Amazing Places in the Berkshires for Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

ski trail over river-cross country skiing in the Berkshires

Visit the Berkshires for Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Want to know the best places for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the Berkshires? I’m thrilled to share these ski centers that have been favorites to skiers and snowshoers for many years. They are rare gems to any winter outdoor adventurer.

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Furthermore, the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts are a precious outdoor area in the winter. I’m reminded of a line from my favorite James Taylor song. “The Berkshires seemed dreamlike on account of that frosting.” The snow clotting on the trees is indeed ethereal. Don’t miss seeing it on skis or snowshoes.

Read on to discover these gems. Notchview Ski Center, Stump Sprouts, Canterbury Farm, and Maple Corner Farm will fulfill all your dreamlike visions of the Berkshires in the winter.

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What are the Snow Conditions in the Berkshires?

The Berkshires are at a relatively high elevation for New England, (Westerners, please don’t snicker). Therefore, good snow conditions can begin in December and run through March depending on the year.

So when I’m lamenting the lack of snow in the Connecticut River Valley, I remind myself that a trip to the Berkshires will usually yield incredible skiing and snowshoeing. However, it’s always a good idea to check ahead of time. Check out the conditions here.

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Places in the Berkshires

skier going uphill-cross country skiing in the Berkshires

Notchview

Notchview is a full-service Nordic skiing and snowshoeing destination owned by the Trustees of Reservations. There are 17 km of groomed trails scattered over a 3000-acre wilderness of woods and meadows. At least 10 km of the trail system is groomed for skate skiing. There’s even a special section called the Kinderloop for youngsters learning to ski.

ski trail -cross country skiing in the Berkshires — Excellent grooming for skate skiing

Dog lovers can ski or snowshoe with their pooches on the special Dog Loop located across the road from the main center. Try out skijoring if your dog is excited to pull you around on skis.

Notchview is located in Windsor, Massachusetts at an elevation of over 2000 feet. Consequently, the views from some of the trails of the Berkshires are incredible. From the Trela Adirondack lean-to on Circuit Trail, the long view of the mountains spreads out below you.

farm equipment and skier-cross country skiing in the Berkshires — View from the high meadow at Notchview

One of my favorite skis is to take the Circuit Trail around and then drop down one of the side trails to return. If you are feeling adventurous, the Anthill to Spruce Hill descent is challenging. Otherwise, the green-rated Quilltree Trail is a pleasant way to return.

Snowshoeing is on dedicated trails throughout the reservation. A hike up the backcountry trails to the high point of Judges Hill is exhilarating.

The Budd Visitor Center has a cozy fireplace for warming up after a trip around the trails. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available here. A group ski lesson is held on the weekends. Custom private lessons on skate skiing or other skills can be arranged in advance. A cafe with tasty treats beckons or you can enjoy your own lunch in the spacious visitor center.

Notchview shelter with skiers-cross country skiing in the Berkshires — Enjoying the view from the Trela shelter

More on cross country skiing in Western Massachusetts

For more information on Notchview and other free cross country skiing places in Western Massachusetts, visit here.

Stump Sprouts

Even the drive to Stump Sprouts is spectacular. Located on a high meadow in Hawley, this ski touring center has fabulous snow conditions and a unique trail system.

Lloyd and Suzanne started this labor of love ski touring center in the mid-1970s. It still retains its homey charm. The warming room in the picturesque New England farmhouse is the center for ski and snowshoe rentals. Plus, yummy homemade food and hot drinks are available.

The 25 km of trails are groomed primarily for classic skiing. Therefore, kick-and-glide skiers can enjoy everything from rolling green-rated trails to challenging blacks. Breathtaking vistas beckon on many trails. Keen skiers can ascend to the summit of Lone Boulder Hill for a view of three states.

view of mountains-cross country skiing in the Berkshires — View from the Stump Sprouts meadow

At Stump Sprouts, they aren’t kidding about the black diamond trails. These trails are narrow and often descend straight downhill. I’ve found these to be some of the most challenging cross country ski trails in New England. Try Rosie’s Run for a breathtaking drop off the mountain.

For beginning skiers, the gently rolling Katy’s Caper and the Novice Loop offer a great warm-up. There are also intermediate trails linking the trail system together.

young boys skiing-cross country skiing in the Berkshires — Learning to ski on Stump Sprouts trails

At Stump Sprouts, snowshoers share the same groomed trails as the skiers. In addition, there are also some gorgeous backcountry trails. Therefore, snowshoers will enjoy the solitude of cruising through the woods on these paths.

Winter accommodations are available in the Lodge with six bunkrooms, four bathrooms, a sauna, and a huge dining and living area. Many visitors who return every winter cherish this lodge experience.

campfire and people-cross country skiing in the Berkshires — Guests enjoying the lodge amenities

–>Related post: Proven Winter Hiking Tips

Canterbury Farm

skier in front of white house-cross country skiing in the Berkshires

If you are looking for mellow up-and-down Nordic skiing through gorgeous stands of hemlock and spruce, then Canterbury Farm in Becket is your destination. Upon arrival, the first thing you see is the 1780 historic home. It has been completely restored to its original grandeur.

christmas tree — Christmas tree along the trail

The feeling of being in the deep wilderness is prominent at Canterbury Farm. Well-signed trails wind past beaver ponds, stone walls, and streams in winter splendor. The trails are machine-groomed for both skate and classic diagonal stride skiing. A tiny tree festooned with Christmas ornaments along the trail may surprise you.

Snowshoers will enjoy the dedicated snowshoeing trails. These well-marked snowshoe paths give a feeling of true wilderness solitude. Head to the summit to enjoy views of Mt. Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts.

snowshoe trail-cross country skiing in the Berkshires — Snowshoe trails

Ice skating is another winter activity at Canterbury Farm. Skaters can practice their tricks and turns on the cleared frozen farm pond.

Quality rental equipment for all three winter outdoor adventures is available at the ski chalet. Dave and Linda have owned and operated Canterbury Farm since 1986. They provide a friendly atmosphere to enjoy exhilarating winter sports. Sign up for a ski lesson to improve your skills. Then pull up to the fire in the ski chalet to enjoy the acclaimed food.

ski chalet -cross country skiing in the Berkshires — Ski chalet

Maple Corner Farm

Maple Corner Farm in Granville certainly lives up to its name. Here you can cross country ski and snowshoe amid a full-scale maple sugaring operation. Not only will you ski through a maple tree forest festooned with maple sap-collecting tubing, you can also enjoy a pancake breakfast on the weekends dripping with farm-made syrup. There is a maple museum on-site with artifacts from generations of maple sugaring by the Ripley family. The farm has been continually operated by the family since 1812. You can also visit the state-of-the-art sugar house to watch the boiling process and sample the maple syrup.

Cross country skiing is on 20 km of tracked trails weaving through the sugarbush. Snowy high meadows are groomed for skate and classic skiing. Other trails wind past snow-capped rocky brooks and hemlock, birch, or maple forests. There are dedicated snowshoe trails crisscrossing the ski trails.

Ski and snowshoe rental for all ages is available. If you are a beginner, you can get a ski lesson on the weekends. The cozy lodge is a great place to relax after a ski or snowshoe loop. Food is served there and maple and other farm products are for sale.

Those looking for a mellow ski will find cruising along the river on the Brookside trail quite delightful. More adventurous skiers can climb up Hemlock Lane to Pine Ridge, and then descend the Ledges trails to the old sugarhouse area.

Accommodations for Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in the Berkshires

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With so many winter activities in the Berkshires, you might want to spend a few days enjoying all the ski centers. Therefore, here are some accommodations to consider.

The Retreat in the Woods is a gorgeous home with woods views located in Savoy very near to both Stump Sprouts and Notchview. If you are a downhill skier, Berkshire East is only twenty minutes away.

The Sunny Log House has huge glass walls overlooking the river and wilderness forest. It’s close to lots of good skiing and winter activities in the Berkshires.

In addition, If you want to add a visit to the spectacular Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art to your ski vacation then the Porches Inn will thrill you. Enjoy the retro decor in this bed and breakfast refurbished inn. The sauna and hot tub are perfect after a day of skiing or snowshoeing.

Wrap Up of Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in the Berkshires

While each ski center has its own charm and vibe, certain distinctions will help you decide which one to visit. Here are the cliff notes:

All these Berkshire cross country skiing and snowshoeing destinations rent equipment. All have amazing views. They all have cozy warming centers with food.

Trail fees range from $15-20 with discounts for juniors and seniors. At Notchview, Trustees of Reservations members get a discount.