Courtesy of Bousquet Mountain
winter season with a Free Beginners ’ Day in December , featuring complimentary lift tickets , rentals , and one-hour lessons . The Ridge ’ s winter lineup includes exciting traditions like the Cardboard Box Race , Retro Days , Slush Jump , and the popular Women ’ s Ski and Sip clinic , a four-week women ’ s ski clinic that ends at the Grouse House for wine and appetizers . otisridge . com
Bousquet
Bousquet Mountain in Pittsfield has been busy hosting events all year round — and the fall is no exception . On September 28 , Bousquet presents a combined Ski Swap and Non-Alcoholic Oktoberfest as a precursor to their Annual Oktoberfest on October 5 . During Spooky season , Bousquet will become BOOsquet for the first time , inviting guests to experience A Happy Haunts Carnival from October 25 to 27 . Welcoming winter with a Winter Starts Here Concert & Party on December 13 , the seasonal festivities aim to continue past midnight with a NYE Party welcoming 2025 on December 31 . Recreational enthusiasts can expect an expanded Terrain Park program , featuring soon-to-be-announced events , features , and competitions . Bousquet is taking a two-point approach in adapting to climate changes , first by investing in state-of-the-art snowmaking machines that maximize energy efficiency while still maintaining high-quality powder and second by a drainage system that captures run-off water and redirecting it to a snowmaking pond , increasing sustainability and coming full circle re-use of resources . bousquet-mountain . com
ON THE SLOPES
Otis Ridge
Nestled deep in the hills , Otis Ridge is the perfect spot for cold weather activities . According to General Manager Eric VanOostveen , visitors can expect the Ridge to be about 10 to15 degrees colder than other ski areas , which affords them the ability to make snow earlier and faster , covering the mountain quickly and efficiently . Beginning in early fall , Otis Ridge hosts outdoor movie nights at the Grouse House , offering a unique family experience under the stars . Families are invited to bring a blanket and enjoy and outdoor film . The Grouse House will be open for food and cocktails , while a film plays al fresco . Look for a showing in mid-September and a Halloween movie the weekend of Otis Trunk or Treat . The resort kicks off its
Ski Butternut
Ski Butternut in Great Barrington is also embracing change with the introduction of the Freedom Pass , which offers three complimentary days of skiing at over 20 partner ski resorts , including Lost Valley in Maine and Yawgoo Valley in Rhode Island . The resort is upgrading its facilities with new grooming equipment , rental gear , and food options , enhancing the skiing experience for all visitors . New craft beer options and locally sourced baked goods top the menu at the Lodge . Butternut is refreshing its rental fleet with the latest ski equipment from Rossignol and snowboard equipment from Burton , top-of-the-line gear designed specifically to make learning to ski and ride easier than ever .
82 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2024