New England skiers are tough. We’re used to hanging on for dear life as our razor sharp edges eat mile after mile of boilerplate snow. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. But we are definitely used to a regular diet of frozen granular. Thank goodness for good grooming. As luck would have it, though, hardpack has not really been an issue this season. We’ve seen way more powder days than we have in a long time. Hopefully, you’re getting out more often, as a result, and maybe even trying a few new places.
A few of the smaller areas you may want to check out before the season ends should include a stop at Otis Ridge and Bousquet in the Berkshires; Quechee Ski Hill in Vermont, or Camden Snow Bowl in Maine. They’re gems. While off the beaten path, each offers something truly special and worth a visit.
Camden has spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, tubing and a toboggan chute. Quechee is a private New England ski area that is open to the public. It's located in a quaint Vermont community. The snow is well-maintained and the breakfast served in the base lodge is excellent. Quechee has sleigh rides, tubing and a sledding hill. Outside of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, there’s Bousquet with its Olympic heritage (five Olympians got their starts here), beautiful scenery and varied terrain, including parks, tubing, and glade skiing. Also in the southern Berkshires, Otis Ridge began operations in 1946, headed up by a former member of World War II’s 10th Mountain Division. Today Otis Ridge is a welcoming place for families with 100% snowmaking, grooming, and WiFi access.
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One more thing to mention: lift tickets are definite bargains at these areas, with huge savings compared to bigger areas, even during holidays.
No matter where you choose to ski, if you’re skiing southern New England, the slopes may be in for a spring break of sorts with warming temperatures. Don’t be surprised if spring snow conditions make an appearance. Central and northern New England will stay colder for now with downright frigid overnight temps in the single digits. Vermont’s Jay Peak, Stowe, Mad River Glen and Killington all picked up good dumps of dense, moist snow this past week. Snow totals ranged from just over two feet at Jay Peak and Stowe, to close to two feet at Mad River Glen and about a foot at Killington.
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CT
Southington is wide open and firm cover has been loosened up by grooming. Events: Feb 12: Mount Southington Field Day (snowboarders only); Feb 12: Valentine’s Day Celebration and Go Red Month (American Heart Association) features a Couples Race, facepainting, guest appearances, and local celebrities; Feb 13: Vertical Challenge.
Ski Sundown goes day and night with a thick base. It’s groomed surfaces on a firm base. Parks are on Stinger and Tom’s Treat. Events: Feb 12: Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge.
Mohawk is well-covered with a firm base under packed and groomed snow. All lifts and trails open. Ski day or night. Events: Feb 12-13: Pirate Weekend includes golden coins hidden throughout the mountain. Wear your pirate duds. Deals: If you are a 4th grader, you can get three, free tickets. Details here.
MA
Bousquet is at full operation, on all runs. Keep an edge on your skis to handle the firmer base snow under the groomed. Tubing is also open (2-hour sessions). Deals: $20 midweek, and Sunday Saver ticket deals.
Otis Ridge has a base of just over three feet. All trails are online, packed and groomed. Ski day or night. Open Wed-Sundays. Deals: Midweek tickets 15.00; Children under 6 ski free.
Wachusett is up on all but a few runs. On the Look Mom park, a larger jump has been added. Events: Feb 13: Rhode Island ski Championship; Feb 17: Firefighter’s Ski Muster Deals: Valentine’s Day Lift Ticket Specials.
VT
Quechee Ski Area has groomed and rolled surfaces on a base of up to 40”. All runs are open. Deals: Friday specials.
Pico is open on 50 runs and a snowpack of close to four feet thick. Events: Feb 27: Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge Deals: Sunday PM Sampler.
Mad River Glen is at full operation. That includes the tippy-top of Paradise again. Surfaces are packed and windblown. Deals: Valentines $14 Dollar Kiss Special.
ME
Saddleback has steeps, double diamonds, groomers, bumps and more with all terrain open. Events: Feb 12: Scavenger Hunt; Feb 12: USASA Snowboard Comp Deals: Valentine’s Chairlift Speed Dating.
Camden Snow Bowl has all trails and glades open from the top of the chairlift. Surfaces are groomed on hardpack. Events: Feb 11-13: U.S. Nationals Toboggan Championships.
NH
Cranmore offers 54 runs, everything with a base of 22-45”. Surfaces are packed and groomed. The Mountain Coaster and Tubing are open this weekend and daily during February vacation. Events: Feb 12: Cranapalooza family games, facepainting, night skiing and tubing Deals : Valentines $14 tickets, Online only.
