The Ultimate Guide to Winter in the Berkshires: Embrace Thrills and Chills for Full Winter Mode

Your February Master Plan

An Authoritative Guide to Winter Fun

When February arrives, dropping crisp air and fresh snow across the Berkshires, the region transforms into a memorable winter playground. This is the place for serious skiers, first time riders, thrill-seeking tubers, and anyone who craves the silent majesty of snow-covered pines. The Official Berkshire Guide to Winter confirms the extensive array of options, from family- friendly downhill skiing and snowboarding to exhilarating tubing, peaceful cross-country skiing, and invigorating winter hiking. Planning your perfect escape, whether a quick weekend getaway or a full school break, is simple.

Conquer the Slopes: Five Alpine Anchors

For downhill days, build your itinerary around the region’s five cornerstone ski areas. Each mountain offers a distinct personality and robust programming, making them the core alpine options for any winter traveler: Berkshire East Ski Area, Bousquet Mountain, Catamount Mountain Resort, Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, and Ski Butternut. Typically, downhill operations run through mid-March, conditions permitting, solidifying February as the prime, most reliable window for planning your winter trip to the Berkshires.

Ski Under the Stars: Nightlife on the Mountain

Night skiing is not just an activity; it is part of the Berkshires’ winter DNA and the perfect way to turn a day trip into a memorable evening out. Bousquet proudly boasts a history dating back to 1936, when floodlights were first installed—a legacy that continues to define its legendary after-dark appeal today. For those seeking more turns beyond daylight, look to Catamount and Jiminy Peak, which also offer extensive night-skiing options.

What’s New and Noteworthy This Season

Keep your eyes on the latest mountain enhancements. Ski Butternut has injected fresh momentum into its on-mountain experience by installing the new Skytrac lift, “Jane’s Quad,” for the 2026 season. For visitors demanding a resort-scale day on the snow, Jiminy Peak stands as a natural anchor, widely recognized as the state’s largest ski area.

Ski Butternut

Fun for Everyone: Tubing and Lessons

Winter sports are for everyone, and the Berkshires make them exceptionally accessible. Tubing and comprehensive learn-to-ski programs are explicitly included in the winter sports highlights. Berkshire East is a premier family-friendly destination, expertly pairing downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing with top-tier lessons and engaging youth programs.

Beyond the Chairlift: Nordic Adventures

Not every exhilarating Berkshire winter day requires a chairlift. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can immerse themselves in groomed, scenic serenity. Some great Nordic options include Notchview Reservation and Maple Corner Farm. Be sure to check out other stellar spots such as Hilltop Orchards, which is also home to JMash Cidery and Furnace Brook Winery. You should also visit the Greylock Glen. Here you’ll find beautiful scenery with many options for winter outdoor fun. Step inside the beautiful Greylock Glen Center to warm up and learn more about the region.

Notchview. Photo by M. Monkman.

Your Command Center for Trip Planning

Ready to plan? Utilize the Berkshires essential planning tool, berkshires.org to quickly filter options by town and traveler needs, including family-friendly options, cultural experiences, downtown shopping, wellness experiences and farm fresh dining.

Looking just for winter fun? Then visit winter sports in the Berkshires to learn more and start planning. Always consult the regional ski conditions before you head out the door.

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