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I’m one of those seemingly rare people who loves winter. I can’t wait to get out to some of my favorite places to go cross country skiing in Western Massachusetts. So I decided to share about great areas to strap on the skinny skis and have some fun Nordic skiing in Western Massachusetts.
Cherry Hill Golf Course Cross Country Skiing
The town of Amherst pulls out snow grooming equipment to transform the Cherry Hill Golf Course into a cross country skiing mecca when winter arrives. The large parking lot is off Route 63 in North Amherst and there are no trail fees.  Over a mile of the trail is beautifully groomed for both skate and classical skiing. The terrain is rolling open hills with a copse of trees here and there to add to the beauty. The views from the hill at the top of the course out to the Berkshires are gorgeous.
There are also a couple of sledding hills so bring snow toys for the kids. However, please try not to walk on the track to get there.
If you want to have a longer day out, ski out on the ungroomed but usually tracked trails north of the golf course and head into the Eastman Brook Conservation Area for some exciting backcountry skiing up and down on the Ellsworth Barnard loop.
Cadwell Memorial Forest Cross Country Skiing
Cadwell Memorial Forest is up in the Pelham hills and often has snow when areas down in the Pioneer Valley are bare. This University of Massachusetts-owned property has a network of trails that locals use for hiking and cross country skiing. Parking is off Packardville Road in Pelham and there are no fees.  While not machine groomed, there usually have been enough skiers out on the trail to make some tracks. As a multi-use area with lots of snowshoers and dog walkers, don’t expect perfect kicking and gliding. But the scenery is top-notch as you ski through hemlock and hardwood stands past a frozen beaver pond and an icy brook.Â
A section of the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail (M&M trail) bisects Cadwell and is part of my favorite ski loop through the forest. Starting on Queen Street, it’s fairly flat until the intersection with the M&M trail about a mile in. Take a right on the M&M and climb up toward Mt. Lincoln, the highest peak in the Pelham Hills. Then loop back on Middle Row to Rich St. and ski back the way you came in on a gentle downhill to the parking lot.
Wendell State Forest Cross Country Skiing
Groomed cross country ski trails set Wendell apart from the other local state forests. The area holds its snow well so there is usually good skiing here. The wide trails are machine groomed but not tracked. Parking in the main entrance lot on Wendell/Montague Rd. costs $8 for Massachusetts residents/ $15 for non-residents. There is a cozy warming shelter to unthaw after a long Nordic ski.
A screaming fast loop is down Jerusalem Road, across on Davis Road, then a climb back up Damon Camp Road. If it’s icy, the descent is crazy or adventurous depending on your love of speed (or death wish). For a more moderate loop, skiing on the snow-covered trails around Ruggles Pond offers fine winter scenery. The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail also runs through Wendell State Forest. Heading north on the trail from Ruggles Pond you will find a small Adirondack shelter with a fireplace out front. There is a small spring just down the hill from the shelter to provide water for a winter camping trip. I spent many a February weekend camped out in a quinzhee at this site. I brought my Outdoor Leadership class here every year to learn winter camping skills.
Outdoor access programs at Wendell
Wendell State Forest is also a primary winter location for the universal access programs supported by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to make state forests accessible to all. On most Saturdays in the winter, you will find people with disabilities and their families and friends using a kick sled on the trails or playing sled hockey on the skating pond. Learn more about how to participate or volunteer at All Out Adventures.
Pocumtuck Ridge Cross Country Skiing
If you are looking for incredible views of the Pioneer Valley, the trail along the Pocumtuck Ridge in Deerfield is for you. While the trail runs from South Sugarloaf Mountain to Poet’s Seat in Greenfield, the part I like to ski starts off Ridge Road in South Deerfield. Take Hillside Road to Stage Road and then park at the end of Ridge Road. The beginning of the trail is tracked by local skiers until you reach the sections smoothed out by snowmobilers. The spectacular ski along the ridge eventually brings you to the top of the Eagle Brook school ski area which I find is a good turnaround point. If you search off to the east you might find the remnants of the old Deerfield Academy ski area. My favorite part of the trip is the ski out. Escalator skiing! Enjoy the steady gentle downhill run that brings you back to your car. If you maintain some momentum you can glide out on the trail without a single kick.
Notchview Cross Country Skiing Center
My favorite ski touring center is Notchview up in Winsor, MA. As Notchview’s elevation is over 2000 feet high in the Berkshires, you can usually depend on it to be open for great skiing. You can check on conditions for this ski area as well as a number of other Western Mass cross country ski centers here.  There is a charming warming center with a café, restrooms, seating to eat your own lunch, and cubbies to leave boots and extra gear. Ski and snowshoe rentals and lessons are available. Trail fees are reduced for Trustees of Reservations members.
The Nordic center has over 40 km (25 miles) of groomed trails with dedicated skate skiing areas and classical skiing track set throughout the spectacular northern boreal forest. There are also backcountry trails and a special dog-friendly 2 km loop for skiing with your pooch.
A scenic easy loop is to follow the green-rated Circuit Trail, with a bit more adventure sprinkled in by venturing off on some of the blue trails that branch off from it. My favorite ski is to head out to Shaw Road and then take Whitestone or Minor to the Trela Shelter. The view over the Berkshires from the shelter is so stunning it will make you understand why you venture out in the winter. After a snack break there at the 3-sided Adirondack shelter, I ski back on the upper Circuit Trail so I can get some downhill fun on Anthill or Quill Tree. Just remember that when the trails end at the lower Circuit Trail, you are going to need a big step turn or to sit down to stop you from visiting the trees.
Accommodations in Western Massachusetts
Make a weekend or week out of exploring the cross country ski trails in Western Massachusetts. Here are a few cozy VRBO accommodations you will love.
Sunlit Amherst Cabin is an entire log cabin suite near to skiing and hiking trails. Snuggle up on the couch with a warm drink and gaze at the flames of the electric fireplace.
This Charming Farmhouse is located in the Berkshires near Notchview Cross Country Ski Center. This secluded haven bordering stone walls, farm fields, and state forest land can sleep six. So bring your friends or family to enjoy the winter wonderland of the Berkshires.
Get Out Cross Country Skiing!
This list of my favorite areas to go cross country skiing in Western Massachusetts is in no way exhaustive, it’s merely my go-to places. Please share your favorites in the comments and let’s all get out skiing. With the constantly changing snow conditions in Western Mass, you have to be ready when the snow comes because it all might be gone the next day! Use this link to find snow conditions in Western Mass.
If you are a winter hiker, hop over to my post on
If you are looking for some great cross country skiing in Vermont, I’ve covered some Nordic trails near Burlington in this post
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25 Comments
Claire Ramsdell · October 26, 2020 at 10:16 pm
I wish I knew about these places when I lived in Boston. I should have taken better advantage!
I’ve never tried cross country skiing yet, I’ve been kind of scared of injury, but all the injuries I hear about are from regular skiing, not cross-country. So I think I need to chill out and give it a shot this year, especially with other indoor winter things not being an option with COVID. Here in Arizona we have some spots, wish me luck!
Karen · October 27, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Cross country skiing can be no riskier than hiking. Just don’t start on ski trails that are really hilly. Like alpine skiing, start on green trails as you build your skills and confidence. Have fun!
Melinda · October 27, 2020 at 9:23 am
Cross country skiing is one of my favorite things about winter! You live in such a great place for it no wonder you are excited. Hope you get good snow this year.
Karen · October 27, 2020 at 1:26 pm
Yes, I have my fingers crossed for snow. Fortunately, I have more time to travel north in pursuit of snow if Western Mass. isn’t white.
Josy A · October 27, 2020 at 11:23 am
Goodness you have so many beautiful cross country skiing options!
We are thinking of giving cross country skiing a go this year for the first time. I am not sure I am fit enough (I heard that it is a much better workout than downhill skiing…) but I am keen to give it a try.
Karen · October 27, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Cross country skiing is a great full-body workout but you can engage in the physicality of it on a number of levels. You are plenty fit to do it–from all those jumping up in the air poses on hikes!!!
Kristen · October 27, 2020 at 7:51 pm
I love cross country skiing! Last year I took my dog with me for the first time. He’s a huge Newfie and he did pretty well, only knocked me over once 🙂 I’m going to try taking him again this year! Now he’s 2 years old so he should do better.
Susan · October 27, 2020 at 8:29 pm
I fell in love with cross-country skiing when I visited Finland in February!! The uphill is tricky but I can’t wait to get back out and practice this year. Western Mass looks like an awesome place for xc skiing!
Tara · October 28, 2020 at 10:52 am
Wow, it sounds like there are lots of trails in your area! I think I’ll have to do a better job looking around here! I have old skis that I bought to use when my kids were part of the Bill Koch league here in Vermont. I’ll have to find some nice flat trails to relearn everything. Also, your love of winter is contagious. I try, but I have to admit that it was much easier when I had little kids at home!
Nicola · October 28, 2020 at 4:34 pm
I’ve only tried skiing once, but this post makes me want to try again! So many beautiful views!
Kristina · October 28, 2020 at 5:17 pm
I love skiing but have only done it in the Western US! Would love to checkout the East Coast options one day!
Ronja | Ronja Goes Abroad · October 29, 2020 at 3:57 pm
This looks like so much fun! I’ve never like skiing, but this made me wanna try it again!
Shelbs · October 29, 2020 at 11:34 pm
We love snowboarding and skiing! The last time we went was in Was Virginia and we’re always looking for new places!! Thanks for sharing!
Aga · October 31, 2020 at 7:56 am
I’m not a huge winter fan, but since there’s no getting away from it here in Boston, I’m trying to find some fun, that I can have in the snow. Instead of complaining about it haha. You really got me interested in trying cross country skiing.
Travelling Tam · October 31, 2020 at 8:25 pm
This looks sooo fun! I have been dying to go on a skiiing holiday. This looks like a super fun spot and suitable for all the family. I much prefer the idea of cross country as opposed to a resort or something too. Much more authentic and relaxed!
Jenni / Out in the Nature · November 1, 2020 at 1:44 am
Nice introduction! I absolutely love cross country skiing. We don’t have snow yet, but I’m hoping for a proper winter this year.
Krista · November 1, 2020 at 6:36 am
I haven’t been cross country skiing in years, but reading this article has made me want to give it a go again!
kmf · November 1, 2020 at 4:21 pm
I live in Minnesota so am planning to embrace winter this year and try snowshoeing and dust off my cross-country skis. These look like great trails!
Nina Clapperton · November 2, 2020 at 6:49 am
I’ve been considering taking up cross country skiing during the pandemic winter and this definitely inspired me to. I’ll be doing it in Canada but one day I hope to do so in the states too!
Olivia · February 3, 2021 at 1:33 pm
I’ve never been cross country skiing before, let alone a skiing holiday. It looks like so much fun! Definitely makes me want to plan a trip for next year 🙂
Jules · February 3, 2021 at 2:13 pm
I didn’t think cross country skiing could be so fun and challenging!
I’ve only done regular skiing before, it would be interesting to give this a try next time, and will definitely try the kicksled!
Amanda · February 3, 2021 at 4:37 pm
This is so interesting! I’ve never done any type of skiing so it’s kind of fascinating to see all the different types!
Rahma Khan · February 5, 2021 at 1:41 am
Wow I had no idea that cross country skiing was a thing! I am planning a skiing trip here in Canada next week, so excited about it!
Karen · February 12, 2021 at 10:40 am
It’s definitely a thing in the Northeast!
Sue · February 1, 2023 at 3:58 pm
Love your new ski buddy. Great photo.