Mount Wachusett features a popular area for downhill skiing, while the adjacent state park offers a large trail network that is also very suitable for backcountry skiing when the natural snowfall allows. Just south of the Wachusett State Reservation visitor center down Mountain Road, skiers can drive along Westminster Road and park by Machias Pool and the start of Sage Coach Road, Administration Road, and the Echo Lake Trail to access some of the best backcountry trails.
A recommended route for beginners is up Administration Road to the Summit Road, as this is the widest and most gradual option. The trail begins following a scenic river, and intersects the steep Harrington trail which is a popular hiking route to the summit. Skiers can remain on the road, which merges with the Summit Road; here skiers can look forward to a scenic overlook with rock ledges cascading with icicles and sweeping views looking west from the mountain. At the summit there is another lookout, including a tower for those who want to take off their skis. The summit, at 2,006ft, can be windy and sometimes crowded. It is recommended to retrace this route back for a gradual downhill, but skiers can also continue all the way down the road to the visitor center on snowy days if it is not plowed, or choose a steeper line on one of the side trails. More adventurous skiers can try an ascent or descent on one of the trail options instead of the road, but these trails are much steeper, often very narrow, and require more natural snowfall to be skiable. Therefore, backcountry experience and ample snowfall are needed for these alternatives. Overall the Mt. Wachusett backcountry offers an amazing mountain experience for those in Massacuhsetts wanting to explore on skis with few crowds and is highly recommended for beginner to intermediate ability levels.
For more information visit: https://www.mass.gov/locations/wachusett-mountain-state-reservation
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