Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Massachusetts, recently ranked among the top 10 ski schools in the United States in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, landing at No. 8 on the national list. The family-owned mountain earned the nod for its welcoming, progression-focused ski and ride school that helps everyone from brand-new beginners to lapsed skiers get back on the snow.
Nestled in central Massachusetts, Wachusett Mountain has long been known as one of the most accessible ski areas in the East, with 27 trails spread across more than 100 acres of skiable terrain. USA TODAY highlights Wachusett’s ski school for its mix of group, private, and adaptive lessons, plus a “Return to Learn” program designed to help those who are coming back to skiing or riding after time away.
Wachusett has been operated by the Crowley family for decades, growing from a small local hill into a full-service regional resort while maintaining its community-oriented feel. The base lodge now spans close to 50,000 square feet, with a cafeteria, the Black Diamond restaurant, rental and retail shops, and cozy spots to warm up between laps.
90 minutes from city to slopes
One of Wachusett’s biggest perks is how easy it is to reach car-free from Boston. MBTA Commuter Rail service on the Fitchburg Line runs from North Station to Wachusett Station, with Wachusett Mountain offering a complimentary shuttle from the station to the base area on select days. Depending on the schedule, the ride clocks in at roughly 90 minutes from downtown, turning a ski day into a stress-free rail-and-shuttle escape instead of a highway haul.