Top snow tubing in Western Massachusetts is a source of fun for kids from throughout the Commonwealth from as early as November through to early spring. Those like me who have grown up in the Bay State know that while we may have the best some of the best beaches in New England our “hills” and “peaks” for winter activities may not quite match up. But even though Western Massachusetts is not West Virginia when it comes to ski and tubing country, for area folks there is lots of fun to be had and plentiful opportunities to be enjoyed at some of the top snow tubing spots in Western Massachusetts.
In fact you don’t have to go all the way to the state line before you find yourself face to face with Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, MA ( http://www.skiward.com ) .
Located about midway across the state Ski Ward is far enough from Boston and coastal Massachusetts to be seen by almost half of the state’s population as having a western location. But don’t waste your time quibbling about whether Ski Ward is more central or western, just get ready to enjoy some top notch ski tubing.
Ski Ward Ski Area has lots to offer those in search of fun winter activities. If your primary interest is tubing then make your way to “Tubaslide”, Ski Ward’s snow tubing center. Here you will find all the elements to make for a fun day for your family or a group of friends. There is very little waiting in the Tubaslide area because there are six highly active chutes running. Once down you discover that the old days of dragging your snow equipment back to the top of the hill are a nightmare from the past. Tubaslide is equipped with rope towing that will whisk you and your tube back to the top for another great run. Ski Ward has in place snow making equipment that will keep operation humming throughout the winter months regardless of the amount of natural precipitation. For just $19 you can enjoy two full hours on the slopes. With the quick lift to the top which allows for so many extra runs, two hours generally satisfies even the snow tubing diehards for a while.
The television commercials for top show tubing spots in Western Massachusetts start early and run late encouraging families to enjoy Nashoba Valley in Westford, MA ( http://skinashoba.com ). Sure you can ski here and that’s what lots of folks elect to do, but for the growing generation of ski tubing enthusiasts Nashoba Valley Ski Area is also local headquarters for tubing adventures for family and friends.
Nashoba Valley is open to groups and individuals on weekdays from 1 – 10 p.m. If you have never sampled night time tubing Nashoba will give you plenty of options to try it. If you can’t make it during the week, come during the generally more crowded weekend hours which run from 9 a.m.- 10 p.m. The price for two hours of snow tubing during the 2008-2009 season is set at $22 per person. To use the tubing runs you need to be 42 inches in height or 6 years old, for your own personal safety.
For Massachusetts folks the mere size of Nashoba is quite astounding until you learn that Nashoba Valley Ski Area claims to have the largest tubing center in New England . In all there are 15 runs and 4 lifts which can accommodate sizeable crowds and still offer lots of safe and efficient trips up and down the slopes. For your added comfort you will find that the tubing park, separate from the ski area, has its own lodge with snack bar where you can rest up , hang out and refuel for your next run. There is good reason for the owners of Nashoba to advertise this quality product with pride.
If you feel the call to be in the midst of the Berkshires for your tubing fun, you can try out Butternut Basin, Great Barrington, MA (http://www.butternutbasin.com For years people have flocked to Butternut Ski Area in search of a quality family adventure which in days gone by usually meant skiing and snowboarding. Because Butternut calls itself a “family mountain” and works hard to maintain that reputation, it’s not surprising that the area now can also claim an exciting snow tubing area in addition to its more tradition ski runs.
Two hour runs at Butternut are an economical $15 for all ages, seasonal passes are also bargain priced at $99. If you live in the area this can be a real deal to consider for your whole family. Butternut offers 5 well groomed runs, lifts and an on location lodge with restrooms, lockers and light snacks available. If not everyone in your family wants to spend time skiing, you don’t have to drag them to the slopes anyway. Plan to divide and conquer by making use of the Butternut snow tubing center for the non-skiers in your family.
Massachusetts has its fair share of snow, especially in areas back away from Boston and the coastline. That snow and plenty of snow making gear mean that these top snow tubing spots in Western Massachusetts will stand prepared to meet your winter recreational needs for another long happy season.
