As you know, winter in Massachusetts can be many things. Lovely, picturesque, cozy. Infamous… and, certainly, unavoidable.
Skiing in Massachusetts is one of the best ways to brighten up this moody time of year. (And so is cannabis – which is how we celebrate the holiday season at Garden Remedies.)
Even better? Both! Our guide presents the best places for skiing in Massachusetts near you – along with practical tips to combine cannabis with your next ski trip.
Most of our top picks are near Boston and our dispensaries in Newton, Melrose, and Marlborough, MA. They’re all great options for families, couples, groups of friends, and solo winter adventures.
Where Should You Go Skiing in Massachusetts?
Maybe you’re hoping to teach your kids how to ski – or dust off your own skis and get back to the slopes. Or perhaps you’re a seasoned fan of the Ice Coast, in search of new top spots.
Naturally, your ideal destination for skiing in Massachusetts depends on your location, motivations, and preferences – which will likely change over time. Here are our top picks for this winter.
Blue Hills: Boston’s Best Local Option
Closest to Boston, Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton, MA is perfect for both day trips and longer visits. It features lots of amenities for beginners – including ski lessons, two magic carpets, and a designated area for newbie skiers – as well as trickier advanced terrain.
It’s on the smaller side, we’ll admit, with only about 62 acres of skiable land. But it’s jam-packed with scenic slopes and lots of restaurants and shops to explore nearby. Try night-skiing (with special deals on lift tickets after 5 pm many days) to make this winter extra memorable.[1]
Nashoba Valley: For Unique Après-Ski
This is where Pam Fletcher, Olympic and World Cup downhiller, learned to ski! You can follow in her tracks at Nashoba Valley in Westford, MA, where you’ll discover 9 lifts and 17 trails of varying difficulty – plus a tube park and snowboarding areas.
About an hour’s drive from Boston, this ski destination is only slightly further out of the city than Blue Hills, and many find the drive more than worth it. It’s a small but solid ski area, well-known for its local après-ski options and seasonal special events.[2]
Ski Ward: Best for Families
Searching for somewhere to show your kids the joys of skiing in Massachusetts?
Ski Ward may be your best bet. With about 300 feet of vertical, it’s less overwhelming mountain, more pleasurable ski mound. Children of all ages can fall in love with skiing thanks to your guidance and the private lessons at Ski Ward.
You’ll love the lodge’s bar with a view of the hill, which allows you to keep an eye on your kids (or friends or spouse) from afar, while comfortably enjoying hot chocolate and warmth. The terrain park at Ski Ward is diverse and features an airbag jump.
Overall, Ski Ward is our family-friendly pick for best skiing in Massachusetts. Consider getting a season pass for the summer months – extending your fun past this winter and enjoying unique discounts for the whole family.[3]
Jiminy Peak: Greatest All Around
You may have already heard about the wonders of Jiminy Peak – which is furthest from Boston but still rightfully on our list of top places for skiing in Massachusetts.
The largest ski area in Massachusetts, and often considered an incredible New England ski resort, Jiminy Peak is nestled in the scenic Berkshire mountains. There you’ll find cozy winter traditions and popular summer fun – like the Berkshire Symphony and annual Williamstown Theatre Festival, among other regional attractions.
Jiminy Peak Resort includes the Country Inn, the Paul Major Welcome Center, and a Children’s Center with childcare for visiting families. It’s a veritable wintry paradise for skiers and skiing families.
Jiminy Peak is well equipped to accommodate the many families who flock to it every winter, thanks especially to its localized base village. It features amenities like the six-passenger high-speed Berkshire Express chairlift, two quads, and three triple chairs. Its 2,380 foot summit may seem daunting at first, but the resort’s Terrain Based Learning program – with comprehensive practice and lessons for beginners of all ages – makes it all just fun.[4]
Can You Legally Enjoy Cannabis While Skiing in Massachusetts?
Yes, there are legal ways to combine cannabis with your next ski adventure, but not all ways are legal.
Recreational cannabis is legal in the state of Massachusetts – and so is medical cannabis with an up-to-date medical marijuana card. However, it is illegal to smoke or consume cannabis on federal land and in public places, including the ski destinations on our list. (This policy applies to all forms of cannabis, whether you’re smoking, eating, vaping, or drinking it.)
Numerous private residences do allow cannabis. So, if you’re staying at one of these places, we recommend you safely enjoy cannabis before or after hitting the slopes on the Ice Coast.
We’re (obviously!) not suggesting you smoke on the top of a mountain before bombing a black diamond. Or that you try sneaking cannabis onto lands where it is prohibited. We are recommending cannabis with skiing because it can be a relaxing, euphoric, and high-spirited complement to some of your snowy adventures this winter – when you enjoy it legally and safely.
How Can You Enhance Skiing With Cannabis?
Before trying out cannabis on the slopes, it’s important to take note of legal restrictions and much more.
Am I aware of the effects of cannabis on my body and mind? Have I researched local laws? Do I have a solid plan in place?
These are a few questions to ponder. Along with your research, practice, and careful consideration, our guide will help you create your ideal plan.
Après-Ski + Private Residence = Perfect Recipe
Picture this. You’ve just wrapped up a full day of skiing (or chilling at the lodge – we won’t tell anyone). Happy and somewhat sleepy, you venture back to your private accommodation to kick back with friends (or family or yourself). You take off your boots and curl up by the fireplace… and treat yourself to a delicious pre-roll (or vape or edible).
Cannabis can deepen feelings of relaxation, bliss, and connectedness. Especially when it’s top quality and consumed with intention, it can help you chill out and unwind after your snowy adventures.
You may be tempted to try cannabis before skiing to reap those same benefits. Given that cannabis alters perception, bodily awareness, respiration, and other key components of exercise, it’s better après-ski.
Stick To Microdoses of Cannabis & Stay Hydrated
Even if you’re smoking in the evenings, we recommend small doses of cannabis due to its lingering effects. Try out just a little bit and gradually increase it depending on how you feel. Remember that edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, so proceed slowly.
Because both cannabis and skiing can be dehydrating, remember to drink enough water throughout the day.[5] Following these safety tips will allow you to savor cannabis and skiing to the max.
Visit Your Nearby Dispensary
How about stopping by your local dispensary on the way to skiing in Massachusetts?
We’d love to see you at our Garden Remedies dispensaries in Newton, Melrose, and Marlborough, MA – which are conveniently located near some of the top ski destinations in Massachusetts, such as:
- Blue Hill, 30 minutes away from Newton
- Nashoba Valley, 45 minutes away from Melrose
- Ski Ward, 45 minutes away from Marlborough
Our expert team of Cannabis Advisors are here to provide personalized suggestions, giving you everything you need for your next mountain-top moment.
[1] https://www.snowpak.com/massachusetts/best-ski-resorts
[2] https://www.onthesnow.com/massachusetts/nashoba-valley/ski-resort
[4] https://familyskitrips.com/newengland/massachusetts/jiminy_peak/
