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Cross Country Skiing for Families in Boston - Weston Ski Track, Great Brook and More
Had enough already? Unlike the last couple of years, when we were thankful for even a few inches of the fluffy white stuff, the winter of 2014 has shaped up to be one of the more memorable in terms of snow. Which means it's been a memorable winter for cross country skiing, too.
The first time we took our kids cross country skiing was in child carrier sleds that we strapped around our waists and pulled behind us - great fun for them, and a great workout for us. While they’ve since grown too big for those carriers and now prefer the speed of downhill, they are still willing to spend some family time together cross-country skiing. We usually go to a local forest to ski, although we also go to Great Brook, Farm State Park, in Carlisle. Great Brook is dependent on natural snow coverage, but when it’s good, the groomed trails are fun. For near-guaranteed coverage, Weston Ski Track has snowmaking on a 2K, lighted loop as well as additional groomed trails when the weather cooperates.
Read on for the details about these and other places to ski. (Looking for downhill ski areas? You can find details on three close-by mountains here.)
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Weston Ski Track is a cross-country ski and snowshoeing center located on the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston.
With natural snow, it offers 15km of groomed trails. Snowmaking on a 2K lighted loop provides consistent snow conditions and night skiing.
Hours: Weston Ski Track is generally open weekends and holidays from 9am to 6pm, Mondays through Thursdays from 10am to 9pm, and Fridays from 10am to 6pm, but hours are subject to change based on conditions, so please check the website before you go.
Services: The Ski center offers on-site equipment rentals; ski and snowshoe lessons for kids (ages 4 & up) and adults; and a ski shop
Fees: Trail passes range from $8 (children ages 6-12) to $15 (adult), and there are options for an evening trail pass, three-day pass, and season passes.
Weston Ski Track
198 Park Road, Weston
Great Brook Ski Touring Center
Great Brook Ski Touring Center provides over 10 miles of machine groomed trails, snow conditions permitting. Trails go past farmlands, forests, streams and ponds in Great Brook Farm State Park. Groomed trails include ski tracks and a smooth skating lane.
Hours: Great Brook is generally open weekends and holidays from 9am to 5m; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10am to 5pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 9pm (for night skiing, on the Lantern Loop), but, like the Weston Ski Track, these hours are dependent on conditions, so please call ahead to confirm.
Services: The ski center offers on-site equipment rental and a trailhead lodge, with picnic tables and a snack bar.
Fees: Trail passes range from $78 (children ages 7-12) to $13 (adult weekend), and there are options for season passes, too.
Great Brook Ski Touring Center
1018 Lowell Street, Carlisle
978-369-7486
More places for cross country skiing: There are plenty of forests and parks that make great places to get out on cross country skis, as long as the coverage is good, including:
- Franklin Park, Boston
- Blue Hills Reservation, Milton (pick up a brochure of suggested routes at the reservation headquarters)
- Over 30 Massachusetts state parks and forests
New to cross country skiing? The Cross Country Ski Areas Association has advice about equipment and clothing as well as a list of FAQs.
Originally published 1/2012. Updated 1/2013, 1/2014
