Where to ski in the Berkshires

If you’re looking for where to ski in the Berkshires you’ve come to the right place! When it comes to the best ski mountains within a short distance from Boston or New York you can’t overlook the beauty of the Berkshires, located in Western Massachusetts. 

The Berkshires are located about 3 hours from both Boston and New York, making an easy drive from the city to unlock the best of the region. With charming towns, countless outdoor adventures, and delicious food, the Berkshires are the perfect weekend getaway from the city. 

When it comes to winter activity, you won’t be wondering what to do in the Berkshires as the most obvious answer is to get outdoors and enjoy the mountains! Ski Journal even referred to the Berkshires as an untapped playground when it comes to winter activity. 

Here’s a list of some of our favorite mountains and ski resorts in the Berkshires. 

Ski Butternut 

Located in Great Barrington, Ski Butternut is our favorite ski resort in the Berkshires and the closest to Oak Hill House. Ski Butternut’s convenient location means you’re minutes from some of the best things to do in Great Barrington. 

With 100 skiable acres, 10 lifts, and 100% snow-making ability, Ski Butternut is great for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The mountain also has rental facilities and a tuning and repair shop so you’ll be well-equipped for your adventures. 

If it’s your first time on the slopes or you need a refresher, Ski Butternut offers lessons for all ages and all skill levels.

And if skiing or snowboarding isn’t for you you can go tubing at Butternut! 

Finally, Ski Butternut brands itself as the mountain “where families go to play in the snow”, and they offer affordable mid-week lift tickets making for the perfect getaway if you’re thinking about skiing in the Berkshires this winter. 

Catamount Mountain Resort

Catamount is a four-season reason that straddles the New York-Massachusetts border. Catamount is conveniently located about 15 minutes from Great Barrington, about 30 minutes from Hudson, about 2.5 hours from NYC, and about 3 hours from Boston. 

With 8 lifts, 44 trails, 1,000 feet of vertical descent, and the longest run of 1.75 miles, Catamount is a winter wonderland for people looking for a place to ski or snowboard in the Berkshires. 

Due to its location, Catamount offers some of the most varied terrain in southern New England, making it a great spot for the whole family to hit the slopes at their comfort level. 

Similar to Ski Butternut, Catamount offers lessons and rentals so you can feel confident hitting the slopes. 

As a bonus, if you visit Catamount in the summer and looking for a bit of an adventure be sure to check out their aerial zip tour and adventure park. 

Jiminy Peak

Jiminy Peak, located in Hancock, MA, is further north than Ski Butternut and Catamount. Located about 20 minutes north of Pittsfield, Jiminy Peak is a great option if you’re planning to stay in the northern part of Berkshire County, in places like North Adams or Williamstown. 

Jiminy gets 100% of its electrical power from renewable sources and really prides itself on its sustainability.

The mountain has 45 trails covering 167 acres and Jiminy prides itself on its learning programs for all ages and abilities. With a vertical rise of 1,150 feet, 96% snowmaking coverage, 3 terrain parks, 9 lifts, and the longest run clocking in at 2 miles, the whole family will be sure to have a great time hitting the slopes at Jiminy Peak. 

Jiminy has a resort vibe with lodging and dining which means you can maximize your time on the mountain and have a fun-filled day on the mountain. 

Overall, we love Jiminy Peak as one of the premier places to ski in the Berkshires, especially if you’re looking to head a bit further north than some of our other recommendations. 

Bousquet Mountain 

Located just south of Pittsfield (and 5 minutes from Herman Melville’s Arrowhead!) Bousquet Mountain is a terrific place to spend some time this winter in the Berkshires. Similar to Ski Butternut being super close to all that Great Barrington has to offer, Bousquet is convenient to everything in Pittsfield. 

Bousquet Mountain has 200 skiable acres, a vertical drop of 750 feet, 23 trails, and 90% snow-making coverage. If you’re looking for skiing, snowboarding, a terrain park, night skiing, or snow tubing, Bousquet has you covered. A fun fact is it’s also the first ski area in America to offer night skiing!

Similar to the other ski resorts in the Berkshires, Bousquet offers rentals, lessons, and on-site dining.  

Berkshire East

Our most northern recommendation in the Berkshires, Berkshire East is located about 45 minutes northeast of Pittsfield, close to the Massachusetts-Vermont border. 

The Schaefer family has run Berkshire East Mountain Resort for nearly 45 years and has focused on sustainability, modern facilities, lessons, and on-site dining options.

With 45 trails, a terrain park, snow tubing, 180 skiable acres, 6 lifts, and a vertical drop of nearly 1,200 feet Berkshire East is an adventure haven for all ages and abilities. 

You’ll also find rental, lessons, and on-site dining helping round out Berkshire East as a terrific place to ski in the Berkshires. 

Otis Ridge

Our final recommendation is Otis Ridge, located in Otis, MA, with a storied history dating back to its first year in service in 1946. Ski Butternut acquired Otis Ridge in 2016 to help save it from foreclosure so it’s another convenient skiing option in the Berkshires, especially if you’ll be near Great Barrington.

While a smaller mountain than the others we mentioned, Otis Ridge is a nice alternative if you’re looking to switch things up and head to a smaller mountain that’s designed for family fun and learning. 

Final thoughts on where to ski in the Berkshires

If you’re heading to the Berkshires this winter, you’ll find activities for all ages and abilities. Picking which mountain is right for you will largely depend on where you decide to stay and if you want to try a few different mountains or spend your time at one mountain.

Many people escape NYC and Boston for the weekend to head to the Berkshires to hit the slopes and enjoy the area’s gorgeous scenery. 

If skiing and snowboarding aren’t for you, you’ll find other outdoor winter activities in the Berkshires like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. 

And if you’re more about the apres-ski than the ski, you’ll be thrilled with the delicious drinking and dining options scattered throughout the Berkshires for those cold winter evenings. 

Overall, the Berkshires are a perfect getaway in the winter where you’ll find great skiing across the region for all ages and abilities.