Where to Go Skiing with a City View

Going on a family ski trip doesn’t always mean traveling long distances to the mountain. In fact, in central Massachusetts, your family can ski and still be within sight of Boston’s skyline. Even better, you can get to the slopes by train from the city.

With more than 25 trails, Wachusett Mountain has terrain for all skill levels and ages, with dedicated ski learning programs for kids as young as 4. Polar Kids is designed for ages 4–8 and Arctic Aces for ages 9–12. Each program provides the child with a one session lift ticket, a lesson and discounted rentals.

Three high-speed chairlifts, four magic carpet lifts and a triple chairlift speed skiers to the snow, and the newly expanded base lodge is a welcoming place to eat lunch or just get inside and out of the cold.

Ski Magazine named Wachusett Mountain the most accessible ski area in the eastern United States, and Wachusett shuttle buses meet MBTA Commuter Rail trains from Boston on weekends, so day skiers can arrive right at the base lodge. Skis are welcome on the train. The mountain’s rental center also has equipment in all sizes.

Skiing and tubing packages combine rentals and lessons with lift tickets, and several special packages are available for families during February vacation weeks. Flexible rates and advance ticketing give skiers the choice of single-day, multiday and night skiing tickets.

Wachusett isn’t just for day skiers from Boston; Colonial Hotel in nearby Gardener is a family-friendly option for a weekend getaway. The bright, well-appointed contemporary rooms and heated indoor swimming pool make the inn a welcome finish to a day on the slopes. Ski and snowboard packages combine hotel rooms with lift tickets at Wachusett.

Inside the hotel is The Colonial Grille, also family-friendly and offering a seasonal American menu, locally sourced seafood and comfort foods.