Snow on the Mountain

  • Visit North Central

It’s Ski Season!Jan-30-Powder-2

For weeks, you’ve stayed tuned to the weather channel, and looked hopefully at the trails snaking down the sides of Wachusett Mountain.

And finally, there it is — sparkling white snow on the slopes, signaling the start of ski season!  Local skiers are downright exuberant as they flock to the mountain on the weekend before Thanksgiving. At last, a bit of “normal” injected into this anything-but-normal year! Generations of ski enthusiasts and their families have made Wachusett their favorite local winter destination — and that tradition continues this season.

But as you gather up your gear for a day or evening of outdoor fun, plan for a “2021 version” of the ski experience at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. The Wachusett staff and management have always focused on safety, but with the Covid-19 pandemic still hanging in throughout New England, “safety” has taken on a new meaning for everyone.

Time to Hit the Slopes!

E0Q1695With its 29 trails, eight lifts and 100 percent snowmaking capacity, this season’s Wachusett will provide the same great skiing that you’ve enjoyed for years. The “new normal” of the pandemic situation, though, includes some changes you should be aware of before heading to the popular Princeton attraction.

After more than a year of reminders, you know about social distancing and face coverings — and whatever rules are currently in force in Massachusetts will apply at the ski area. Of course, when you’re on the slopes, “social distancing” is easy. But in areas where maintaining six-foot distancing is difficult, as in loading and unloading chairlifts and in indoor resort facilities, face coverings may be required, so be prepared. And if necessary, team members will limit the number of visitors in any area to maintain any mandated distancing.

At the same time, the ski area is proving that fun and safety can go hand-in-hand. When it’s time to take a break, Wachusett has you covered! Although indoor activity may again be limited, outdoor seating on the giant patio has been expanded, heat lamps will be available to help chase away chills — and O’Brien’s Deck Bar & Grill, along with other grab-and-go vendors, food trucks and beer trucks can be ramped up as needed for outdoor service.

Change Is in the Air

Here are a few other changes you may see this winter at this popular winter sport spot:

  • Lift Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone. Depending on current COVID guidelines, they may be available for purchase in person — but call to be sure before you head to the mountain. A tip: Order early; don’t wait! Supplies are limited and they will sell out.
  • Sales of Season Passes will be limited this year.
  • Operating schedules may be subject to change at any time.
  • Capacities may be restricted due to COVID-19.
  • COVID regulations may also affect other elements of your visit, from gear storage to shuttle bus schedules and rental orders, so be sure to check the Ski Area website (wachusett.com) or facebook page often.

So, when those brilliant white trails on the region’s signature landmark start calling your name this winter, remember that even in these challenging times, mountain skiing — and mountains of fun — are just minutes away.