Massachusetts is known for its cold, often harsh winters. However, these conditions transform the state into a winter playground for outdoor enthusiasts. From ice skating, to skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and other activities, Massachusetts has recreational locations across the entire state to keep visitors occupied on the snowiest of winter days.
Skating on the Frog Pond
Skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond has been a winter tradition in Boston since it opened in 1997. Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, is centrally located in downtown Boston, adjacent to the Massachusetts State House.
The skating season runs from November to the middle of March. Special group rates and rentals for birthday and private parties are available. On-site amenities include skate rentals, a snack bar and locker rentals.
Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, located in Princeton, is a family friendly destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Centrally located in the state, Wachusett is a convenient 1-hour drive west of Boston and easily accessible from the Massachusetts Turnpike and other area highways.
Both day and night skiing and riding are available throughout the season. Trails are groomed several times daily, and Wachusett has the ability to cover 100 percent of its trails with man-made snow. Special packages are available which include lessons, equipment rentals and lift tickets.
Cross-Country Skiing
Great Brook Ski Touring Center, located 25 miles from downtown Boston, is open from from Dec. 1 to March 20. The park contains more than 10 miles of groomed trails of varying degrees of difficulty.
The park's scenic cross-country trails traverse through Great Brook Farm State Park and take visitors across the parks streams, ponds, meadows and woodland. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, selected trails are illuminated by lantern for night skiing. Rentals are available on site.
Snow Tubing
During the winter season, Nashoba Valley Snow Tubing Park, located at Nashoba Valley Ski Area, is open seven days and seven nights per week. The tubing park is the largest of its kind in New England with 15 tubing lanes and four lifts.
The tubing lanes are routinely groomed throughout the day. Rates as of 2010 begin at $25 for a 2-hour ticket. Discounted six pack tickets are available for $125 (2010 rate) and are valid Monday through Friday with the exception of holidays and holiday weeks.
Winter Exercise
Weston Ski Track, located about 15 minutes from downtown Boston on the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, is a natural snow park for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snow skating.
The park contains roughly 9.3 miles of trails, approximately 1.2 miles of which are illuminated on a looping trail. The rental shop offers complete touring ski packages including skis, poles and boots, snowshoe and pole rentals and snow skates, pole and boot rentals.
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