Ski Bradford is just outside of Boston, Massachusetts and provides the state locals another ski area on the east side of the state. If you want to get out of the city or just hit the slopes and then visit Boston, Ski Bradford should be on your list. Don’t want to drive across the entire state to the Berkshires? You don’t have to with the few ski areas tucked up in the top corner of Massachusetts.
Read on why you should explore Ski Bradford this winter and the important mountain information before you go.
Where is Ski Bradford?
The ski area is located in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The ski area is only 45 minutes from Boston. It is 4 hours and a half hours from New York City. Concord, NH is one hour north of Ski Bradford and Albany, NY is 3 hours west.
Ski Bradford is tucked on the east side of Massachusetts. It won’t get as much of the Berkshire crowds but it does draw crowds from Boston. Bradford Ski Area is an easy escape from Boston on the weekends.
Does Ski Bradford Have Lodging?
Ski Bradford doesn’t have on-site lodging. If you are looking to make a weekend out of Bradford than Hampton Inn Haverhill and Best Western Merrimack Valley are the two closest options. They both cost just a little over a $100 a night with the Hampton Inn being the nicer of the two
You can also grab a cabin on Vacation Rental by Owner or Airbnb. There is a nice selection of mountain vacation rentals with a few being closer to the ski area.
Key Takeaway: The closest chain hotel lodging is in Haverhill which about 10 minutes from the ski area.
Does Ski Bradford Have Night Skiing?
Ski Bradford just outside of Boston is a popular destination because have 100% of trails lit for night skiing. All 15 trails stay open till 9 p.m except for Sundays which is till 4:30 pm. The night skiing makes it worth heading up on a Friday after work, getting some runs in, staying nearby and skiing or snowboarding again Saturday.
The Best Time to Go
Ski Bradford can get crowded in peak season from being so close to Boston. During the week and in the evenings are the best time to ski and snowboard at Bradford Ski Area. Most of the crowds are coming on the weekends.
Is There a Ski Shop?
Bradford Ski Area has a rental shop with for all you essential ski or snowboard needs. You have to get rentals in person next to the main lodge. They can’t be reserved ahead of time online. Get there early on the weekends because it is first come first serve.
Highlights of the Ski Bradford
Ski Bradford is one of the few close ski areas to Boston and some of the highlights include –
- 15 Trails
- 60 Acres
- 100% Lit night skiing
- 3 Chair lifts, 6 surface lifts
- Terrain park
- Open 7 days a week
The Terrain Park
Bradford Ski Area’s terrain park is mainly for experienced riders. They have a few smaller features but it isn’t like some of the beginner terrain parks at other resorts. The terrain park has everything including jumps, rails and boxes. There is something for all freestyle riders.
Do They Blow Their Own Snow?
The ski area has 100% snow making on their trails. This means they are set every year once the weather gets cold enough to blow. By end of December, all trails should be opening up. They always open up the beginner area first but not long after, the rest of the trails open too.
Is Ski Bradford Good for Beginners?
Ski Bradford is a great place for beginners to start skiing and snowboarding. The best way to get started at Bradford is to take a lesson with their snow school. There is seven levels of lessons at the snow school.
There are also comprehensive 4 week programs to improve your riding over a multi-week program.
How Many Trails Are There?
There are 15 trails at Bradford Ski Area. The breakdown is as follows-
- 20% beginner trails (3 trails)
- 27% intermediate (4 trails)
- 53% advanced (8 trails)
You can check out the Ski Bradford trail map here.
What Are Some Other Winter Activities?
While Bradford doesn’t have tubing, uphill or snowshoeing, they have a racing team for ages K-12. They compete in the Eastern Mass Buddy Werner League.
It is a great opportunity for kids to start out in alpine racing.
Is There Summer Mountain Biking?
Ski Bradford doesn’t have mountain biking in the summer. The resort stays busy in with weddings and special events. Reach out to the mountain if you are looking to do a mountain wedding just outside Boston
Conclusion
Ski Bradford is one of the few close places to enjoy winter near Boston. Just because it gets cold outside doesn’t mean you need to be stuck inside. If you have always wanted to try skiing, snowboarding, the staff at Ski Bradford’s snow school could be the ticket to helping you explore a new winter hobby.
For all the regulars at Ski Bradford, let us know your favorite trail in the comments below. Who is a fan of Wasp or Upper Hornet?
