For many, the ski season in New England means weekend trips up to Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Few people realize the hidden value in traveling to a ski resort in a state that's more accessible than the traditional destinations: Massachusetts. And nobody says skiing and snowboarding have to be during the day. Explore the after-dark options to get the most out of your time on the mountain this season
Jiminy Peak
- Located in the Berkshire Mountains, in the western part of the state, Jiminy Peak is easily accessible for skiers from New York, Vermont and Connecticut. Night skiing at Jiminy lasts until 10 p.m. throughout the season, and one highlight is the resort's longest run, Left Bank, which offers a straight 2 miles of lighted intermediate terrain. There are deals aplenty for Jiminy Peak's twilight hours, including Men's and Ladies' Nights. Beginners and experts will find suitable terrain at night, including greens, parks and diamonds. While the resort is among the more expensive in the Berkshire region, the grooming is excellent and the long hours make your lift pass a great value.
Bousquet Ski Area
- Located just a half-hour from Jiminy Peak, in Pittsfield, the Bousquet Ski Area has night skiing available until 9 p.m. on weekdays. The 200-acre area is an ideal place for non-skiers who want to take advantage of snow tubing at night. Although it has only 23 trails, Bousquet makes snow on 95 percent of its terrain and features three terrain parks. The small resort welcomes families and beginners with its carpet lifts and chairs, so don't miss out.
Wachusett Mountain
- Wachusett Mountain is just an hour's drive from Boston, making it easy for people in the city to get in a few runs after work. This Princeton, Massachusetts, hill is perfect for beginners, and the prices for nighttime lift passes are hard to beat. The night terrain is family friendly, with many blues and greens aglow on the slopes. Stop in the Black Diamond Restaurant for dinner when the ski areas finally close at 10 p.m., 8 p.m. in spring.
Blue Hills Ski Area
- Canton, Massachusetts boasts the Blue Hills Ski Area, located just south of Boston. The mountain has 50 percent of its 60 acres open for night skiing throughout the season, and covers almost all of its terrain with snow-making to ensure fresh powder even after the crowds have come in. You can catch a glimpse of the Boston skyline at night whether you're hitting the terrain park or enjoying the peace and quiet of a gently lit run down to the base of this small resort.
