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 Tucked away in central Massachusetts is a 2006-foot peak that dominates the surrounding country. Wachusett Mountain, as it is known, has been a landmark ever since the central highlands of Massachusetts were first settled. For more than 70 years the ski trails running from its summit have also been a landmark, beckoning skiers (and now snowboarders) from most of the major cities and towns in the region. With night skiing until 10:00 p.m., Wachusett also beckons after dark. Visitors to Wachusett find a highly-polished full-service small resort, with lodging at the nearby Wachusett Village Inn and Conference Center, high-speed lifts, a thoroughly modern grooming fleet and snowmaking operation, and a full set of amenities. One example of the latter is the Mountain Suites on the second floor of the recent base lodge addition. Designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious setting for special family gatherings, company meetings, or other important events, the suites are the equivalent of luxury sky boxes in big sports stadiums - only you get to look out at snow-covered slopes and forested hillsides instead of 50,000 people. That"s not to say Wachusett can"t get a bit crowded from time to time, but an efficient lift system, highlighted by two high-speed quads, keeps the crowds moving and dispersed. The top-to-bottom Polar Express whisks riders up the full 1000 feet of vertical, and the Minuteman Express serves almost as much. Two triples and three surface lifts complete the lift roster. The fast quads serve predominantly low to high intermediate trails. Off the Minuteman Express is an example of the first, Ralph"s Run, one of two designated "family trails" and named after Wachusett"s founder, Ralph Crowley, Sr. The solid wedge turners in the family or boarders just getting comfortable on both sides can follow siblings or parents who may be more experienced. From the top of the Polar Express you"ll find the high intermediate Conifer Connection, the other family trail. It"s not as long as Ralph"s, but is decidedly more challenging. Would-be mini racers and future Olympians will enjoy trying to keep up with Mom and Dad or older siblings - or it might be the other way around. Novices and beginners have a wide range of choices, from the Polar Kids Playground for the little ones to Ollie"s Area or Easy Rider for beginners of all ages. Once you"re comfortable linking turns, head for the Monadnock Triple, which serves a wide-open area of suitable terrain nearly half a mile long. Advanced skiers and riders have their choice of 10th Mountain Trail, which is usually bumped up, Smith Walton which features a steep pitch after a deceptively easy start, and Salamander Cutoff. A ½ pipe and a big new terrain park are available, and 100% of the terrain is covered by snowmaking. Once you"re ready to refuel from exploring the mountain, the base complex offers the Black Diamond Restaurant, Wachusett Food Court, Mountain Treats, Balance Rock Coffee Company, and the Coppertop Lounge. The latter is the centerpiece of Wachusett"s lively après-ski scene. The base area is where you"ll also find the new Rossignol Race Center at the Mountainside Ski and Sports Shop, a demo center, rentals, the snowsports school (which includes an adaptive component) and all services. Off-Slope Fun The Wachusett Village Inn is the center of activity for off-mountain fun. A full-service resort hotel on 100 acres of wooded land, it offers a restaurant, cafe, and lounge, a complete health club, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides.
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Ski Report
Massachusetts