Looking for the best ski resorts near Boston? Winter around Boston doesn’t mean you have to hibernate for months. As they say, if you can’t beat the cold weather, join it. Fortunately, Boston has are many amazing mountains that are within 1-2 hours drive of home. This is why I’ve put together a local list of the best places to snowboard. Read on!
Ski Bradford
This small, family-friendly ski area is located in Haverhill. I put this on the list of best ski resorts near Boston because it’s right in our backyard and only 45 minutes from Boston. Enjoy the slopes without having to travel far. It’s perfect for the beginning snowboarder, yet still fun for the more advanced with its terrain park, which includes a mini half-pipe and rails. It offers 15 trails, 3 chair lifts and ski and snowboard lessons.
My older daughter learned to snowboard here so this place will always have a spot in our hearts. She would meet her classmates and friends here after school because of the school Ski Club; those memories with friends helped her to see the fun in snowboarding.
Note: The terrain park hasn’t been open during the 2024 season because of lack of snow so be sure to call first if that’s important to you.
Wachusett Mountain
Get your camera ready because Wachusett Mountain offers some amazing views. It’s been reported you can even see the Boston skyline from the peak of the mountain. What makes this Wachusett great for the newbie snowboarder is that there is plenty of beginner areas and gentle terrain. The Monadnock trail is longer than your typical beginner bunny hill and is relatively flat. This means a beginner can have actual practice time before you reach the bottom.
I love that there is a terrain park here as well. There are terrain park clinics for anyone interesting in learning tricks on rails, boxes, hips and jumps. The 1000-foot vertical drop of Wachusett Mountain makes it fun even for the advanced snowboarder. Our family loves to go here because the kids can learn on the easier trails, and my husband can enjoy the more advanced trails.
McIntyre Ski Area
McIntyre Ski Area is the smallest mountain on my list of best places to snowboard, but is certainly isn’t the least loved. The snowboard instructors at McIntyre Ski Area are great. I took a private lesson to learn terrain park tricks from the least likely of people – a 76-year old grandfather! He said he learned to snowboard because of his grandkids. Talk about inspiring!
Mount Sunapee
At 1510 feet, Mount Sunapee has the highest vertical drop in Southern New Hampshire. It’s a popular weekend destination for Bostonians and fitting for all experience levels. The trails are well groomed. There are fantastic learner trails on the little mountain and good easy beginner trails all over the bigger mountain. Just prepare for sell out crowds because this place is popular.
Nashoba Valley
Nashoba Valley is where I learned to snowboard with my husband many years ago. I think it’s the perfect place for people to practice before venturing out to the big mountains. It’s conveniently close to home, accessible and affordable. It’s perfect for families with young kids or at night for a few hours snowboarding. I love that there aren’t session times set in stone; you can start whenever you want and get either a 2 or 4 hour lift pass.
So there you have it… my list of Best Ski Resorts near Boston! If you’re willing to drive further to the White Mountains, Maine or Vermont, you’ll have more options but these are great local options within 1-1.5 hours from Boston. Enjoy!
