Travel: Ski Butternut

Looking for a local mountain? A day trip to ski or snowboard under 2 hours from Westchester/Putnam and even closer for the Dutchess region? Check out Ski Butternut in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. From Brewster is just over an hour up Route 22 to Route 23.

We have gone up up at least once the past 3 seasons. This year we have been twice in 2 weeks already and planning a few more visits. LOCAL TIP!! Just found that since we have season passes for Thunder Ridge in Patterson we get 50% off the lift tickets at Butternut. Today we paid $32.50 for the kids and I to ride.

We arrived at just before noon and had to get dressed first, doable in the lodge area. From Noon to 4pm (closing time), we did 7 runs with 2 “breaks”. Average run is about a mile from bottom of mountain to top, with many combos of greens, blues and blacks to make it down. Many times we start on the same trail and split off and “race” to the lift. This is fun and doable for my 7 and 8 year old who have been riding for 4 seasons now.

Stats:

Ski Butternut has 22 trails and two terrain parks, 11 lifts with 5 being on main hill and 5 being in their separate learning area, plus tubing area. There are two lodges, the main having a cafeteria and ski & board shop, don’t forget to get your helmet/car stickers. There are locker rentals and lesson center and children’s center too.

Snow Tubing! We have not gone yet but made a plan next visit to do this after riding for the day.

See our post about beginning a snow sport and tips on organization. My mom hack is I hold NOTHING for the kids from car to lodge!