City: Princeton, MA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Address: 499 Mountain Rd.

Description: You can hit the slopes less than an hour’s drive from downtown Boston at Wachusett Mountain. Wachusett has a long history of strong children’s programs and is renowned as a family resort. With a 1,000-foot vertical drop, 22 trails, and 8 lifts, Wachusett is near big-time status. Beginners have their own learning area while intermediate and expert skiers have access to the upper mountain by 3 quad chairlifts. The post-and-beam base lodge is expansive with a rental shop, a large stone fireplace, and plenty of seating options, including a large outdoor deck. The lodge feeds many a hungry skier; the cafeteria serves standard après fare (chili and sandwiches), and the upstairs Black Diamond is the place for less hectic pub-style dining (nacho platters, salads, fish and chips) with a view of the mountain, while the Copper Top Lounge is a friendly bar with the sports channel always on. Lift tickets are available for day, twilight, and night skiing and are priced even better when you buy in advance online.