Visiting in the Winter
Welcome to the snowy paradise that is the Berkshires! The air is crisp and invigorating, and the snow truly does glisten in the sunlight. Strap on snowshoes or cross country skis to traverse miles of trails, glide through the powder on a mountain run, sail downhill on a snow tube with the kids, and build a snowman with friends. End your day with a hearty fireside dinner. What could be better!
Whether plans are for a weekend of romance, a long-planned family gathering, or a first-time visit with old friends, there’s an inn to suit every taste, from an elegant Victorian mansion to a rustic timber-framed lodge to a hotel suite with plentiful amenities. Pack up and ski in the morning, visit a world-class art museum in the afternoon, then enjoy an expertly prepared meal. Find live jazz music or put your feet up in front of a roaring fire. It’s an extraordinary combination – do it all over again after a rejuvenating rest. It’s all in the Berkshires!
Play Outdoors
Skiers flock to the Berkshires to catch that first fresh snowfall, and come back all season long for myriad mountain options. Choose thrilling downhill runs at Jiminy Peak, Ski Butternut, Catamount, and Bousquet. Take in the pine-scented air and gorgeous vistas on cross-country trails that welcome seasoned skiers and novices alike. Strap on a pair of snowshoes to explore the landscape around a frozen lake or find adventure beneath snowy woodland boughs. Explore skiing and winter sports here.
Winter athletes might enjoy a stay at a homey lodge with a rural, wooded setting, or an upscale resort that guarantees a quiet, secluded getaway. Opting for a historic inn set amidst farm and meadow is another excellent winter choice; grab the snowshoes and step right out the door onto expansive fields of pristine snow. Return to a warming blaze in the fireplace and unwind in the country-casual setting. Explore places to stay here.
Following a morning of fun in the snowy outdoors, head inside for a delicious lunch. The many dining options in the region boast a wide range of menu choices, from sushi and pad thai to a classic burger and fries, or even a pizza loaded with a creative assortment of toppings. Explore food and drinks here.
- December 31°F
- January 27°F
- February 30°F
Intersperse exhilarating outdoor activities with the many unparalleled and enriching cultural activities available in the Berkshires during a winter visit. Visitors to the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute enjoy European and American masterpieces, French impressionism, and the Manton Collection of British art. While in Williamstown, visit one of the local art galleries for superb landscape paintings, many of Berkshire scenes, and stop at the Williams College Museum of Art to peruse their excellent permanent collection.
At MASS MoCA in North Adams, the spacious galleries housed in revamped historic mill buildings showcase a changing roster of innovative contemporary works and exciting live performances. The Museum also is home to the breathtaking installation, Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective, where 105 of the artist’s distinctive, large-scale wall drawings have been created in a building dedicated to his work.
Mid-county, the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield is a popular spot for families: the aquarium, the Animals of the World in Miniature exhibit, and hands-on activities are perennial hits with the littlest museum-goers. Continue on to Stockbridge, where the works of America’s iconic illustrator as well as related exhibits, can be seen at the Norman Rockwell Museum. The surrounding view is equally beautiful. Rockwell, of course, made his home in Stockbridge for many years and his studio was recreated on these grounds.
Across the Berkshires, find dinner in a casual local tavern, family-style eatery, or an elegant fine dining establishment. Click here to tempt the tastebuds. Winter is also a great time to enjoy a performance at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield or the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington for world-class musicals, comedy, and drama. Find entertainment venues here.
Whether you crave the thrill of fresh powder on a downhill slope, a snowy trek through the woods on Nordic skis, or tubing with the entire family, our winter wonderland offers something for everyone. Come play in the snow #in the Berkshires! Click here for ski conditions.
