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Cross country (XC) skiing and snowshoeing have lots of space in Massachusetts

Massachusetts > State > Winter Activities > Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Cross country skiing is a marvelous winter sport that is growing in popularity among people of all ages. It is easy to learn for kids and adults and equipment is not complicated. And it is a sport that whole families can do together. Centers for cross-country (also called XC or Nordic skiing) are found in most parts of Massachusetts, with the greatest concentration in the Berkshire Mountains in the west. Almost all cross country skiing centers also welcoming snowshoeing and also offer snowshoe equipment rentals and lessons. Snowshoeing is usually allowed on or near Nordic ski trails and there are many more snowshoeing trails.

Western Massachusetts Cross Country Ski Area Association is a group of seven Nordic ski areas, all of which provide groomed trails and usually lessons and equipment rentals. A sampler pass for all seven areas is available for $55. The association is based in Hawley and its phone number is 413-339-4265. The association’s goal is to make cross-country skiing (and snowshoeing!) accessible for everyone.

ma cross country ski areas
Cranwell Resort Cross Country Skiing

55 Lee Road Lenox, MA, 01240 Phone: 413-637-1364

Ten km of groomed trails adjacent to a luxury resort; ice skating; free spa; lodging packages

Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club offers Nordic skiers and snowshoers 10 kilometers of groomed trails for all ski levels. Rossignol ski touring equipment for XC skiers is available for rent, as are Tubbs snowshoes and skier accessories.

Tamp down your Nordic-induced hunger at nearby Sloane's Tavern. Skiers and snowshoers using the property also may use the resorts spa and indoor pool. Winter Getaway packages for the resort are available.
Maple Corner Farm Cross Country Ski Center

Maple Corner Farm, 794 Beech Hill Road Granville, MA, 01034 Phone: 413-357-8829

30 mk. of skiing and snowshoeing trails; lodge with food; rentals and lessons; 1,400-foot elevation

This family farm in the foothills of the Berkshires offers 20 kilometers of marked ski trails from beginner to expert, groomed for traditional and skating styles. Also, there is 10 km. of snowshoe trails. The trails venture through or past pastures, mountain streams, maple groves, forests, and hills.
A rental shop has plenty of skis and snowshoes for children through adult sizes. Group and private ski lessons are available. The ski lodge has a cozy wood fire and snack bar with hot foods. Behind the lodge is a warm-up area and beginner trails. Open for skiing 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and holidays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
Notchview Cross Country Ski Area

Notchview Reservation, 83 Old Route 9 Windsor, MA, 01270 Phone: 413-684-0148

40 km of trails, mostly groomed; long snow season; ski with your dog

Notchview Nordic ski area is owned and operated by the Trustees of Reservations, a conservation group that does an excellent job of caring for its properties. Variety of traisl ranges from KInderloop for children to backcountry trails for advanced XC skiers and snowshoers. Twenty-eight of a total of 40 trails are groomed. The 3100-acres property has scenic forest and open meadow. A high base elevation means lots of snow, even into March and April. Trailside shelters offer grand views across the surrounding Hilltown countryside. One area is groomed for skiing with dogs. Visitor lodge has a wood burning stove. Snowshoe rentals and ski equipment rentals.
Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center and Guest Lodge

64 West Hill Road Hawley, MA, 01339 Phone: 413-339-4265

25 km of trails for classical Nordic skiing and snowshoeing; lodge includes meals and bunk rooms, available for overnights by groups

Stump Sprouts is a small rustic resort high above the Mohawk Trail with dependable snow coverage throughout the winter. Twenty-five kilometers of trails designed for classical track XC skiing and snowshoeing include beautiful wooded glades that move into and through the nearby state forest. Great views from trail intersections.

The lodge has wonderful views in all directions, a fireplace, bunkrooms. Home-cooked served to weekend guests and midweek groups. The lodge is a destination for family reunions, clubs, small weddings, and informal business meetings.
Great Brook Ski Touring Center

1018 Lowell Street Carlisle, MA, 01741 Phone: 978-369-7486

10 miles of groomed XC skiing trails; night skiing on Tuesday and Thursday evenings; rentals

Two dozen miles from downtown Boston, Great Brook Ski Touring Center has 10 miles of machine-groomed trails in Great Brook Farm State Park. Trails provide terrain for all levels of ability. Surroundings are fields, a farm, woods, and hills. Wide lands allow two sets of skiing tracks and ski skating. Large rental inventory has skis in every size, as well as snowshoes and pulk sleds for pulling children.
Machine-groomed trails east of Lowell Street are open only to paid skiers. Tickets can be purchased at the ski touring center at 1018 Lowell Street. People who have their own ski equipment may use ungroomed trails west of Lowell Street. Equipment rentals are $3 to $13. Trail passes are $8 to $11, depending on age. Season passes are available.
Northfield Mountain Cross Country Ski Area

99 Millers Falls Road Northfield, MA, 01360 Phone: 800-859-2960

25 miles of varied-skill XC and showshoeing trails, including 800-foot mountain climb

Twenty-five miles of trails are groomed for classical and ski style skiing. Difficulty ranges from gentle to the 800-foot vertical climb up Tenth Mountain Trail. Center has a base yurt and a lounge, trailside warming hut open on Saturdays and Sundays; rentals of Nordic skis and snowshoes; and lessons. Six miles of snowshoe trails. Trail system open Wednesday- Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (not open on Monday and Tuesday). Passes are $12 a day; adult ski equipment rentals, $14 a day.
Otter River State Forest

86 Winchendon Road Baldwinville, MA Phone: 508-939-8962

Camping, water sports, hiking

Otter River State Forest is a popular camping and day-use property that welcomes cross-country skiing on its many trails.
Winter trail map
See full description of Otter State Park.
Beebe Woods

Off Depot Avenue Falmouth, MA, 02540 Phone: 508-457-2536

This is a sweet little conservation area with lots of trails of a 334-acre former estate. Trails are open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing if Falmouth gets enough snow, but there are no skiing services or supports, such as equipment rentals. Dogs are welcome. Nice for families. Property in include large kettle ponds, woodlands, and wetlands. The 1.6-mile walk to Ice House Pond is a delight.
Hilltop Orchards Cross Country Skiing

Hilltop Orchards, 508 Canaan Road / Route 295 Richmond, MA, 01254 Phone: 800-833-6274

Four miles of trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing; trails in woods and a orchard; snowshoeing; lodge with winery

In addition to its large apple trees, Hilltop Orchards has a 200-acre property devoted in winter to Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, with some places offering vast vistas of the Berkshire Mountains. At this Nordic Ski Center, trails are groomed for classic and skating-style skiing and snowshoeing. Wooded backcountry trails will thrill the more advanced XC skiers. John Morton, a seven-time participant in the Winter Olympics, designed the 4 miles of trails through the orchards and nearby woods. Equipment rentals. Join the Guided Full Moon Snowshoe and bonfire.

Skiers and snowshoers are welcome to free tastings of Furnace Brook Wine, the orchard’s other non-traditional offering. Day trail fees are adults, $15 trail fees, youth, $12. Season passes available. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests of the owner’s Garden Gables Inn in Lenox ski for free.
Dunn State Park

289 Pearl Street Gardner, MA Phone: 508-632-7897

Water sports on pond; walking trails; Nordic skiing and ice skating. Fully wheelchair accessible

In winter, people may do cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the park’s two walking trails. Ice skating is done on the pond. Often, a wood fire is lit in the visitor center. All activities in the park are wheelchair-accessible.
Map and trails guide
See full description of Dunn State Park.
Canterbury Farm Cross Country Skiing

1986 Fred Snow Road Becket, MA, 01223 Phone: 413-623-0100

Northern exposure with good snow; 32 km of trails for all levels; snowshoeing and ice skating; good for families; bed and breakfast inn

At 1650 feet elevation, Canterbury Farm and its 32 km of trails offer plenty of snow and views of Mount Greylock. Most trails are groomed every day and offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain. Some trails are wide enough for ski skating; some of the back country trail have tracks only. Skis, snow shoes and ice skates for rent; lessons offered.

Dave’s nature tours for groups go out every Sunday to observe habitats of beaver, otter, moose, bear. On the property is a cozy country B&B.
Weston Ski Track

200 Park Road Weston, MA, 02193 Phone: 781-891-6575

Close to Boston; round-the-clock snowmaking; lesson and rentals for adults and kids; night skiing; snowshoeing

Thirteen miles and a 20-minute drive from Boston headed west on the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90), Weston Ski Track is a cross-country ski and snowshoe center located on the Leo J. Martin Golf Course. Snow guns keep track covered as long as temps allow. Track is easily accessible to the Boston area. The Ski Track grooms 15 kilometers of trails and lights a two-kilometer loop for night skiing.

Family-friendly area. Lots of support and teaching for beginner skiers and snowshoers. Trails passes, for all day, evenings, for three days, range from $8 to $29, depending on skier age. Equipment rentals, including snow shoes, for all sizes. Snack bar.