Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort is Massachusetts highest ski and snowboard mountain. Did you know its not in the Berkshires? That’s right, it’s actually closer to Boston but located in central Massachusetts. If there was one resort to go to every year in Massachusetts, it would be tough not to pick skiing at Wachusett Mountain.
Read on to explore what Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort has to offer this winter and plan your trip before you head to the mountain.
Where is Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort?
Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort is located in Princeton, Massachusetts. The ski area is only 1 hour and 10 minutes from Boston. It is 3 hours and 50 minutes from New York City. Worcester, Massachusetts, is a quick 30 minute drive south of Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort.
Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort is located in central Massachusetts before you get to Boston. It can get some crowds but being one of the larger mountains, they do distribute across the mountain pretty well. At least you are driving to a mountain and not a ski hill.
Does Wachusett Ski Resort Have Lodging?
Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort doesn’t have on-site lodging. If you are looking to make a weekend out of Wachusett Mountain than there is some really spectacular lodging just nearby.
One of the more famous places to stay is the Great Wolf Lodge. They have indoor water park that will make the family not even want to be on the slopes. It is the best place to stay near Wachusett Mountain if you have kids.
If you aren’t traveling with kids than there is a DoubleTree by Hilton 15 minutes away in Leominster. Also there is a Days Inn in Leominster if you are looking to save a little money.
Does Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort Have Night Skiing?
Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort has night skiing which makes it worth getting lodging just nearby. That way when you are done, you won’t have to drive far for the day. Night skiing is until 9:30 p.m. everyday of the week unless it is a holiday.
The Best Time to Go to Wachusett Ski Resort
The best time to go to Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort is on the weekday nights. That is one of the reasons to get lodging close by. Most families and younger kids are at home. It is the perfect time to get in your favorite runs with less people on the trails. Also the ski area looks beautiful at night when it lights up. There is nothing like a good night time trail at Wachusett.
Does Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort Have a Ski Shop?
Wachusetts Ski Resort has a both a ski and rental shop at the resort. They offer a full selection of skis, snowboards and winter apparel to buy at the shop. They also have the largest selection of demo equipment in Southern New England. You can try before you buy with the demo equipment.
The service shop at Wachusetts can help with waxing, sharpening and tuning of any gear you bring in. They can also fill in any scratches with ptex for you. It is worth stopping in as they have one of the most advanced robotic machines around to work on your skis or snowboard.
For first timers or people that don’t own their own gear, the rental shop can hook you up with a daily rental. It is also good to know if you get beginner lessons than it includes rental equipment and a lower mountain lift ticket.
Highlights of the Wachusett Mountain
Wachusett Ski Resort is one of the few close ski areas to Boston and some of the highlights include –
- 27 Trails
- 8 lifts
- Highest Mountain in Massachusetts
- 1,000 feet of vertical
- Night Skiing
- 100% snowmaking
- Open 7 days a week
Terrain Parks at Wachusett Mountain
Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort’s has two terrain parks. The progression park is Frannie’s Folly. Riders can get to it on the same lifts as Hitchcock Park which are Minuteman Quad and then Vickery Triple. Frannie’s Folly has smaller features for riders just starting to get into terrain parks.
The larger terrain park, Hitchcock is located on the Hitchcock trail. To get to it, you are going to take the Minuteman Express Quad to the top and come down Hitchcock. Afterwards you can use the Vickery Bowl Triple to make park runs. You will need a park pass to ride either park at Wachusetts. They have one of the better terrain parks around at Wachusett and it can draw a lot of visitors in peak season.
Key Takeaway: Don’t forget to buy a park pass if you plan on riding the terrain parks at Wachusett Ski Resort. It helps keeps the parks maintained.
Is Wachusett Good for Beginners?
Wachusett Ski Resort is a good place for beginners to start skiing and snowboarding since they have a beginner package which includes everything you need. Your rentals, lift ticket and lessons are all included in the Wachusetts beginner package.
There are also multiple beginner areas so you won’t get bored just riding one beginner area like some other ski areas. A few of the beginner trails to start out on are Ollie’s area, Polar kids for kids and Easy Rider.
Does Wachusett Mountain Blow Their Own Snow?
Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort has 100% snow making on their trails. This means that you won’t be waiting on natural snowfall come, winter. You can count on Wachusett’s to open all their trails and in good time too. By late December, all trails are open if not close to open. Having 100% snowmaking capabilities at the mountain also means a lot of fresh groomed powder!
How Many Trails Does Wachusett Ski Resort Have?
There are 27 trails at Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort. The mix is split up fairly evenly between beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. It is roughly 20% beginner trails and 80% intermediate and advanced trails. There is a trail for everyone at Wachusetts Ski Resort.
What Are Some Other Winter Activities at Wachusett Mountain Resort?
Wachusett Mountain doesn’t have snow tubing at the resort but some of the things to look out for are the Womens clinics, Night Race League and the Central Massachusetts Ski League.
There are also over 7 places to grab food on the mountain if you are a foodie. You can’t go hungry at Wachusetts Mountain with places like O’Brien’s Deck Bar & Grill which has beers and sandwiches as well as Coppertop Lounge.
Is There Summer Mountain Biking at Wachusett Mountain?
Wachusett Mountain Resort doesn’t have mountain biking in the Summer. The resort stays busy with group meetings and weddings. The mountain is a great destination for corporate outting and social events with all their space. They can also cater up some really good food.
Final Thoughts
Wachusett Ski Resort is one of the most exciting mountain in Massachusetts and one of the only in Central Mass. They might not have the most trails in the state but they can lay claim to the tallest mountain. With the great lodging nearby and the food at the resort, we call Wachusett Mountain Resort a must visit place this Winter if you live in Massachusetts.
Let us know your favorite place to grab a bite of food on the mountain in the comments below!
