With no New England teams fighting for a ring this Super Bowl Sunday, it was a perfect day to catch up on the slopes. I even got to relish a lazy Sunday morning as I was traveling to relatively close-by Berkshire East. Coming from the Springfield area was a breeze on Route 91, and the mountain is also conveniently close to the VT and NH borders for any day-trippers from the North. Berkshire East, or “Berkie” for those that hold it dear, might be closer than you think!
Our early arrival gave us a great parking space, and we were one of the first dozen groups into the lodge. The lot is conveniently close to the base of the mountain with a field of snow that stretches the entire way down. If you don’t mind changing boots in the car, you can pretty much ski right down to where you are parked at the end of the day.
Families seemed to be the theme on the mountain on this Sunday morning. A skiing mom was outnumbered by her husband and three sons on boards. They turned out to be season pass holders, as the mountain is located near their home. They picked it because it is not overwhelming as their 10 and 12 year old sons learn to board. It has a good number of trails, mixing small and sufficient with just a bit of challenge. According to the Mom of the group, many people prefer Berkshire East to other local mountains because it is known to be just a bit more steep, a nice mid-level mountain. If this morning was any indication, it offers a much more calm and friendly weekend atmosphere compared to some of the larger, bustling ski areas further North.
Even after a few snowless weeks with warmer temperatures, Berkshire East had 24 of 45 trails open with well groomed packed powder. It was clear that the snowmaking efforts were well focused. While the locals may consider it steep, the well groomed terrain and good base kept even the most novice skiers in control and able to handle the slope. Trails like Exhibition and Competition, rated “easiest” and “more difficult” respectively, offered a wide area to practice technique and advance one’s skill level.
Like other mountains, Berkshire East has lessons and rentals available for all ages, but the former should be scheduled in advance. The rental shop took advantage of the closure of Western Mass favorite Mt. Tom to pick up a good array of skis and boots, and is located on the lower level of the lodge.
“Berkie” offers the challenge to “Ski the Beast”, the steep lift line that up until a few weeks ago was the main service to the top of the mountain. The brand new Mt. Top Triple chair now stretches out to the right of the Summit Triple. The new lift will provide access to every trail on the mountain. Add this to a quiet Sunday and a third quad lift on the west side, and you have no wasted time waiting for a chair up the mountain.
The base lodge is comfortable and seats you with long rows of wooden tables with matching bench sets. I caught a staff member hanging up a new photo collage of the mountain’s Day Care Center. It looks like a nice escape for the cold toddler that needs to warm up and a great chance for parents to challenge themselves on more difficult terrain while their kids are in safety. I caught one mom gearing up her 4 year old daughter, with dad close by and ready for the upcoming “boot war”, ready and waiting to push.
Keeping with family-friendliness, all of the trails funnel back down into the one lodge area, so it is okay to let the kids explore a bit on their own without having to fear an endless search after little Timmy shoots down a different trail. For children and parents, the lodge, like the mountain, is not too overwhelming. It boasts one eatery that is small but offers all the essentials for the starving young skier. Depending on your point of view you might consider the tiny ski shop to be a blessing, as the kids are much less likely to find that expensive something that they need more than anything but up until a half hour ago did not even know existed.
Berkshire East is also known for its competitive ski program. I had the pleasure of learning about it from one of the coaches that has been with the program for eleven years. Weekends are the time for the team to be out competing, and last Sunday’s match was at another local mountain. The racing program caters to various ages, mostly between 8 years through high school. Kids may travel locally or from out of state to compete with their team. They just held a championship race at Berkshire East and will subsequently head to to Jiminy Peak and Butternut to finish the season.
So stop by and check it out!
Overall Berkshire East is a ski mountain with character that calls out out to newcomers or returnees. After spending the day exploring the new terrain, or skiing trails that are familiar and close to your heart, you still leave the mountain feeling refreshed and planning your next trip!