January 26, 2005
Night Vision
Fact, with today’s snowfall January 2005 is officially the snowiest January on record for the Bay State. Places like Cape Cod have been absolutely buried. Ski Areas closest to the Hub are getting the most snow out of these latest two systems. You are probably sitting at work. You also may be getting out early. Take advantage of this and hit the slopes for some night skiing/riding and enjoy the best conditions so far this season.
Blue Hills in Canton, MA has night skiing. During the Revolutionary War when the city of Boston was under attack by the British Royal Navy people (more apt Patriots) sat atop Blue Hills to watch the destruction. Present day it is a good local area and the closest place you can grab a chairlift from downtown, approximately a half hour away. With the conditions, it will certainly be fun.
Nashoba Valley in Westford, MA is also a good bet. They have Snow Tubing. So if you have a friend/roommate/spouse who does not ski or ride bring them along. Similar terrain to Blue Hills, but a lot more lift capacity. It is also a short drive, about 45 minutes from the center of the Hub.
Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA is going to be the largest of these Baystate mountains and the only one that I would refer to as a resort. Plus it is only a quick 1-hour drive from Boston, just take Route 2 to 140 South and follow the signs or the glow of the lights. It had the original trails cut way back in 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. WaWa has all the amenities you will find at the bigger brethren further north. However, it is still a reasonable drive and you can crank out laps on their high-speed summit lift. They also have nightly races if you are the competitive type. Check out the website for more, there is a ton of information on it…
Pats Peak Ski Area in Henniker, NH is conveniently located off I-89, a quick ninety minutes from Boston. At Pats Peak, when the sun sets, the fun is just beginning. Pats Peak is New Hampshire's largest night skiing facility, and operates under the lights, on 90% of the mountain, January through March. Check out the POP (Pay One Price) Saturday Nights Deal for one low price. It includes Skiing, Snowboarding, Tubing, Rentals, Lesson Tips, Bonfires and Entertainment. Also, don’t miss the fun at the après-ski parties every Saturday night. Pats Peak has received over 2 feet of fresh from the recent snowfall.
Last but not least, take note of Crotched Mountain in Bennington, NH. It is about an hour and a half ride from Downtown. Although it is a bit further the area operates from 9pm-3am on Friday and Saturday nights. It's called Midnight Madness and features a slope-side bonfire, live music and much more insanity running until 3am, allowing Crotched to boast that they are the only ski area in the East open past midnight. Regular night skiing every night of the week until 9pm, except Sundays until 7pm. Reporting 24" from the big weekend storm with another 6" so far today.
1/23/05 @ Crotched
The Skiing and Riding is Amazing!
Get out there and keep THINKING SNOW!
S.G.
