Living in Boston means having access to tons of amazing skiing areas that are right on our doorstep. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best skiing spots near Boston! Some of these are next to incredibly cute towns perfect for making a weekend trip out of it. Oh, and don’t forget your camera because these skiing areas are totally picture-perfect!
1. Blue Hills, MA; 20-minute drive
Only a 20-minute drive from Boston, Blue Hills is the closest outpost on our list and the only snowsports facility in the metro area. It’s perfect if you’re looking to hit the slopes just for the day. With over sixty acres for snowboarding and skiing the Blue Hills have a drop of 309 feet and feature over 12 trails, over half of which are for advanced skiers.
2. Nashoba Valley; Westford, MA (43 mins)
This resort in Westford, MA offers 17 different trails with a 240-foot drop and two terrain parks all fully equipped for snowmaking. Basecamp facilities include rentals, a café, and the Outlook restaurant and lounge which offers a gorgeous view of the slopes. You’ll also find New England’s biggest snow tubbing complex right next door.
3. Wachusett Mountain; Princeton, MA (70 mins)
The highest mountain in Mass west of the Connecticut River, Wachusett is an awesome destination for hiking all year long, but it also has a great ski area. Wachusett Mountain features a 1,000-foot vertical drop, 25 trails, split evenly from beginner to advanced level, and eight lifts. If you’re an advanced skier, you’ll get to enjoy the breathtaking view the mountain has to offer of the Boston skyline.
4. Waterville Valley, NH (2 hrs)
This New England gem is perfect for skiers of all levels, but it’s especially good if you’re just starting off on the slopes. Its array of slopes gets progressively more challenging as you head toward the top of the mountain with downhill slopes and Nordic Ski trails too. Plus, the atmosphere is very welcoming and all-inclusive no matter your experience level.
5. Mount Sunapee, NH (2 hrs)
With its more than 65 trails spread out over 230 acres of beautiful snow, Mount Sunapee is a popular weekend destination for Bostonians. The resort also features a specially designated beginner area and has great weekday specials like “Ladies Day” on Tuesday, which includes discounts on lift tickets, rentals, and lessons.
6. Lincoln, NH (2hr)
Head over to Lincoln, NH for an idyllic ski getaway. Located close to Loon Mountain and Cannon in Franconia you’ll find plenty of skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating available on-site. Loon Mountain is a popular all-levels area although it tends to get more intermediate and experienced skiers while at the less-crowded Cannon Mountain you’ll find over 72 trails to choose from that are friendly for all snowboarders and skiers.
7. Sunday River, ME (3 hrs)
Located in Newry, ME this stunning ski center features 800 skiable acres, 5 terrain parks and 135 trails and glades spread out over 8 peaks. Plus it doesn’t hurt that it has plenty of amazing snack spots along the peaks to refuel and recharge, make sure to check out the Foggy Goggle for some top-notch nachos, and burgers!
8. Killington, VT (3.5 hrs)
One of the largest skiing resorts near Boston, at Killington you’ll find plenty of trails for all levels, all the way from bunny trails to double black diamonds. They’ve also got training areas for beginners, rentals, snowmaking and lessons available.
9. Blandford, MA (2.5 hrs)
First opened in 1936, Blanford is one of the oldest continuously operating club-owned ski area in North America. Here you’ll find a 465-foot vertical drop and 55 skiable acres as well as 29 different trails, 12 of which have been fully equipped for night skiing. Blanford also offers two terrain parks and skiing lessons for kids and adults.
10. Stowe, VT (3 hrs)
The capital of Fall foliage is known as New England’s Aspen for a reason. This idyllic town turns into a stunning winter wonderland during this time of year and offers some of the best slopes in the whole of New England. Stowe’s prime skiing destination, Mount Mansfield, offers over 110 trails for all levels and 485 skiable acres.