One trip to Wachusett Mountain can make a lifelong skier out of anyone
When it comes to New England winters, there are generally two types of people: Those who huddle indoors, and those who can’t wait to suit up and embrace the outdoors. But for both types, the thrill-seeking spirit is often stifled by a fear of or lack of familiarity with winter sports.
That might be because we often see YouTube clips of professional skiers and snowboarders jumping, zigzagging, and racing down mountains. Or it might just be because we don’t know where to begin. For New Englanders who’ve never touched a ski pole or strapped on a snowboard before, an affordable, comfortable, and safe starting line for a day — and a lifetime — of fun awaits at Wachusett Mountain.
Located within an hour of most major New England cities, Wachusett Mountain is easily accessible, and provides world-class skiing and snowboarding for outdoor adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Our instructors will teach you the how to progress quickly and provide you with state-of-the-art equipment and even clothing to ensure the upmost comfort in all weather.
The goal at Wachusett Mountain is to do more than show you
a day of fun — but instill in you and your family a lifelong love of the sport that will make even the most fair-weather homebody look forward to a long winter (and we provide the snow no matter what Mother Nature says).
Where Apres And Adventure Meet:
Secrets to the slopes for newcomers.
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Opt for the 3-Day Beginner Package
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Get your outerwear at the Mountain
HOVER
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ITINERARY
Here’s an itinerary for how your first day on Wachusett Mountain might unfold — trust us, it won’t be your last.
It’s all downhill from here.
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BUY YOUR TICKET TO THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME
You’ll always get the best deal when you purchase online at Wachusett.com ahead of time. Wachusett Mountain offers an unbeatable Beginner Package for visitors ages 9 and up. For as little as $145 ($149 on weekends and holidays), you get a lift ticket, rental equipment, and 1.5-hour group lesson on the skills you’ll need to maximize your fun on the Mountain. Of course, once you experience the excitement of the sport, you’ll be raring to return: You can also upgrade to a 3-day Beginner Package or a 3-day Flex Ticket for future visits.
Buy Beginner Package
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Hit the road - or hop on the t
Wachusett Mountain
Worcester
Boston
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No day truly starts until after you’ve had your morning coffee. On the Mountain, that means Identity Coffee Lab, which can brew you up a made-to-order espresso, cappuccino, latte, or just a good old-fashioned cup of Joe from locally roasted beans with all the fixings. For the non-coffee drinkers, there are smoothies, refreshers, and hot cocoa. Need a little more gas in your tank? The eatery also serves fresh baked goods and elevated breakfast sandwiches. It’s also a great place to bump into fellow skiers and get a sense of the adventure that awaits.
FUEl up wITH A cup of JOE
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You can’t hit the lifts empty-handed. Skiing and snowboarding require a fair amount of equipment and accessories — a sizeable investment if you’re not yet sure it’s your thing. Wachusett Mountain’s Rental Shop can provide top-of-the-line skis, boards, boots, and polls. If you’re ready to commit, the MTNside Demo Center has you covered from helmet to ski tip and will let you try before you buy high-performance equipment, applying the demo fee toward ski or board purchase. And if you just didn’t dress quite right for the weather, there are also GORE-TEX jacket and pant rentals.
Grab your gear
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Time to hit the slopes! Wachusett Mountain has enough trails to keep skiers and boarders of any skill level busy for an entire day (or night) of fun — and then some. Start with the easier Green Slopes like Sundowner and Easy Rider and build up to the intermediate Blue Slopes like Challenger and Look Mom. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be ready for the Black Diamond Slopes like Smith Walton and Oxbow Chute.
Point the skis or board … and go, go, go
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Time flies when you are racing up and down the mountain — don’t forget to stop for lunch. There are several delicious options in the Base Lodge, including the Black Diamond Restaurant, a pub-style stop serving lunch and dinner every day. Expert-level burgers, pasta, steak tips, nachos, and other entrees will keep you energized for an afternoon of action. (Pro tip: Try to eat before 11 a.m. or after 1 p.m. to avoid the crowds.)
Grab Some Lunch
at the Black Diamond
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Skiing and snowboarding aren’t just about keeping your head, eyes, and tips down all the way to the base. In between the exhilarating downhill, you get a scenic breather on the lift ride above the gorgeous snow-covered old-growth forest. Capture your smile along with the pristine vistas by snapping a quick selfie to preserve the memory — and make your Insta followers positively green with envy.
Take a selfie on the chair lift
VIEW MAP
VIEW MENU
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Playing in the snow sure works up a powerful thirst. For après-ski libations, look no further than the Coppertop Lounge, where you can find an extensive tap list of local craft beer. There’s no better way to celebrate your first day (or any day) on the slopes.
End the perfect day with the perfect night cap
SKI Mag readers survey ratings (in the East)
5
Family friendly
15
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Thaw Your Misconceptions and SEIZE the Day!
At Wachusett Mountain, we love welcoming newcomers and ensuring nothing stops your first alpine adventure. Hover to uncover the truth about common mountain myths.
Bonding on the Slopes
Chairlift Moments
Gliding into Fun
First-Timer Thrills
Ski Journey Begins
Lessons on the Slopes
Add a Wach-U-Need Starter Pack
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Start Green and Move to Blue…and Beyond
HOVER
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First Time?
Check Out Our Guide
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Opt for the 3-Day Beginner Package
Good for three non-consecutive days, this package includes lift tickets, rental equipment, and beginner group lessons for just $249 — the best buy.
There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear!
Assuming you live in New England, you probably already own most of what you need...
Start with the base layers like long underwear and a thermal shirt.
Shop gore-tex
Add a pair of snow pants, one pair of winter socks, and a parka, plus warm gloves or mittens.
Add a pair of goggles.
Do you ski or snowboard?
Snowboard
Ski
MTNside Ski & Ride, located in the Base Lodge, has everything you need to fill in any apparel or equipment gaps!
EASILY ACCESSIBLE
LOVE OF THE SPORT
FUN AWAITS
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YESTERDAY
TODAY
TOMORROW
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Rentals
TICKETS
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Get your outerwear at the Mountain
Pack light! You can rent Gore-Tex clothing at the resort to keep you toasty and dry all day.
Add a Wach-U-Need Starter Pack
Pack even lighter! This add-on to the Beginner Package includes handwarmers, socks, gloves, and goggles, which are yours to take home.
Start Green and Move to Blue…and Beyond
Beginners should start at Ollie’s Area. Once steady, try the Easy Rider carpet for a green-level course. Feeling adventurous? Take your first chairlift ride on the Monadnock Express.
First Time?
Check Out Our Guide
Full of helpful tips from operating hours to directions & parking, our First Timers Guide has everything you need to get started with your skiing and riding adventures.
Check Out Our Guide
THE MORE YOU SNOW...
TEMPERATURES ON THE MOUNTAIN ARE WAY TOO COLD.
Chilly temperatures don’t stand
a chance against proper clothing.
Don’t overlook long underwear and be sure to layer up.
Visit MTNside Ski & Ride in the base lodge for additional gear.
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LIFT TICKETS ARE OUT OF MY BUDGET.
First timer? Beginner packages start at $119 online and include
all you need to get started
(rentals, lessons, and lift ticket).
3-day packages for beginner skiers and snowboarders start
at $229. And don’t worry about
a time crunch, the days don’t need to be consecutive.
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Transportation to the mountain is too difficult.
Wachusett Mountain is recognized as one of the most accessible ski areas in the eastern U.S. – especially for visitors traveling from Boston and greater New England!
MBTA Commuter Rail’s Ski Train drops riders off at Wachusett Station to catch the mountain shuttle (on select days of operation).
On-site parking at the mountain is totally free!
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I’m far too old to be a beginner
Like many of life’s greatest adventures, it’s never too late to take the plunge!
No matter your age, Wachusett has something to offer every skier and snowboarder - even first-timers.
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I don’t have anyone to ski with.
Skiing and snowboarding are among the most social sports out there - you never know who you might meet riding up the lift. Many happily married couples met for the first time during a powder day on the slopes!
In the age of social media, use connectivity to your advantage! Join online communities before your visit.
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Snow sports may be dangerous
In case of an emergecy, Wachusett has an award-winning, 150-person Ski Patrol team certified in National Ski Patrol Outdoor Emergency Care.
The Responsibility Code is the #1 priority on the mountain, ensuring every visitor knows the rules for slope safety.
Believe it or not, skiing and snowboarding are statistically safer than driving.
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There’s too much to learn,
I don’t know where to start.
Our instructors meet beginners where they are and make learning easy.
The terrain at Wachusett is ideal for first timers and beginners.
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Equipment is too expensive
Not quite ready to splurge on new gear? Equipment rentals at the mountain start at $29.
Try before you buy at MTNside Ski & Ride’s Demo Center,
the largest demo selection
in Southern New England.
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When it comes to hitting the slopes, there’s a lot of information you should know before you ski in the east for the first time. What to buy. what to rent, and how to get to the mountain are just a few questions that may come to mind.
Wachusett Mountain offers
one of the most family-friendly atmospheres out there.
The mountain is extremely accessible with plenty of parking.
overall
best grooming
A Day
In The Snow
Getting here is the most important part — and probably the easiest. It’s just a short drive from all the major cities in southern New England, such as Manchester, Worcester, and Providence. And if you live in Boston, it’s even easier with MBTA Commuter Rail Service aboard the Ski Train on the Fitchburg Line from the city’s North Station to Wachusett Rail Station, where free shuttle service to the mountain awaits to whisk you to the lifts.
Get your ticket now
Shop gore-tex
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