It may be 70 degrees out, but one Massachusetts ski resort has officially declared the 2023-2024 ski season open. Ski Ward, located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts became the first North American ski area to open for the season on October 22. Selling tickets for just $5, Ski Ward beat out all the big resorts in the Rockies, some who have already seen snow fall. Despite the record high temps, the local ski area has been utilizing all-weather snowmaking technology and began making snow in the beginning of August!
What is Ski Ward?
Ski Ward is a small ski area located at 1000 Main St, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Not far from Worcester, it is a little under an hour drive from Boston on the Mass Pike. In the winter Ski Ward offers 9 trails, 4 lifts and 8 tubing lanes, across 45 acres. They have an onsite rental shop and a ski school with more than 100 instructors teaching private and group lessons, multi-week lesson and vacation lesson programs. But, they’re open year-round for hosting parties, events, summer tubing, fall festivals and more when ski season ends.
How did Ski Ward become the first resort to open in North America this ski season?
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In August, Ski Ward posted on Instagram announcing they were testing their new Latitude 90 snowmaking system. This makes them the first ski resort in New England to own an all-weather snowmaking machine. It is very rare for a New England ski resort to be the first to open in North America, resorts in Colorado have long been considered the ones to watch in the race to be first. Even within the New England region, small Massachusetts resorts are rarely first. Killington Resort frequently claims the title of first open and boasts the longest season in the East. We bet Killington will be looking to step up their snow-making capabilities or Ski Ward might give them a run for their money.
Is Ski Ward fully open for ski season now?
No, while they opened one trail as part of their Fall Festival on October 22 skiers will not be hopping on a ski lift and ripping down all Ski Wards trails quite yet. Right now, there is just one trail accessed via the magic carpet open on select days. So we will all have to wait and see who claims the title of first resort to open lift-served terrain for the 2023-2024 ski season.
How can I ski at Ski Ward right now?
Ski Ward will reopen for their Rail Jam events on Saturday, October 28 and on Saturday November 11. The October 28 Rail Jam is Halloween themed and will pose as Ski Ward’s winter season kickoff event, they encourage everyone to come in costume! Tickets for the Rail Jam events are $15, purchase before they sell out! Ski Ward plans to officially open November 1 as conditions permit.
How can I Ski at Ski Ward this winter?
Ski Ward offers a variety of season passes currently for sale. The all-ages unlimited season pass is $665 but there are package deals for family, discounted weekday only passes and discounted passes for children and seniors. They have not opened sales for daily lift tickets for the 2023-2024 season yet, but last season a half day-lift tickets averaged $40 during the week and $55 on the weekend. Those learning to ski can look into their group and private lessons.
Check out our guide to the best places to ski near Boston for all our top tips for skiing in New England.