Northshore Magazine

Northshore January February 2021

Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.

Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1322707

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 46 of 123

45 JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2021 adult. Participants get some advice on their technique along with a three-hour lift ticket to practice individually. A B I T F U RT H E R A F I E L D The Berkshires aren't exactly as renowned as other New England mountains, but Bousquet Ski Area in Pittsfield deserves a second look. Upgrades this year include new grooming equipment and a revamped snow-making system, a Triple Poma chairlift, and new magic carpets for the beginner area and tubing hill. The latter make Bousquet particularly well suited for the set still in the bunny-slope stage, although there's something for everyone spread out over two dozen trails. Adults can enjoy a new walk-up bar, just one addition this year to options for downtime after downhill time. The Berkshires fits the bill for lovers of the great outdoors and the culturally curious, and it's worth spending a long weekend exploring The Clark, Mass MoCA, and Norman Rockwell museums. Families of teens will want to consider Loon Mountain Resort, which is not only one of New England's most affordable ski destinations but is easy to reach with a quick zip up I-93. Besides some of New Hampshire's best trails, thrills include terrain parks and tubing. Or, suit up for SNO-GO, a fun—and rather funny- looking—adventure that combines the ease of riding a bike that's tricked out not with wheels but with what looks like three snowboards. Bonus? Loon is just a short drive from Ice Castles, a breathtaking frozen village created by professional ice artists. Each year is different but includes LED-lit sculptures, fountains, tunnels, and much more cool creativity. T H E W H O L E S H E B A N G F O R M I X E D A B I L I T I E S It's all about the numbers at Sunday River: 132 trails, eight interconnected peaks and two on-mountain hotels, each with an outdoor heated pool and hot tub. A third of the 870 skiable acres is dedicated to those already skilled enough to rip through powder, while the rest features several moving carpets and what director of communications Karolyn Castaldo described as some of the best terrain-based learning. "We shape the snow to better allow learners to get the hang of banked turns, for instance," she says. "And quarter pipes allow more progression into the learning process. The right grooming helps people get used to the feeling of snow or loading a trail lift—it's great for kids and adults." This year, the Maine megacampus has also added a new private family lesson option for parents and kids. "Families may have been cooped up at home for the past few months together, but the world is totally different when you're outdoors," says Castaldo. Also notable is the addition of more fireworks displays than in past years—every weekend through March, throughout holiday weeks, with fire dancers entertaining as a pre-show. G O O D F O R A PA RT Y O F T WO Forget the pizza and French fries—Vermont is an epicurean's Shangri-La, and offers up plenty of opportunities to work off farm-to- table cuisine. But first, settle in to one of the handful of Relais & Chateaux properties in New England: The Pitcher Inn (opt for the wooden- hewn cathedral ceilings of the Ski Room if it's free). The boutique property is just five minutes from Sugarbush resort, where 484 skiable acres offer up 53 miles of mixed-ability trails. Since lifts are operating at half-capacity this year with no mixed parties, it's an extra excuse to cuddle up with your sweetie on the way up the mountain. This year a little Miami comes mountainside, too, with slopeside cabanas that can be rented out for the day. Outfitted with picnic tables and chairs from a local artisan and a heater, you can bring your own food, or up the ante with slopeside delivery service. Sunday River fireworks display and above the slopes PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SUNDAY RIVER

Articles in this issue

view archives of Northshore Magazine - Northshore January February 2021