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Wachusett Mountain
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Wachusett Mountain Ski Resort | |
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| Location: | Princeton, Massachusetts |
| Nearest city: | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates: | |
| Top elevation: | 2,006 ft (611 m) |
| Base elevation: | 1,006 ft (302 m) |
| Skiable area: | 105 acres (43 hectares) |
| Runs: | 22 |
| Longest run: | 7,050 ft (2,149 m) |
| Lift system: | 4 rope tows 2 triple chairs 2 high-speed quads |
| Terrain parks: | Half Pipe Alpine Park Racing venue |
| Snowfall: | 100 in (254 cm) |
| Snowmaking: | 100% |
| Night skiing: | 90% |
| Web site: | http://www.wachusett.com |
Wachusett Mountain Ski Area is a skiing resort located on the mountain Mount Wachusett in the towns of Princeton and Westminster in Worcester County of Massachusetts. It has 22 trails being serviced by 8 lifts, including 2 high-speed quads, which is unusual for a resort of its size.
Wachusett Mountain appeals mostly to commuting skiers from the nearby major cities of Boston, Massachusetts and Worcester, Massachusetts, as it provides shuttle service [1] to and from a major MBTA Commuter Rail stop in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, making it easy for these skiers to enjoy the mountain without the need to drive to the bigger mountains of New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Wachusett Mountain has 100% snowmaking capacity. Additionally, Wachusett has night-skiing available on most of its major trails, allowing skiers to remain on the mountain until 10 PM on most nights.
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The first ski trails were cut into Mount Wachusett by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, and the first lifts installed were a T-bar in 1960 (the Oxbow T-Bar) and in 1962 (the West T-Bar). At the time, the West T-Bar was the longest T-bar in New England, measuring a total of 3,800 feet. [2]
In 1969, a man by the name of Ralph Crowley was granted a lease for a 450-acre parsel of land on Mount Wachusett by the state to operate the ski area. In 1982, a major expansion was completed which included the construction of the base lodge.
The resort features 22 trails, ranging in difficulty from easiest (green) to most difficult (black). Amidst these trails is a half-pipe, terrain park, and a racing venue. Somewhat unique for a small mountain ski resort, 2 high-speed quad chairlifts (Minuteman and Polar Express) service the two main peaks. Two additional 3-person chairlifts service the remainder of the mountain, one of which was added in the last decade for an expansion area that begins mid-mountain, and the other for the beginner slopes on the right side of the mountain. Two state of the art magic carpets service the mountain's training slopes, which are short, gentle slopes for beginners.
In 2006 the National Ski Patrol named Wachusett Mountain Ski Patrol as the best Large Alpine Patrol in the country.[1]
The base lodge has seen expansion in recent years, and now is nearly 50,000 sq. ft., one of the largest in New England. It comprises public areas, a cafeteria, The Black Diamond (Rated #1 in Eastern US for on-mountain food by Ski Magazine in 2006).
The base lodge features private day suites. Unlike a seasonal sports stadium sky box, these suites are available for daily rental and include Dish Network televisions, sitting areas and a dining table. Private bathrooms, outdoor balconies facing the slopes and concierge service from the award-winning restaurant make these very popular.
The resort includes nearby Wachusett Village Inn which provides overnight accommodations. The restaurant and club are popular après-ski venues. The onsite health club and pool offer a way to relax tired muscles. A shuttle service connects to the ski area in season.
| Easier | More Difficult | Most Difficult | Most Difficult |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 11 | 4 | 0 |
- Ollie's Carpet (magic carpet)
- Easy Rider Carpet (magic carpet)
- Minuteman Quad (high speed quad)
- Polar Express Quad (high speed quad)
- Monadnock Triple Chairlift (triple chair)
- Vickery Triple Chairlift (triple chair)
- Polar Carpet (magic carpet)
- Pony Lift (Handle-Tow)
- ^ Outstanding Award Winners. National Ski Patrol, Eastern Division. Retrieved on 2006-12-22.