Butternut Ski Area and Tubing Center
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Ski Butternut, also known as Butternut Basin, is a ski resort in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, located on Warner Mountain in The Berkshires. Channing and Jane Murdock took control of the area in 1963, naming the area Butternut Basin after the large groves of butternut trees located in the basin of the mountain.
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Ski Butternut, also known as Butternut Basin, is a ski resort in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, located on Warner Mountain in The Berkshires. Channing and Jane Murdock took control of the area in 1963, naming the area Butternut Basin after the large groves of butternut trees located in the basin of the mountain.
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I was going to be in the area for a family event so I decided to make a stop at Butternut and go skiing for the first time in 20 years. I figured this would be an appropriate location considering the small size of the mountain and my dubious skiing abilities. I purchased a day pass for $40 and rental equipment for $60. Obtaining the pass was extremely easy - there are kiosks that scan a QR code from your phone and print out your pass in seconds. Obtaining the rental equipment was a bit more convoluted. The "Ski Rental" house did not have great employees, they were a bit aloof and disinterested in helping. For example, no one *actually* checked if I purchased rental gear. The cashier in front didn't want to see my online receipt, and none of the gear people cared whatsoever. I think the rental equipment was fine for beginners. The boots were TOUGH to get my feet in and out of - it felt like I was getting Chinese foot binding done to my feet trying to push them in. The skis were adequate, nothing special. After retrieving my boots and skis from the employees, no one directed me to grab ski poles (again, indicating how lame the workers here were) so it wasn't until I got out and put my skis on that I realized I forgot them. I couldn't be bothered to go back and ask, so I went the whole day without poles. The mountain and skiing were great for what they were. In addition to 1 chairlift for the baby hill, there were only 2 other lifts running up the main mountain. I felt like there was a lack of "beginner" slopes that went all the way down the mountain - there were only like 1 or 2. After 3-4 hours I was feeling pretty wiped out and called it a day. Overall, great way to fulfill the itch to go skiing without making a huge commitment.
Kevin MichalskiKevin Michalski
30
Went skiing for the first time ever this weekend at Butternut and had a great experience here. I rented skis, poles, and a helmet and my friend rented a snowboard. Both had a wide range of sizing options available. I took an adult group skiing lesson with Mark. He was knowledgeable, professional, and kept it light-hearted. I ski-ed away feel like I'd gained a lot from the lesson and was better prepared for the slopes because of it. In addition to bigger slopes, Butternut has a range of bunny slopes (with a small lift) and carpets to practice on. These are awesome features of the mountain as they allowed me to practice without the difficulty of the green slopes. Also the lift operators Will and Juan were encouraging, safety-conscious, and great with beginners. They set a good tone for the other skiers. I saw a lot of lessons being given and generally the crowd was respectful and friendly. It did get busy, but wasn't overwhelmed. Only went on one green slope (Cruiser) and it was a bit narrowed than expected for a green, but again, I'm a novice. The only complaint is that my friend took a beginner snowboarding lesson and he felt that the instructor wasn't well-versed in how to snowboard herself (we saw her getting a very introductory lesson right before she "led" the group herself) and the entire group was held-back due to the limitations of one learner (his group never progressed from the carpets to the lift). The variability in the instructors' skill level is a real consideration given the lesson's cost. Overall will definitely be back.
Danielle KDanielle K
20
Absolutely in love with this place. I had been searching for over a year for a place to teach my children and this place has everything. The learning hill is totally separate and a beautiful pitch to teach young kids. They have a daycare that starts at 6 months, way earlier than any other mountain I tried (almost a dozen in the Berkshires and Catskills!) So many little touches make this place THE place to raise young kids. While the mountain lacks any steeps it really is a blessing. Being in the Berkshireās they donāt get the snow Vermont does so whole other mountains get skied up and icy quickly, Butternut has consistently better snow quality. The other advantage of not having steeps is your 1000 vertical goes much further and you will be cruising for longer than anywhere else south of Vermont. The trees and geography are beautiful, everything feels like a beautiful village where your kids are always safe. What a blessing this special place is!!!
Steven BehnkeSteven Behnke
20
Family friendly and perfect for beginners. We've been at the resort 2X this season and hope to come back once more before the end. The rental line can be a lengthy wait, but the gear is quality and not beat up like other locations. Lockers are also available, but these can can be on the small side (1x2?,) and cost a dollar every time you want to unlock it. As with New England, skiing and boarding is best with fresh snow, but hard pack isn't as bad as you might think. I loved that the longest lift dumps out into options for both advanced and beginning snowboarding, and allowed my new learners to advance their skills faster with a longer slope. A decent mix of trail ratings gives enough variety to keep things fun. Food choices are limited, with prices as you would expect, but are adequate, tasty and filling. One more reminder to plan accordingly, since the lifts shut down at 4pm.
Erich WenisErich Wenis
10
A great choice for skiing in the Berkshires, Butternut especially shines on bright bluebird days.š¦ They do their best with creating snow to ensure maximum run availability. The ski slope's direction ensures sunshine for much of the day when the sun cooperates.š Friendly staff and adequate facilities provide all you could ask for at a mid-size local resort loved by visitors from the area and beyond. Ticket prices šļø are competitive and sometimes better value than competition's (yes I'm looking at you Catamountš). Convenient location only minutes from Great Barrington and Stockbridge, and not too far off I-90. Good parking, basic snacks, and chairlifts that work (no, Frozen was NOT filmed here). Come ski and support a resort that works hard to provide quality skiing during finicky NE winter seasons! If you like this review, please give it š!
A MA M
70
Excellent ski area. I'm a beginner skier, and the trails here are well groomed, with a nice beginner area and very friendly staff. Went on a 60-degree day in spring, and there was still plenty of snow and good conditions. I can only comment on the green trails, but they were fun and easier than some others I've been on, which is a plus for a beginner like me. It's definitely a family-friendly place and smaller than a Mt. Snow or Okemo. That said, they had decent food (a bit pricey like all ski places) and a well stocked gear shop with plenty of equipment and apparel. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality ski experience that is more accessible and low key than the larger resorts in the New England area.
BenBen
00
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(622 reviews)
Phone
(413) 528-2000
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Website
skibutternut.com
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