With the final weeks of winter approaching, there’s no better time to pack up your skis and hit the slopes.

We tend to forget how close we are to amazing ski resorts, some of which don’t even require a car to reach. Whether you make it a weekend trip with friends or a solo ski day, here’s a complete guide to skiing near Boston College.

Which Mountains Are Best 

Believe it or not, some of the closest mountains are only thirty minutes away from campus. 

The most popular one, Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, Mass., is about a one-hour drive. Wachusett Mountain is known for well-groomed trails and night skiing.

Other popular mountains include Blue Hills, Nashoba Valley, and Loon Mountain. 

You truly can’t go wrong with any of these options, but each is slightly different and offers a unique experience. 

Transportation

If you or a friend has a car on campus, getting to the mountains is easy. They’re a fairly straight drive and don’t exceed two hours on the road. 

But if you don’t have access to a car, there are still plenty of options to get to resorts. During the winter, there’s a “Ski Train” that will take you straight to the mountain. 

Take the Green Line from the Boston College stop to North Station. From there, board the Fitchburg Line on the MBTA Commuter Rail to Wachusett Station. Lastly, find the free shuttle from Wachusett Station to the ski area. 

If you plan accordingly, it shouldn’t take you more than three hours to get from campus to the slopes, making this the perfect day trip! 

Prices 

Despite its expensive nature, a ski trip doesn’t have to break the bank if done right. You can buy the $10 MBTA unlimited weekend pass for both trains. 

Lift tickets range from $67 to $112, depending on the time, duration, and specific weekend you’re planning to ski. Additional costs to consider may include equipment rentals, which cost around $50—depending on the mountain—and include boots, skis, and poles.

To make your experience cheaper, be sure to keep an eye out for student discounts or lower rates. 

Additional Tips

If you want to ensure that your ski day runs smoothly, be sure to follow the weather forecast and go on a day with good conditions and snow.

You’ll also want to start your day early. Arrive at North Station as early as possible to make sure that, in case of any delays—which we all know are practically guaranteed with Boston public transport—you’ll still have plenty of time to ski, eat, and enjoy a day on the slopes!