Butternut Basin Ski Area
Rte. 23, Great Barrington, MA 01230
Information:413 528 2000
snow phone: 800 438 SNOW.
www.butternutbasin.com
Unquestionably one of the most naturally breathtaking of ski areas (Ski
Magazine calls it "The Environmental Showcase"), Butternut Basin offers
a number of popular features that we highlight in this feature and
encourage the new and old visitor to experience.
One special Christmas Eve in 1963 the Murdock family introduced the
Butternut Basin Ski Area to the public. Thirty-six years later,
Butternut is still owned and operated by the Murdocks and continues to
share its 'lifelong ambition of operating the best family ski area in
the region" with all of those who travel to enjoy the beauty and
incredible skiing that the mountain offers year after year. The
Murdock's still take great pride in running what is literally a "family
ski area." In fact, they make an effort to provide some of the most
acclaimed kids' skiing instruction, offering a great ratio of
instructors to students.
With the longest quad chair in the Berkshires, the largest uphill lift
capacity (for shorter lift lines), 22 trails on 110 acres to ski and
snowboard, Butternut is particularly noted for the large number of
intermediate trails. The original trails of Butternut were cut by
Channing Murdock himself, currently with the longest run over 1.5 miles.
The ski school gives the skier a chance to improve their technique. Ski
patrols assure safety and the two ski lodges offer comfort and an
informal atmosphere for families and friends to relax in.
Eight lifts will lead you to some of the finest groomed trails in the
industry, Butternut is lauded for "good design, great staff, nice
facilities and a fine all-around experience for families and learning
skiers; "something for everyone", that includes everything from
snowboards to Alpine to Nordic skiing. Among the innovations over the past couple of years
are new snow at noon with the mid-day groom, money-saving frequent skier
card, a "snow check," and three snow parks, including one for snow
boarders only. Also enjoy the free racecourse on weekdays, the
convenient and friendly childcare facility, (open all week) and Reuel's
Ice-Skating Rink.
Butternut Basin will also be going into its second season of outdoor
summer concerts! Last year's controversial Berkfest was a wild success
and it will be repeated again this year. Stay tuned to their web site
for a full calendar of events during the summer months.
Matt Sawyer, Butternut's Marketing Director, would like to let everyone
to know about the many special events that are being planned for this
season and every season. Some of these include: ski manufacturers'
clinics, (sponsored by the top manufacturers of ski equipment and
featuring the latest in "state of the art" gear), snowboard
competitions, the infamous "pond skimming" (whose object is, quaintly,
to "stay dry", and more that you can find out about by simply visiting
their web site.
Be sure to inquire about 2000 - 2001 Pre Season - Season Pass Prices, call
or go to their website for specifics.
