoy skiing at affordable prices.

Ski Bradford is a great beginner ski resort. It caters to local families and teaches young kids how to ski. It offers 15 trails of alpine skiing and snowboarding. 

The resort offers equipment you can rent. However, having your own equipment makes getting to the slopes faster. Overall, Ski Bradford is a great value. I recommend half-day passes, which will give you plenty of time to see the whole mountain. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 26
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 10 inches / 25.4 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,300 feet / 396.2 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 1,548 feet / 471.83 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 40 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $

Nashoba Valley Ski

⛷️ One of New England’s largest snow tubing facilities, just outside of Boston. 

a person riding skis down a snow covered slope

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking

Nashoba Valley Ski Area is located in Westford, Massachusetts. It is less than an hour’s drive from Boston. This is a full-service ski area with equipment rentals, a ski shop, lessons, skiing, snowboarding, and more. 

Nashoba Valley has 17 trails for skiing and snowboarding. There is even a snow tube park with 16 lanes of fun. Grab something to eat at the resort’s Outlook Restaurant & Bar. Snag a seat by the slopes and enjoy your meal while watching the skiing and snowboarding in action.  

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 17
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 41 inches / 104.14 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 200 feet / 60.96 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 440 feet / 134.11 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 32 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$

Butternut Ski Area

⛷️ An affordable family-friendly ski resort in the Berkshire Mountains.

people riding skis down a snow covered slope

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking

Butternut Ski Area is a family resort located in Western Massachusetts. It is a dream spot for families and a great place for kids to learn how to ski.  

The small resort offers snowboarding and skiing lessons. Butternut Ski Area has 22 trails for beginner, intermediate, and expert levels. All slopes lead down to the main area. So, if you happen to get separated from family or friends, you can all meet at the bottom. 

Butternut Ski Area also has a 7-lane tubing center. It was even rated #6 in Best Snow Tubing Park by USA Today. This ski resort is a great place to make memories as a family.

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 15
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 64 inches / 162.56 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 820 feet / 249.93 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 1,800 feet / 548.64 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 139 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $

Ragged Mountain Resort

⛷️ This ski resort is home to a summit 6-pack chair lift and ski school. 

snow covered mountains on a sunny day

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Ragged Mountain Resort is a hidden gem ski resort in Danbury, New Hampshire. It’s a fantastic place to ski and snowboard in New England. 

The resort features an awesome, high-speed 6-person chair lift. There are a variety of slopes accessible to all levels, as well as a new snow tubing park. The resort also features a ski school with private and group lessons for all ages. 

Ragged Mountain Resort has state-of-the-art snow-making abilities, too. The snow surfaces on its trails are impeccable. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 30
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 100 inches / 254 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,000 feet / 304.8 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 2,250 feet / 685.8 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 98 miles
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$

Gunstock Mountain Resort

⛷️New Hampshire’s closest ski resort to Boston is popular for night skiing. 

people riding skis down a snow covered slope

📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book Your Stay on Booking

Gunstock Mountain Resort is New Hampshire’s closest ski resort to Boston. The family-friendly resort is known for its night skiing and terrain, with nearly 50 ski trails to enjoy. 

Gunstock Mountain Resort makes for a great day trip or weekend ski getaway. Visitors can enjoy a safe and fun ski experience alongside views of Lake Winnipesaukee. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 8
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 91 inches / 231.14 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 867 feet / 264.26 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 2,240 feet / 682.75 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 102 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$ 

Berkshire East Mountain Resort

⛷️ A family-run resort off of the scenic Mohawk Trail in Western Massachusetts.

people riding skis on top of a snow covered slope

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Berkshire East Mountain Resort is the most varied ski area in Southern New England. It has 45 trails of skiing and snowboarding to accommodate all levels, from beginner to extreme. 

This resort offers year-round adventure. From skiing and snow tubing in winter to zip-lining and white water rafting in summer. It is also home to North America’s largest mountain coaster. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 17
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 63 inches / 160.02 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 520 feet / 158.49 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 1,840 feet / 560.83 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 113 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$

Stowe Mountain Resort

⛷️ A luxury Alpine skiing resort connecting two mountains in Vermont.

snow covered mountains in the distance

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Stowe Mountain is a popular destination in Vermont. Stowe Mountain Resort is a luxury ski area located at the base of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.

Stowe Mountain Resort offers 116 trails for Alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. This popular resort can be enjoyed year-round. Summer activities include ziplining, hiking, and rock climbing. 

Stay at the Lodge at Spruce Peak for slopeside accommodations. The luxury hotel and spa is located at the base of the mountains. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 17
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 314 inches / 797.56 cm
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 4,395 feet / 1,339.59 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 204 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$ 

Okemo Mountain Resort

⛷️ This ski resort is home to the highest vertical drop in Southern Vermont.

a ski lift going down a snow covered slope

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Okemo Mountain Resort has the highest vertical drop of 2,200 feet in Southern Vermont. The family-oriented resort offers 121 trails of scenic skiing and snowboarding designed for all levels. 

There is so much fun to be had at Okemo Mountain Resort. There is a slopeside tubing park and ice skating in a hockey skating arena. Try snowmobiling the backcountry of Okemo or enjoy a snowshoe course along the Black River. 

Okemo Mountain Resort is only 120 miles from Boston, so you can enjoy summertime outdoor adventures, too. This includes golfing, ziplining, and off-roading. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 17
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 111 inches / 281.94 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,144 feet / 348.69 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 3,344 feet / 1,019.25 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 120 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$

Cannon Mountain Ski Resort

⛷️ This ski resort is known to have the longest vertical drop in all of New Hampshire.

a snowy mountain covered in snow with trees

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Cannon Mountain Ski Resort is nestled in Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire. It’s best known for its vertical drop of 2,180 feet. There are 81 trails of varied terrain for all levels across two mountains. 

Cannon Mountain is generally aimed at more experienced skiers. However, the Tuckerbrook Family Area is where families and beginners can learn together.  

Grab a casual bite of sandwiches, snacks, beer, or wine at Cannonball Pub. Cannon Mountain is also home to the New England Ski Museum, located at the base of the ski area.

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 2
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 135 inches / 342.9 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,850 feet / 563.88 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 4,080 feet / 1,243.58 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 141 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$ 

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

⛷️ The largest ski resort in Massachusetts with challenging terrain.

a person standing in the snow next to a cabin
a grassy area with a couple of people on a bench

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Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is a large ski area in the Berkshires. It features 45 trails of alpine skiing and snowboarding in the Taconic Mountains. 

There is difficult terrain for experienced skiers and boarders. There are also trails for beginners to go at their own pace and intermediates to cruise through. You can also enjoy snow tubing, snowshoeing, heated pools, and a mountain coaster. 

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is a three-hour drive from Boston. It’s a great resort for family trips or weekend getaways with friends. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 24
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 76 inches / 193.04 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,245 feet / 379.47 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 2,380 feet / 725.42 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 155 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$$

Waterville Valley Resort

⛷️ A popular destination for Bostonians within the White Mountain National Forest.

a snowy landscape with trees and snow capped mountains

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Waterville Valley is a small mountain village in New Hampshire. It sits atop Mount Tecumseh, at the heart of the White Mountains. It is nestled in a natural snow pocket with a variety of terrain for Alpine and Nordic skiing. 

Waterville Valley Resort offers 52 trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts. All trails are on one mountain, which makes it easy to keep your group together.

Only two hours away from Boston, Waterville Valley has something for everyone. Visitors have access to snowboarding, snow tubing, ski bikes, snowshoeing, snowscoots, ski foxes, and snowblades. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 25
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 111 inches / 281.94 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,820 feet / 554.73 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 4,004 feet / 1,220.41 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 128 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$$ 

Ski Ward Ski Area

⛷️ A fun and affordable Massachusetts ski resort that opens early in the ski season. 

people riding skis down a snow covered slope

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Ski Ward Ski Area is a fun and affordable ski resort located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. This ski area features 9 trails of skiing and snowboarding for all levels, from beginners to intermediates and advanced to experts. There is even a snow tubing slope with 8 lanes!

Ski Ward is one of the first ski resorts to open each season because of its all-weather snow-making technology. This allows the small ski area to make snow in high outdoor temperatures (even as high as 76℉!).

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: October 22
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 26 inches / 66.04 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 210 feet / 64 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 420 feet / 128 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 38 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$

📚 Related Reading: The Best Time to Visit Boston

Stratton Mountain Resort

⛷️ An iconic ski destination with a picturesque New England village.

a snow covered slope with a train going down it

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Stratton Mountain Resort is known for its village, Stratton Village, in Vermont. This picturesque New England village is full of family-friendly shops, lodging, and dining options. There’s also a spa and places for nightlife.

Stratton Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding on its 100 trails. The trails are evenly divided for advanced, intermediate, and novice levels.

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 22
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 180 inches / 457.2 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,872 feet / 570.58 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 3,940 feet / 1,200.91 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 143 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$$ 

Mount Sunapee

⛷️ An easy day trip from Boston for beginner-friendly skiing.

a sign on the side of a snow covered mountain

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Mount Sunapee is located in New Hampshire, about a 90-minute drive from Boston. Visitors have access to a wide variety of terrain across 66 trails. 

This ski destination is popular for being friendly for all levels and ages. There is an entire mini-mountain dedicated to beginners. Newbies can learn to ski in a separate area from the main mountain on South Peak.

You can also take a guided winter hike at the southern end of Lake Sunapee. It is a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of nature in a winter setting. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 23
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 100 inches / 254 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,230 feet / 374.9 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 2,743 feet / 836.06 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 101 miles
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$

Mount Snow Resort

⛷️Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and dog-sledding in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont.

a ski lift that is on top of a mountain

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Mount Snow Resort is located in the Green Mountains of Southern Vermont. This ski destination offers many unique winter experiences for the whole family. 

Mount Snow offers skiing and snowboarding slopes suitable for all levels. You can also experience dog sledding with an opportunity to be a musher, aka, the driver. Take twists and turns through the wooded hills on a snowmobile!

Mount Snow Valley has plenty of bed & breakfasts, inns, and hotels. Make it a weekend getaway at The Grand Summit Resort hotel. Its amenities include a spa, health club, dining, and more. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: November 23
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 126 inches / 320.04 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,900 feet / 579.12 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 3,600 feet / 1,097.28 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 140 miles
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$$$ 

Pats Peak Ski Area

⛷️ This ski resort is home to the longest top-to-bottom beginners run in New Hampshire.

a pair of skis on top of a ski lift

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Pats Peak Ski Area is New Hampshire’s most accessible ski destination. It’s a go-to spot for learning to ski and snowboard. It features a variety of terrain for all levels with 28 trails.

The ski area is only a 90-minute drive from Boston. There are three areas dedicated to beginners. It is also home to the longest top-to-bottom beginner runs in all of New Hampshire. 

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 1
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 68 inches / 172.72 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 680 feet / 207.26 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 1,480 feet / 451.10 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 82 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$

Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride

⛷️ This ski area is a bustling winter playground during its Midnight Madness event.

a city street at night with snow on the ground

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Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride is known for hosting its Midnight Madness event. During January and February, night skiing is offered until 3 am. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, slopeside bonfires, and much more. 

Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride is located in New Hampshire with close proximity to Boston. This ski destination meets the skiing needs of the entire family with 17 wide trails with amazing snow. Visitors can also enjoy snowboarding in two terrain parks.  

  • 📅 2023-2024 Opening Date: December 8
  • ❄️ Average Annual Snowfall: 61 inches / 154.94 cm
  • 🎿 Elevation at Base: 1,050 feet / 320.04 meters
  • 🏔️ Elevation at Summit: 2,063 feet / 628.80 cm
  • 🚗 Distance from Boston: 77 miles 
  • 🚠 Lift Ticket Cost: $$

FAQs About Ski Resorts Near Boston

What are the best ski resorts near Boston?

The best ski resort near Boston is Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. It is the highest mountain in Massachusetts with great views of the Boston skyline. Blue Hills Ski Area,Nashoba Valley Ski, and Ski Ward Ski Area are also close to Boston. 

What are the cheapest ski resorts near Boston?

The cheapest ski resort near Boston is Butternut Ski Area.Ski Ward Ski Area and Nashoba Valley Ski Area are also affordable. 

What are some family-friendly ski resorts near Boston?

There are several family-friendly ski resorts near Boston. Ski Bradford caters to local families and is near Boston. Butternut Ski Area is a popular spot for kids learning to ski in the Berkshires. 

What is the closest mountain to Boston for skiing?

The closest mountain to Boston for skiing is the Blue Hills Ski Area. It is the highest point in the greater Boston area with amazing views of the city.

What is the largest ski area in Massachusetts?

The largest ski area in Massachusetts is Ski Butternut. It features 22 trails for all ski levels and a 7-lane tubing center.

***

These ski resorts near Boston can make the winter months so much fun. I hope this guide helps you narrow down ski resorts and enjoy a fun-filled winter day. Next, read our guide on the best things to do in Massachusetts.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

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