Are you the type of person who is not looking forward to winter? It can be a familiar feeling. After all, you may think of winter as a dreary time, and it is cold. Burrrr! Is there anything that can help? Yes – a different state of mind. Stop and think of all the fun activities that people enjoy during winter. And winter is the only time you can do them. Focus on two: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. A day skiing or snowshoeing through the forests and meadows will put you in the great outdoors and get your heart pumping. What is more, you’ll animate your emotions and add thrills to your life. So, if the thought of winter gives you the blues, consider these 6 exhilarating cross-country skiing and snowshoeing locales in the Berkshires.
CANTERBURY FARMS
1986 Fred Snow Rd, Becket, Massachusetts
(413) 623-0100
Did you know there are 22 kilometers of trails waiting for you to give them a try? Here, you’ll be able to get in touch with the natural world of the Berkshires. In winter, everything has a different look and feel. Skiing through the mountains and meandering through dense woodland on your choice of groomed or tracked ski trails is exciting to contemplate. And if you desire more of a backwoods experience, one course is kept in a more natural condition. In addition to the skiing, snowshoe trails are also maintained for a rich experience.
Trail Fees: Adult: $14-$16; Children: $12-$14
Rentals: Adult: $22; Children: $16
HILLTOP ORCHARDS
508 Canaan Road / Route 295, Richmond, Massachusetts 01254
(800) 833-6274
Did you think that Hilltop Orchards only dealt with apples and wine? In winter, they do much more. Miles of groomed trails of moderate difficulty are available. If a challenging landscape is more desirable, it’s here for you to test your ability. Snowshoeing on separate trails is available also.
Trails Fees: Adults: $15; Children 12 and under: $12.
Rentals: $20
KENNEDY PARK
91 Pittsfield Road , Lenox, Massachusetts 01240
(413) 637-3010
Kennedy Park has 502 acres to enjoy. Imagine 15 miles of tree-lined trails cut through the forest. For most, this will be pleasant cruising as you ski terrain that oscillates between flat and smooth. But if you want a little bit of a workout, there are several moderate trails for you to try.
Trail Fees: None
Rentals: $30 per day. Cross-country ski rentals are available at the Arcadian shop and include skis, boots, bindings, and poles.
NOTCHVIEW
Route 9, Town of Windsor, Massachusetts
(413) 684-0148
Imagine 3,000 plus acres of rolling countryside beckoning you to explore them. Trails that are groomed for different types of adventures are emphasized at Notchview. There are 17 kilometers designed for classical cross-country skiing, another 8 kilometers for skate skiing, and even a trail system for skiing with your dogs, “skijoring.” Do you want to explore the backcountry? You can do that too. If snowshoeing is your game, all you need to do is take a route alongside the ski trails.
Trail Fees: Adults: $14- $18; Children: $7-$9 These are non-member admission rates.
Rentals: Adult package: $20; Child package: $15
One day ski rental packages are available and include boots, poles, and skis.
STUMP SPROUTS SKI CENTER
64 W Hill Rd, Hawley, Massachusetts
(413) 339-4265
The focus at Stump Sprouts is classic cross-country skiing with 25 kilometers of ski trails for you to wander about. The elevations are high, which means a decent depth of natural snow conditions for the courses. An added prize is being able to enjoy three breathtaking state vistas on your day of skiing.
Trail Fees: Adults: $12.00; Ages 13-18: $8.00; Ages 6-12: $5.00
Rentals: Adults: $15.00; Ages 12 and Under: $8.00
A complete ski outfit w/ Rossignol equipment, all sizes of cross-country skis/boots/poles can be rented.
MAPLE CORNER FARM CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTER
Maple Corner Farm, 794 Beech Hill Road Granville, MA, 01034
(413) 357-8829
You’ll find Maple Corner Farm in the foothills of the Berkshires. Located at 1,400 feet means, like Stump Sprouts, that it’s at a good elevation for natural snow. At your disposal are 20 kilometers of marked ski trails. Your trek will lead you through meadows, by mountain streams, and through the forest. If it’s snowshoeing you want, 10 kilometers weave through evergreen forest and snow-covered meadows.
Trail Fees: Adult: $16.00; Junior (6-12 years): $12.00 Children (under 5 years): FREE
Equipment Rental: Adult: $18.00: Junior (6-12 years): $14.00: Children (under 5 years) $8.00
There are over 200 sets of skis for rent and 40 pairs of snowshoes.
There you have it—six areas for winter fun only a short drive from the Devonfield Inn. You are in for a real treat on a weekend of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Be sure to call ahead to check for snow conditions before you head on out.
Benefits of Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in the Berkshires
When you take advantage of one or more of these 6 exhilarating cross-country skiing and snowshoeing locales in the Berkshires, just think of what’s in store for you:
- You experience nature firsthand: the forest, the hills, mountains, wildlife, and birds in winter.
- You’re in a winter wonderland of ice and snow. You’ll be mesmerized by an environment of ice gems as they glimmer in the sunlight.
- Currently, because of COVID-19, there are restrictions for many activities. But this is something you can do. Plus, it’s healthy, both physically and emotionally.
- It’s also an opportunity to be with family and friends. Social distancing and having your face covered is part of the deal.
- At the end of the day, when you’re tired, you return to Devonfield Inn to relax, partake of your preferred beverage, and enjoy the warmth of a fireplace – you’ll enjoy a delightful night’s rest. Doesn’t that sound enticing?
So, why wait? Start planning your winter cross-country skiing getaway. Get out your winter gear and go for it. The forest and hills are calling you. This winter is going to be fun.
