Two years ago, when the “big kids” were 4 and 7, we wrote 5 Reasons to Take Your Kids Skiing at Wachusett. Now that those “big kids” are 6 and 9, their little brother is 4, and they’ve got a 1 year old baby brother, we’ve discovered another 5 reasons why Wachusett is a great place for family skiing.
5 Reasons to Ski Wachusett
1. Ollie’s Area and Easy Rider – Magic Carpets
Our kids are definitely still beginners. Wachusett has two dedicated slopes with magic carpet lifts that are perfect for little people to learn even before they’re ready for a chairlift ride.
2. Indian Summer and Sundowner – Monadnock Quad
When the kids were ready for a chairlift, the Monadnock Quad was just right. The two green trails served this lift are wide and gentle, yet long enough for a real chance to learn the skills needed to improve. Aidan (6) spent most of his lesson with Polar Kids doing laps on Indian Summer and even got to hit some of the rollers on Sundowner by the end of the day. Emily (9) went for a couple of runs with me after her lessons.
3. The People
Wachusett is a friendly and unpretentious kind of place. We managed to stake out a table in the lodge next to one of the parents involved with the Wachusett Mountain Race Team. He helpfully explained the ins-and-outs of getting our kids more involved in skiing. He even took a couple of runs with me to show me the best trails to crank out some fast turns and where to get the best views of Wachusett Lake.
4. Grooming and Snowmaking
We skied the day after a heavy rainfall. Although there were some spots that had obviously been saturated and re-frozen, the slopes were in great shape. The mountain ops crew at Wachusett must’ve been working overtime to keep everything in the best shape possible.
5. The Lodge
The base lodge is seriously gigantic with tables and cubbies galore. The lodge is one of the biggest in New England — you and your family will have no trouble finding a place to sit down and enjoy a meal. Whether you’re bringing your own bagged meal from home or sampling some of the many different dining options in the lodge, you’ll be happy at Wachusett. The Coppertop Lounge has a large selection of draft beers and the newly opened wine and tapas bar, T-Bar, promises a cozy option for your apres-ski experience. In one ski season alone, you could have a really fun time sampling food and drink at all the different restaurants. Any non-skiiers will have Starbucks coffee, pastries, hot chocolate, cider donuts, warm apple cider, and wi-fi all at their disposal. Annie loved her apple turnover, cider donut and apple cider. Unfortunately, she also had to share it with the little guy. See the full list of amenities here.
We can’t wait to go back. Wachusett is so close to home and promises tons of fun for the entire family. While at Wachusett you feel like you’re on vacation. But you have the luxury of a short drive home to rest your weary legs in the comfort of your own bed. And then you get to go back again and again.
Let us know when you’re going to be there. We’d love to ski with you!
This is very useful Annie. I love that you give the name of the beginner lift. As a novice skier (by choice:) I always get very nervous when I am at the new ski place and trying to navigate through the lifts. we are also thinking of some day trips this season so may give Wachusett a try.
Victoria@weekend celebrations recently posted…YOU WANT TO LEARN WHAT? ……THERE IS A CLASS FOR THAT!
You’ll love it! It’s a great place for the kids to learn and build up their confidence! Good drinks too for celebrating! 🙂
Annie Stow recently posted…Weekly Meal Plan February 1
You had me at Starbucks. I’m not a skiier but my kids are dying to go. I didn’t realize how close it was! It’s on our list.
Michelle recently posted…Bacon & Maple Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
I am not a big skier and some neighbors invited us to go skiing this winter. We are going but I might be looking for the starbucks myself.
maria @ close to home recently posted…Improving You Indoor Lighting and GE Lighting Home Makeover Sweepstakes
Wanna hear something INSANE? I have never been to Wachusett before….and it’s like the closest mountain. I need to make it a point to get over there!
I’m not a ski-er. I’m not into cold weather at all! But, i love ski lodges! 😉
Wendy recently posted…Be Brave and Help End Bullying Tip 26
Your whole post really makes me want to go to Wachusett!! Thank you for sharing your experience, I appreciate it.
What beautiful photos! They almost make me want to love snow…almost. 🙂 I have never actually been snow skiing, but we don’t get much of an opportunity to do so here in Mississippi.
Kimberly Morgan recently posted…Mix & Match Fashion – Women’s Plus Size Kohl’s Outfits
i would love to try skiing sometime. It look likes a lot of fun.
becca recently posted…Tips about Disney’s Rapid Refillable Mugs #DisneyMom #Travel
I used to go there as a kid!
Heather recently posted…Football Fanatic Mint OREO Cookie Balls Recipe
Oh what total fun. I haven’t been skiing for years and miss it so much. Thanks so much for sharing.
We have something similar here in Wisconsin for tubing, it’s a blast! Looks like you all had a great time!
This brings me back to when I first learned to snow ski! It’s so much fun! I haven’t done it in over 10 years!
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? recently posted…Simple and Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Pinwheels
Sounds like fun, we live in Florida. i haven’t been snow skiing since I was a kid. i would love to take my kids
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Singing Her Heart Out – Almost Wordless Wednesday With Linky
I’m not a skier but I would love to sit by the fire and drink that hot chocolate! Great pictures!
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…currently
I’d love to relearn how to ski. It was a ton of fun when I was little.
Liz Mays recently posted…Managing Finances | A Realistic Look at Saving Money
Looks like you had a really fun time. I haven’t been on the slopes in years.
Debbie L. recently posted…Ignite Your Book
My husband and I are lifelong skiers and made a point to put our kids on skis when they were young. Now at ages 8 and 11, they’re conquering blue and black diamond runs and loving our time on the slopes! Unpretentious resorts with a focus on family that have gentle runs and great lessons are the best places for kids to learn! After all, with a lifetime of skiing ahead of them, there’s always time for Tahoe, Park City, and Colorado resorts!
Leticia Barr recently posted…Surviving Severe Weather with the Ultimate Wifi Survival Guide #NoWiFi
Sweets & skiing, I am sold!
Laura Funk recently posted…Preschool DIY “Bookworm” Valentines #Printables!
We are dying to take the kids skiing next winter! This post has encouraged me even more!!
Caroline Murphy recently posted…The Act of Gratitude, It’s Our’s to Teach
Absolutely beautiful scenery! Love skiing! <3
Abbie from Lovin’ Our Chaos recently posted…3 Cheese Spinach Triangles
I have a few snow boarders in my that would love to go here. I love that they have the magic carpet for little ones.
Debi recently posted…Driving in Bad Weather