How to Go Skiing in Wachusett Mountain, Massachusetts

Offering 6 lifts and 20 trails, Wachusett Mountain is a Princeton, Massachusetts ski area located on 103 skiable acres, within close proximity to Boston, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Those skiing this mountain can expect a top elevation of 2,007 feet and a vertical drop of 1,000 feet.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Computer with Internet access

Reserve Lodging Near Wachusett Mountain

1. Reserve your lodging by calling the Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-231-7557 or reserving through its Web site (see Resources below). Book a stay in a budget chain hotel, or splurge on a pricier bed and breakfast. Some of the local inns are very charming, with on-site comedy shows and theatrical performances.

2. Book your room by clicking on the 'Lodging and eSource Guide' of the Wachusett Mountain Web site (see Resources below). Stay in a Colonial hotel that is distinctly New England, or book a room in a hotel that offers package deals for skiers.

Take a Trip on the Ski Train

1. Travel from Boston to Wachusett Mountain on the Ski Train, which is for free on weekends during ski season. The Ski Train was introduced by Wachusett Mountain in collaboration with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company.

2. Take the Ski Train from Boston's North Station to Fitchburg. The train leaves at 8:35 a.m. and arrives in Fitchburg at 10:06 a.m.

3. Look for the Wachusett Mountain shuttle, which will take you on an approximately 20-minute drive to the mountain.

4. Get picked up at the end of the day by the shuttle, which will take you back to the Fitchburg station. You'll be back in time for a 5:35 pm departure from Fitchburg, arriving in Boston at 7 pm.

Enjoy Your Massachusetts Ski Trip

1. Ski Wachusett Mountain on New Year's Day. Holiday and weekend passes are reasonably priced, and half-day tickets cost even less. They're good from 8 am to 12:30 pm, or 12:30 pm to 4 pm.

2. Plan a midweek getaway and save. Choose from full- or half-day passes. Weekday half-day tickets may be used from 9 am to 12:30 pm or 12:30 pm to 4 pm.

3. Initiate a nighttime ski rendezvous. Nighttime passes at Wachusett Mountain are good from 6 pm to 10 pm.

4. Hit the slopes all season long by purchasing a season pass. These passes also entitle pass-holders to benefits and privileges at other ski areas.

5. Visit the Wachusett Mountain Web site to get an early start by ordering your passes in advance online.

6. Read the ski report on the main page of the ski area's Web site before embarking on your trip.

Tips & Warnings

• If, after purchasing an all-day pass, you decide to leave Wachusett Mountain earlier than you'd planned, know that you can get a half-day refund if you submit your return by 12:30 pm.

• Wachusett Mountain offers a Three-Peat Card that allows you to ski or board for three days at a reduced price.

• Book over the Internet to have online access to your reservations.

• Take a sneak peek at the slopes by checking out the live Web cam located on the Wachusett Mountain Web site.