Outdoor Rec Guide | Page 8

COURTESY CATAMOUNT MOUNTAIN RESORT

Surveying Our Slopes

Like most things in the Berkshires that involve its famous hills , a colorful history is commonly found , and our ski resorts are no exception . From Butternut to Brodie , the Berkshire hills have been home to over 40 ski areas since the 1930s . While many have been reclaimed by the forests , six stalwart slopes have been slicing up fun and adventure to residents and visitors alike for well over 60 years — and many of those have new or improved offerings for the season ahead . Here ’ s a survey of our slopes :
By Taylor Staubach
Berkshire East Mountain Resort 66 Thunder Mountain Rd ., Charlemont , Mass . berkshireeast . com • 413-339-6617
For nearly 45 years , Berkshire East Mountain Resort has been family-owned and -operated . With modern facilities , a top-notch snowmaking system , first-class grooming operation , ski and snowboard lessons , a snow tubing park , on-site dining options , and nearby lodging , Berkshire East is a hidden gem worth the trip .
Bousquet Mountain Ski Area 101 Dan Fox Dr ., Pittsfield , Mass . bousquetmountain . com • 413-442-8985
Bousquet is 200-acres ski resort featuring 24 trails , two lifts , two magic carpets , a terrain park , and 85 % snowmaking coverage . Ski instruction classes are given twice daily on weekends and holidays for children ages five and up . Bousquet boasts state-of-the-art snowmaking and a brand-new base lodge completed in 2021 . Check out their winter programs focusing on beginning skiers . Upcoming events include :
• November 5 , Ski Swap
• November 26 , Terrain Park Event
• December 10 , Winter Starts Here Concert
Catamount Mountain Resort 78 Catamount Rd ., Hillsdale , New York catamountski . com • 518-325-3200
The four-season resort straddles the Massachusetts and New York borders . Offering some of the most varied terrain in southern New England , Catamount features a vertical drop of 1,000 feet and a total of 43 trails and 8 lifts , with night skiing on 15 trails . Resort services include on-site lodging , rentals , lessons , and multiple food & drink options . Its renowned snow sports school offers group and private lessons for all ages and abilities and is home to the popular " Mountain Cats " children ' s programs . Catamount has invested in a lot of upgrades to its snowmaking system for the 2022 / 2023 winter season — such as a new snowmaking pipe and snow guns across various trails , including newly added snowmaking capability to double-diamond trail , Christopher ' s Leap . Also ,
Catamount ’ s brand-new Snow Tubing Park will open this season . Equipped with multiple lanes , a magic carpet lift , and snowmaking , the Snow Tubing Park is the place to be for family fun this winter . It will be open Fridays , Saturdays , Sundays , and holidays .
Jiminy Peak 37 Corey Rd ., Hancock , Mass . jiminypeak . com • 413-738-5500
Jiminy Peak is the largest ski and snowboard resort in southern New England , and the only mountain resort in North America using alternative wind power . Jiminy boasts a 1,150-foot vertical , 40 trails , nine lifts , snowboard park , and an old-fashioned ice rink . Ski and snowboard lessons are offered for both children and adults . A section of the popular Left Bank trail has been widened to improve the overall experience . Night skiing has recently been upgraded with the installation of lights on four additional trails . Live entertainment and activities take place on Thursday , Friday , and Saturday nights at Christiansen ’ s Tavern .
78 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2022