How to Go Skiing in Otis Ridge, Massachusetts

Otis Ridge is a friendly Massachusetts ski area that's home to 11 trails and five lifts. Skiers enjoy a vertical drop of 400 feet and a top elevation of 1,701 feet.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Find Lodging for Your Ski Trip to Otis Ridge

1. Reserve your lodging through the Berkshire Visitors Bureau Web site (see Resources below). Click on the "Where to Stay" link, and choose Otis from the drop-down menu. If you prefer to book over the phone, call [phone], ext. 140.

2. Splurge by staying in a charming old inn. Neighboring communities like Stockbridge are home to accommodations with unique history and personality. Expect rates to range from moderate to expensive.

3. Get the best rates by staying in a nearby chain motel. Just outside Otis Ridge, in the communities of Lee and Great Barrington, you'll find lodgings that might lack character but score highly when it comes to savings. Rooms range from budget to inexpensive.

Travel to Otis Ridge

4. Fly into Hartford-Brainard Airport in Hartford, Connecticut.

5. Rent a car for your 25-mile journey to Otis Ridge. Take Route 44 to Winsted, then pick up Route 8, following it north. Exit at Otis to reach the Otis Ridge ski area.

Enjoy Your Massachusetts Ski Trip

6. Ski frugally by booking a ski trip to Otis Ridge. This Massachusetts ski area offers some of the lowest rates in the nation.

7. Nab a real bargain by skiing midweek. Midweek passes at Otis Ridge are cheap, cheap, cheap.

8. Embrace the darkness by skiing Otis Ridge at night. Nighttime hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, and nighttime passes are very inexpensive.

9. Ski the season away by booking a season pass at Otis Ridge. Choose a nighttime season pass or combination season pass.

10. Find a current ski report online at the Otis Ridge Web site (see Resources below). From the main page, click on the "Conditions" link.

Tips & Warnings

• Rent skis, boots and poles at Otis Ridge for a low price on weekends and holidays and an even lower price midweek.
• Book online for the greatest variety and quantity of lodging options.
• Otis Ridge is an excellent choice for those who are learning to ski. It's home to a respected ski camp that's over 50 years old. Ski camp sessions run from two to five days, but you must pay at least four weeks in advance to secure your space.
• Those fond of night skiing will enjoy Otis Ridge. The ski area has a reputation for being an exceptional place to ski after dark.