Juno, Linus, and now Marcus. There have been many “snow makers” this past semester. Even Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter. Collegiettes, why not take advantage of this opportunity to try something new on the weekends? Since UMass is nestled in Pioneer Valley, we have a variety of ski resorts surrounding campus. At most, some of these ski resorts will take about an hour and a half to drive to. Learning how to ski or snowboard may sound difficult at first, but it’s very fun and unforgettable experience. A lot of resorts also provide college discounts as well, making it affordable! Take a look at this list of resorts and figure out which one(s) interest you the most:
Location: Great Barrington, MA
Estimated travel time: 1 hr 20 min.
Cost of lift tickets for Collegiettes: $40.00
“First Timer” package: $75.00
As a ski instructor at this resort, I highly recommend going to Ski Butternut if it is your first time out on the slopes.
We have a very enthusiastic and highly experienced staff that will make your first time on skis or a snowboard enjoyable. The friendly and easy-going environment is a very enticing feature for college students.
If the size of a resort is your major concern, it won’t be a problem at Ski Butternut. There are twenty-two downhill ski trails with a decent amount of beginner trails. If you are an avid skier or boarder interested in trying or have experience with the terrain park, you have come to the right place. There is a terrain park with scaled down features to take it easy the first few times as well as two other terrain parks with a series of rails and jumps. Looking for an activity to do after your day on the slopes? Head over to the tubing center which is open late for a two hour session under the stars.
2. Mount Snow
Location: Dover, Vermont
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hr 20 min
Cost of lift tickets for Collegiettes: $90.00, but with a valid student ID, there is a discounted rate
If you are looking to get away from the bustling college community for a bit, Mount Snow is a great resort to go to. For the more experienced skiers and snowboarders, Mount Snow has a lot to offer. With twenty lifts and four different mountain areas, a day spent here will be full of adventure.
If you are looking for a challenge, definitely check out the North Face part of the mountain that has a very thrilling terrain.
For beginners, the main mountain has a handful of beginner trails. If you are also looking to make this day trip into a weekend one, Mount Snow also has plenty to do après skiing. The Snow Barn has one of the greatest live music scenes in the Vermont area and a night there is filled with good food and drinks.
Location: Hillsdale, New York
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hr. 33 min.
Cost of lift tickets for Collegiettes: $33.00
Night Skiing: $36.00
Located around the corner from Ski Butternut, Catamount is a slightly larger resort that features thirty-two ski trails and six lifts. For Collegiettes just starting out skiing or snowboarding, the majority of the mountain is beginner terrain.
The Meadows skiing area at the resort is one of the most notable beginner areas.
One of the most popular options that the resort also has to offer is night skiing on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays where there is a total of four miles of terrain to explore.
Enjoy exploring these resorts, Collegiettes!