How to Go Skiing in Berkshire East, Massachusetts

Nestled in the New England mountains on 988 skiable acres, Berkshire East is a ski destination that offers historic charm and a down-to-earth vibe. Berkshire East is home to five lifts, 34 trails and a top elevation of 1,861 feet. Its vertical drop is 1,221 feet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Phone
• Computer with Internet access

Find Lodging for Your Ski Trip to Berkshire East

1. Call the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau at [phone] to book lodging near Berkshire East. You can also book online through its Web site (see Resources below). Just click on the "Accommodations" link on the main page.
2. Reserve your Massachusetts hotel or motel room by clicking on the "Dining & Lodging" link of the Berkshire East Ski Resort Web site (see Resources below).
3. Get a New England history lesson by booking a room at a charming old hotel. Facilities are available in nearby towns like Greenville, Shelburne and Buckland that have been around since the days of jolly old Queen Victoria. Best of all, they're just 15 to 20 minutes from the slopes. Expect rates to range from inexpensive to moderate.
4. Maximize your ski time by staying in Charlemont. Just three minutes from Berkshire East, the town offers quaint accommodations ranging from low-budget to moderately priced.

Travel to Berkshire East

5. Book a flight into Connecticut via Hartford County's Bradley International Airport, and rent a car for your journey to Berkshire East.
6. Pick up Interstate 91. Travel to Greenfield, Massachusetts, getting off at exit 26. Then take Route 2 West, driving for about 18 miles to Charlemont. Keep your eye out for a blue sign that says Berkshire East Ski Area with an arrow pointing left. Take a left, and follow the directions until you reach the ski area.

Enjoy Your Ski Trip

7. Stay within your budget by planning a weekday Massachusetts ski trip. Berkshire East's best rates are available Monday through Friday.
8. Spend Saturday on the slopes by purchasing a weekend/holiday pass. Chose from inexpensive full-day or half-day passes.
9. Score a deal by skiing at night. Nighttime ski passes are very inexpensive.
10. Read a current ski report by clicking on "Conditions" on the resort's Web site.

Tips & Warnings

• Simply click on the "Deals" link, located near the top of the resort's home page under the Berkshire East banner, to see a list of current bargains. Check this area frequently, since deals are listed just a day or two before they're usable.
• Book online to find excellent Ski & Stay packages.
• Book well in advance if you want a room in Charlemont, as the hotels there each offer only a handful of rooms.
• The runs at Berkshire East are challenging, even those designated for beginners. If you're just learning to ski, or if you're taking children who are new to the sport, consider another destination.

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