A skier enjoys Notchview in Windsor, MA.
Whether cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or merely sledding, now is the time and this is the place. Guardians of some of the region's largest, most scenic properties—from country clubs to art parks to historic estates to resorts like Cranwell in Lenox—are throwing open their gates and welcoming snow-sports enthusiasts. Always call first or check websites to make sure snow and weather conditions are favorable. Berkshire CountyCanterbury Farm Ski Area1986 Fred Snow Road, Becket 413-623-0100 Open every day, Canterbury Farm is a mini winter resort with 22 kilometers of groomed trails in an idyllic setting. You can rent skis, snowshoes and skates, and lessons are available as well.
Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Course55 Lee Road, Lenox 413-637-1364 You don't have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the pleasures of this landmark resort hotel. You can rent skates and state-of-the-art skis to explore the ten kilometers of groomed trails. Hilltop Orchards508 Canaan Rd / Rt 295, Richmond 800-833-6274What could be more picturesque than skiing on a groomed trail through an apple orchard with mountain views? Perhaps a moonlight snowshoe trek and bonfire on Saturday, January 31. The guided tour leaves promptly at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. Afterward, warm up by the bonfire or inside by the fireplace. Wine will be for sale at the orchard that is also home to Furnace Brook Winery. $10 per person (snowshoe rentals available on-site for an additional fee). Reservations: 800-833-6274 Kennedy Park & The Arcadian Shop91 Pittsfield Road, Lenox 413-637-3010Do you ever wonder why the parking lot at this wonderful outdoor gear shop is always so crowded when the snow is deep? With direct access to the trails of Kennedy Park and ski rentals ($20 a day), this is an easy way to explore nature in the heart of Berkshire County. NotchviewRoute 9, Windsor 413-684-0148If you've never before visited Notchview, it's always a good time. Open daily, the Budd Visitor Center features a masonry heater, a perfect place to take a break with hot drinks and food. In addition to the intermediate and expert trails there are also seven beginner trails, so it's very friendly to those new to the sport. Columbia CountyClermont State Historic SiteOne Clermont Avenue, Germantown 518-537-4240You can always ski for free at this magnificent property. Families can spend the afternoon skiing and sledding while taking in magnificent Hudson River and Catskill Mountain views.
Olana State Historic Site5720 Route 9G, Hudson 518-828-0135Besides offering timeless, painterly views while you ski on the 250 acre property from 8 a.m. to sunset daily, Olana has a guided snoeshoe walk Saturday, January 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Snowshoes are limited, please register. Dutchess CountyBurger Hill and Poets' WalkRhinebeck 845-473-4440These two properties protected by Scenic Hudson offer wide opens spaces with spectacular vistas for skiiing or snowshoeing. The Harlem Valley Rail TrailRoute 44, Millerton 518-789-9591While you can hop on the Rail Trail in several spots, downtown Millerton is choice because you can warm up after skiing at the Harney Tea Room, Oakhurst Diner, or the family-friendly Taro's pizzeria. Staatsburgh State Historic Site and Margaret Lewis Norrie State ParkOld Post Road, Staatsburgh 845-889-8851Great estates such as the Mills Mansion set on 192 acres in the heart of the Hudson Valley are one of the reasons New York is known as the Empire State. You can cross country ski there daily in the shadows of the Catskill Mountains and at the adjacent Margaret Lewis Norrie State Park. Litchfield CountyAmerican Legion and People's State ForestEast River Road, Barkhamsted 860-424-3200There are several tranquil trails here, but be prepared to see snowmobilers in this park, too.
Great Mountain Forest201 Windrow Road, Norfolk 860-542-5422Skiers must sign in and sign out at one of the visitor registers located at the gated entrances in Norfolk (Windrow Road) or Canaan (Canaan Mountain Road). Topsmead State ForestBuell Road, Litchfield 860-424-3200Like so many of our cherished state parks, Topsmead was once a private estate, the summer home of Miss Edith Morton Chase. It becomes a winter wonderland when covered in snow. White Memorial Conservation Center80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield 860-567-0857With more than 35 miles of hiking trails on 4,000 acres, White Memorial—former home of Alain White and his sister, May, that has been a not-for-profit educational center since 1964—has many pathways for skiing and snowshoeing.
