Berkshire Links

Skiing

Skiing is a favorite activity in the Berkshires and has been an important component of the local tourism industry for as long as Tanglewood has been. In 1935, the first of the famous "ski trains" left Grand Central Station in New York bound for Bousquet's in Pittsfield, MA, where the rope tow was perfected and night skiing was introduced on Dec. 24, 1936, by U. S. Ski Hall of Fame honoree Clare Bousquet. By 1945, Bousquets featured 10 rope tows. Olympic skiers Heidi Voelker, Krista and Kim Schmidinger began skiing at Bousquets.

Skiing the Thunderbolt trail Mt. Greylock

Berkshires skiing lore also includes the legendary Thunderbolt Ski Run, a world class downhill trail carved into the east slope of Mt. Greylock in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, under the direction of the Mt. Greylock Ski Club. Today, Berkshire county residents and visitors to the Berkshires have several choices for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as for cross-country skiing.

Otis Ridge Ski Area

Otis Ridge Ski Area is smaller than other ski areas in the Berkshires but is a favorite among locals and visiting families who enjoy skiing away from crowds and difficult ski runs. The vertical drop is a gentle 400 feet and with night skiing and eleven trails there will be more time on the slopes and less time in lift lines. Otis Ridge is especially popular with visitors from the nearby Springfield area. Visitors from farther afield may find the listings here to be useful: Lee, Mass hotels.

Otis Ridge contact information

  • Rte. 23,
  • Otis, MA
  • Vertical drop: 400 feet;
  • trails: 11.
  • Night skiing.
  • 413-269-4444.
  • otisridge.com

Otis Ridge map and driving directions

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How to get to the Berkshires

Here are inks for local and regional public transportation depots and stops, plus where to get Peter Pan bus and Amtrak train schedules and tickets: how to get to the Berkshires.