Ski Ward reopens for skiing and riding this Saturday, January 11, 2026, welcoming back local skiers eager to carve turns despite lean conditions. Ski Ward ski resort in Massachusetts offers 9 trails, with the best being the advanced slope known as "The Wedge".
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Overnight temperatures held at an unseasonably warm 42°F, stalling snowmaking efforts and leaving a current snowpack depth of just 2 inches—over 55% below the historical average for this time of year. Still, staff have worked tirelessly to preserve available terrain, and the resort is opening with limited groomed runs and terrain park features, bolstered by 2 inches of fresh snow forecasted over the next five days.
Despite the thin base, excitement is high as Ski Ward continues to dominate headlines for its pioneering spirit. This small hill near Boston made waves earlier this season as the first ski resort in North America to offer lift-served turns, thanks to cutting-edge snowmaking technology that even allowed operations in August. Now, as the mountain reopens amid challenging conditions, its innovative drive and community energy remain on display. Early risers can expect firm morning corduroy softening by midday, with terrain best suited for beginner and intermediate skiers. Keep an eye on updated trail reports, and celebrate the return of local turns in one of the most determined ski towns in the country.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Ashburnham.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Ski Ward.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Ski Ward impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Ski Ward Ski Resort in Massachusetts is located in the eastern part of the state, and while it is not situated in a mountainous region, it does have some small hills and slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The resort's main ski area is known as "The Ward," and it offers a variety of trails and terrain features for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Some of the key features of Ski Ward Ski Resort include:
1. The Ward: The main ski area at Ski Ward offers a variety of trails and terrain for skiers and snowboarders, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
2. The Terrain Park: Ski Ward has a terrain park with a variety of features such as rails, jumps, and boxes for skiers and snowboarders to test their skills.
3. The Tubing Park: Ski Ward also has a tubing park with multiple lanes for snow tubing fun.
4. The Ski School: Ski Ward offers ski and snowboard lessons for all ages and ability levels, making it a great place for beginners to learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding.
While Ski Ward may not have the towering mountain ranges found in other parts of the country, it is still a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts in Massachusetts and the surrounding region.
A lesser-known fact is that Ski Ward was originally called "Ward Hill Ski Area" until it was purchased in 2001 and renamed. For beginners, the "Bunny Hill" is a great place to learn with gentle slopes and a magic carpet lift. The best après ski bar is the Coppertop Lounge, providing a cozy atmosphere to relax after a day on the slopes.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, patchy fog before 11am. otherwise, cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 39. west wind 5 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Ski Ward is expected to receive up to 2.03" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Massachusetts ski areas are seeing modest snow conditions this week, with no recent snowfall reported in the past 24 hours. However, a few areas in western Massachusetts are forecasted to receive the most snow over the next five days. Notably, Cheshire (forecasted 4"), Plainfield (4"), and East Hawley (3") top the list for highest expected snowfall. These locations are in ... Read more