Franklin County offers plenty of ways for families to enjoy winter during school vacation week, from days on the slopes to indoor play, skating, and quiet walks in the woods.
Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont remains one of the region’s go-to winter destinations, with multiple lifts and a variety [...]
As National Hiking Day approaches on Sunday, November 17th, 2024, it’s the perfect time for us here in Franklin County to lace up our hiking boots and celebrate the great outdoors! This special day was created to encourage everyone to hit the trails and appreciate the beauty of nature while also highlighting the important role hiking plays [...]
This scenic tour explores the eastern portion of the Mohawk Trail, beginning in Greenfield.
Start your journey with a sunrise view from Poet's Seat Tower in Greenfield. Drive east on Main Street to High Street and follow the signs to reach the tower. Return to Main Street (Route 2A) and head west, then turn left [...]
Winter is here and with the arrival of beautiful fresh white snow, everyone is itching to get out and play! Getting outside and playing in the snow is a great way to cure the winter and Covid blues. Plus, it’s easy to social distance and keep everyone safe while doing so. Check out these local beautiful spots where you can bask in a winter wonderland!
Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont opened on December 17. The mountain crew has been working hard to make snow and keep the trails maintained for excellent riding conditions. This season, things will be different due to Covid, but Berkshire East has been preparing new systems and amenities to make the season safe and fun. For example, they are asking that all non-season pass holders book their tickets in advance so that they can control the number of skiers on the mountain. For dining, they ask that reservations for dining inside at Crazy Horse be made in advance. Or you can check out their new outdoor dining service. Order online from an even larger selection of food than in the past, and then pick up your order from the window when it’s ready. Plan ahead for your day at Berkshire East by reading their information online related to Covid-19. This will help to make it a safe and enjoyable season for all.
As of December 14, Northfield Mountain announced that they will not be selling trail passes or renting equipment. But the good news is, if you have your own gear, you can still access the trails when the snow cover is sufficient. Just note that the trails will not be groomed or patrolled, so know your limits and plan ahead because there will be no restroom or warming facilities. When the snow cover is thin, the public will be allowed to use the trails for hiking or cycling on fat bikes. All trail users must wear face masks at all times. Check their Facebook page or website for any updates around this.
Happy trails!
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We still have a few months until Spring, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay cooped up inside the house until then! Break through the cabin fever and head out to these local gems in Franklin County for outdoor adventuring in the snow.
Berkshire East Mountain Resort has activities year round. But in the winter, it is the best local mountain, located right in Charlemont, MA! It is a great beginner mountain but has trails for those more advanced as well. They offer lessons for snowboarding and skiing and have high quality equipment rentals. You can also take a fun ride on a tube at their snow tubing park. Afterwards, warm up inside the Crazy Horse Bar and Grill for some good food and drinks.
If sometimes you prefer a slower pace through the snow, then head over to Stump Sprouts Cross Country Ski Center, just up the road from Berkshire East in Hawley, MA. There you can cross country ski or snowshoe with beautiful expansive views of rural northwestern Massachusetts.
For more great cross country adventuring with different views, check out Northfield Mountain Cross Country Ski Area. Located on Route 63 in Northfield, they have 25 miles of trails groomed for classical and freestyle skiing. There, you can rent skis and snowshoesand take a lesson with a ski instructor. They also have trailside warming huts and a cozy base area yurt. Visit them Wednesday through Sunday 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Visit shelburnefalls.com or franklincc.org for more ideas on how to stay active this winter!
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