8 Winter Day Trips Outside of Boston to Take this Winter
When:
Thursday, Jan 02, 2025 9:00a -
Wednesday, Mar 19, 2025 5:00p
Thursday, Jan 02, 2025 9:00a -
Wednesday, Mar 19, 2025 5:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Games, Good for Groups, Nature, Outside, Seasonal, Sports & Active Life
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/5-winter-day-trips-outside-of-boston-to-take-this-winter
Winter in Boston gets a lot of flak, but there’s a lot to enjoy about the chilly months here in the Hub. Take advantage of the winter season by skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and more during these winter day trips around Massachusetts.
Distance: 12.8 miles from Downtown
Transit: Accessible by car | MBTA Green Line Riverside stop + a 1.3-mile walk
Info: Get in your cardio in a beautiful setting with cross country skiing and snowshoeing at the Weston Ski Track. The facility offers lessons for new skiers and snowshoers, equipment rentals, and races for the ski aficionados.
Pro Tip: Spice up an ordinary cross-country ski route by visiting the track after sunset for a serene and softly lit evening of night skiing.
Distance: 16.6 miles from Downtown
Transit: 716 MBTA Bus
Info: Blue Hills is often heralded for its great hiking trails close to Boston, but you can also utilize this nature reservation for skiing in the winter. They offer day and season passes, lessons, and an exciting alpine race challenge.
Pro Tip: There isn’t a restaurant at the ski area but if you take the 716 bus a couple stops further you’ll end up at Trillium Brewing Company for an apres-ski brew.
Nashoba Valley Tubing Park (pictured)
Distance: 34.3 miles from Downtown
Transit: Accessible by car
Info: There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hurtling down a hill in an insulated snow tube having the time of your life. Recapture the childhood joy of sledding at the Nashoba Valley Tubing Park packed with slopes primed for your tubing adventure.
Pro Tip: Head to the nearby Kimball Farm in Westford for a cozy lunch at their country store and cafe.
Distance: 36.8 miles from Downtown
Transit: Accessible by car
Info: This ski area offers 9 trails to explore on your skis, 4 lifts, and 8 tubing lanes for all-day winter fun. Equipment rentals and ski lessons are also available and you can grab lunch at the on-site Slopeside Bar & Grille.
Pro Tip: In addition to standard lessons, Ski Ward Ski Area offers a Women’s Clinic where female instructors teach women who are new to skiing or looking to get back into it after a lapse.
Distance: 60 miles from Downtown
Transit: Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line
Info: Get your ski fix by heading to Wachusett Mountain for a day on the slopes. Explore dozens of trails at different skill levels or take lessons to hone your technique. There are seven different restaurants and cafes in the resort to fuel you up on your lunch break.
Pro Tip: On select days Wachusett runs a shuttle between the MBTA train and the mountain. Keep an eye on the schedule here.
Distance: 77.9 miles from Downtown
Transit: Accessible by car
Info: Just an hour and a half drive from Boston, Crotched Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding, and lessons in both. There are 25 trails along the mountain serving beginners, intermediate skiers, and experts.
Pro Tip: On select evenings Crotched Mountain offers night skiing and midnight ski parties for a unique outdoor experience.
Distance: 119 miles from Downtown
Transit: Accessible by car
Info: The family-owned Berkshire East Mountain Resort is a ski and snowboarding hub in Western, Massachusetts. They also produce 100% of their electricity from onsite renewable energy. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing.
Pro Tip: The Backyard at the Crazy Horse Bar & Grill on property features roaring firepits, live music, and make-your-own s’mores every Saturday afternoon from 12-3pm from January 4 through February 22.
Distance: 133 miles from Downtown
Transit: Accessible by car
Info: Nestled in the White Mountains in New Hampshire, Loon is about a two-hour drive from Boston offering 2,100 vertical feet of skiing, plus lessons. Explore 73 trails across three different peaks or enjoy snow tubing or an apres-ski experience at the on-site lodges.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their calendar for unique events like a Torchlight Ski Parade with fireworks and a Snowshoe and S’mores Après Party.
