This ski hill might seem unassuming to many, but let me tell you, Nashoba Valley, MA, is not your average ski hill. Nashoba Valley had its first season in 1964; ever since then, it has provided skiers of all abilities a New England skiing experience. Finding exciting and challenging trails at Nashoba can be tricky. Still, in a good snow year and later in the season, there are many opportunities for glade skiing and occasionally mogul runs. Nashoba is undeniably a small ski area with 17 trails and just over 240 ft of vertical. Nevertheless, it makes up for its small size with short lift lines, lappable terrain, and innovation. Regarding the latter, Nashoba was one of the first ski areas in the world to open up its trails to snowboarders. The ski area hosted competitions for snowboards all the way back in the 1980s, well before anyone knew a thing about snowboarding!
On a typical day at Nashoba, you’ll see a wide variety of skiers, from newbies to experienced racers. The ski hill does a great job of accommodating learner skiers. Nashoba is where I first learned how to ski in 2011 at five years old. The numerous rope tows, magic carpets, and green trails will ensure that you learn how to ski during your time at Nashoba. The extensive lesson program is also beneficial for those who are looking to improve their skills. For those of us who are a bit more experienced, Nashoba has its version of black diamond trails, which can get quite steep. In addition, the ski hill offers unmarked glade terrain when there’s enough snow. Some of my best memories at the ski hill have been from going down the scarily narrow, twig-filled glades.
Along with the multitude of options for different levels of skiers, Nashoba accommodates whatever you may choose to do on a pair of skis or a snowboard. This means racing gates, terrain parks, and even mogul runs. Ski racing at Nashoba is very popular. The ski area offers adult racing, clinics for children and teens, and endlessly hosts races throughout the season. When it comes to terrain parks, Nashoba does a great job at providing a wide variety of features and keeps up these features very well. Here at Nashoba, I first hit a jump and went on a box.
When you’re done skiing, Nashoba offers countless other activities, both on and off the snow. The ski area hosts a tubing park about five minutes away by car from the ski hill. In addition, during the summer, Nashoba offers a tiki bar with swimming and live music next to a pond parallel to the ski hill. Last, numerous Halloween activities are offered during the month of October, referred to as “Witch’s Woods.”
All in all, Nashoba isn’t held with high regard for its massive size or mind-blowing vertical, it’s known for its variety and inclusion of all different levels of skiers/snowboarders. Furthermore, Nashoba is known for its innovation when it comes to snowboarding and its vast entertainment events.
Nashoba Valley Stats:
Vertical Feet: 240 ft.
Trails: 17 (20% beginner, 50% intermediate, 30% advanced)
Lifts: 10 (3 triple chairs, one double chair, three magic carpets, three rope tows)
Uphill Capacity: 11,600
Average Annual Snowfall: 50″
Snowmaking: 100%
Tubing Park: 8 Lanes
