Where to Cross-Country Ski Near Boston

Groomed skate trails under the lights at Weston Ski Track, just outside Boston.

You don’t have to travel to Vermont or the White Mountains to find great cross-country skiing. In fact, Boston is surrounded by an impressive range of Nordic options—from city-adjacent lighted loops to sprawling trail systems tucked into rolling farmland and forest. Whether you're looking for a quick evening workout or a full day in the snow, here are five XC ski destinations within about 2.5 hours of the city: Weston Ski Track, Great Brook Farm, Northfield Mountain, Notchview, and Waterville Valley Nordic Center.

Weston Ski Track

Location & Access: Weston, MA (~15 miles west of downtown Boston)

Pass Required: YES – Day Pass or Season Pass

Website for Conditions: SkiBoston.com

Total Groomed Kilometers: ~15 km classic & skate (with snowmaking)

Weston Ski Track is Boston’s most convenient Nordic ski option—and one of the few with night lighting and snowmaking. Located on the Leo J. Martin Golf Course, Weston transforms into a lively urban ski hub each winter, offering reliable conditions, a bustling youth program, and regular grooming for both classic and skate.

Expect a mix of after-work fitness skiers, weekend families, and high school race teams. It’s not remote or quiet—but it is consistently skiable even in low-snow winters. Trails loop through flat and gently rolling terrain along the Charles River, with enough variety to keep things interesting for all levels.

Amenities: Rentals, lessons, night skiing, restrooms, and warming area.

Great Brook Ski Touring Center

Location & Access: Carlisle, MA (~25 miles northwest of Boston)

Pass Required: YES – Great Brook Ski Pass

Website for Conditions: Great Brook Ski Touring

Total Groomed Kilometers: ~16 km classic & skate

Tucked into a state park, Great Brook offers a quintessential New England skiing experience with wooded trails, open farm fields, and even a working dairy barn along the route. It’s quieter than Weston but still offers reliable grooming and a great atmosphere. Snowmaking isn’t available, so it’s dependent on natural snow—but when it’s good, it’s very good.

Trails are well-marked and suitable for a range of abilities, with a few loops offering small hills and more technical sections for advanced skiers. The surrounding parkland and classic charm make it a local favorite.

Amenities: Warming hut, rentals, wax bench, and hot drinks.

Northfield Mountain

Location & Access: Northfield, MA (~90 miles west of Boston)

Pass Required: YES – Day Pass required

Website for Conditions: Northfield Mountain

Total Groomed Kilometers: ~25 km classic & skate

Operated by FirstLight Power, this under-the-radar gem offers some of the most scenic and well-groomed trails in Massachusetts. The trail system climbs and loops across the flanks of Northfield Mountain, with challenging climbs, long descents, and plenty of wide, fast gliding. Conditions are carefully maintained, and the setting is peaceful and remote.

It's not as beginner-focused as Weston or Great Brook, but intermediate and advanced skiers will love the variety and the feel of true backcountry skiing—without having to break trail. If there’s natural snow, this is one of the best XC day trips you can make from Boston.

Amenities: Warming building, rentals, restrooms.

Notchview Reservation

Location & Access: Windsor, MA (~130 miles west of Boston)

Pass Required: YES – Day Pass or Trustees Membership

Website for Conditions: Notchview – The Trustees

Total Groomed Kilometers: 25+ km classic & skate + 10+ km backcountry trails

Set on over 3,000 acres in the Berkshire Hills, Notchview feels more like Vermont than Massachusetts. It offers a wide trail network groomed for classic and skate, plus an extensive backcountry section for snowshoeing or breaking your own trail. Elevation is higher here, so it tends to get and hold snow better than other MA spots.

Trails range from gentle meadows to wooded ridge lines. The Nordic center is charming and run by The Trustees of Reservations, who also host clinics and community events. If you’re looking for the most immersive XC experience in the state, Notchview is a top pick.

Amenities: Rentals, lodge, wax bench, restrooms, snacks.

Waterville Valley Nordic Center

Location & Access: Waterville Valley, NH (~120 miles north of Boston)

Pass Required: YES – Day Pass or Season Pass

Website for Conditions: Waterville Valley Nordic

Total Groomed Kilometers: 70+ km classic & skate

If you’re willing to venture a bit farther, Waterville Valley offers a full-service mountain Nordic experience. Located in the White Mountains, it features 70km of groomed trails with everything from riverfront beginner loops to steep alpine terrain. Snow conditions are more consistent here thanks to elevation, and the scenery is quintessential New Hampshire.

The trail system connects the town center to miles of forested wilderness and even a Nordic backcountry hut. It’s a great weekend destination for both classic and skate skiers—and for those traveling with non-skiers, the nearby alpine resort offers an alternative.

Amenities: Full Nordic center with rentals, lessons, lodge, and café.

Final Thoughts

Boston may not get the same snow as Vermont, but its Nordic scene punches above its weight. For easy access and night skiing, Weston is your go-to. For a pastoral day out, try Great Brook or Northfield. And when the weekend calls, Notchview and Waterville deliver real New England adventure.

Wherever you go, check trail reports before heading out—and don’t forget to bring your wax, snacks, and layers. Winter is short. Ski while you can!