One trip to Wachusett Mountain can make a lifelong skier out of anyone
When winter falls, we New Englanders generally don’t want to huddle inside. Born with the thrill-seeking spirit, we want to embrace the outdoors in all its Northeastern majesty. And for many of us, that means hitting the slopes.
Whether you’re an expert ripper, a bunny-slope beginner, or you’ve never touched a ski pole or strapped on a snowboard, a day 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 adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Our instructors provide you with all skills and gear you’ll need. And if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, we’ll even provide the snow. Wachusett Mountain is family-owned and independently operated — dedicated to providing our fellow New Englanders with a winter of wonder and adventure.
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
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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 Ahead of Time
It pays to plan ahead, and the best deals are at Wachusett.com. For as little as $145 ($149 on weekends and holidays), you get a lift ticket, rental equipment, and 1.5-hour group lesson to maximize your fun on the Mountain. You can also upgrade to a 3-day Beginner Package or a 4-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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After fueling up with a cup of Joe (or hot cocoa) from Wachusett’s Identity Coffee Lab, Wachusett Mountain’s Rental Shop can provide top-of-the-line skis, boards, boots, and poles. 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. And if you didn’t dress quite right for the weather, there are also GORE-TEX jacket and pant rentals.
Grab Your Gear
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Wachusett Mountain has enough trails to keep skiers of any skill level busy all day. Start with the easier Green Slopes like Sundowner and Easy Rider and build up to the intermediate Blue Slopes like Challenger and Look Mom. Or if you’re already an expert, go straight to the Black Diamonds like Smith Walton and Oxbow Chute.
Hit the Slopes
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Time flies when you are racing down the mountain — don’t forget to stop for lunch. Located in the Base Lodge, the Black Diamond Restaurant is a pub-style eatery serving lunch and dinner daily with expert-level burgers, pasta, steak tips, nachos, and other entrees. (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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After snapping a final selfie on the lift above the gorgeous snow-covered old-growth forest, grab après-ski libations at 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
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We’re open late until 9:30pm (7pmstarting mid-March), so the slopes fit your schedule. Whether you’re coming straight from school, clocking out of work, or finally tackling that “I want to try skiing” goal, we’ve got you covered. Grab your friends, bundle up, and come enjoy a relaxed night on the snow.
Or … Keep Skiing at Night
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SKI Mag readers survey ratings (in the East)
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Family friendly
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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
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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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TODAY
TOMORROW
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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 $145 online and include
all you need to get started
(rentals, lessons, and lift ticket).
3-day packages for beginner skiers and snowboarders start at $249. 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
We’re just a short drive from all the major cities in southern New England. If you live in Boston, the MBTA Commuter Rail Service offers 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.
Get your ticket now
Shop gore-tex
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Start your ski or snowboard journey
Check out our Beginner Packages
