Albert Einstein once said that anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. No matter what your age or athletic abilities, the slopes are beckoning in Western Massachusetts this new year as January ushers in “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.” In celebration, Explore Western Mass is offering snow enthusiasts exclusive packages for admission, lessons, accommodations, and après-ski experiences only in Western Mass.

Throughout the region, ski resorts are as common as the corner market offering picture postcard views that encompass Western Mass’s counties, including Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin, and the Mohawk Trail. The area is not only filled with a breadth of outdoor adventure but also family-friendly attractions as well as sought-after luxury retreats.

While navigating the bunny slopes may result in a few minor falls, visitors can also expect fewer crowds along with excellent conditions, pristine powder, enviable terrain, competitive rates, and a relaxing après-ski experience. In addition to downhill skiing, the environs of Western Massachusetts also offers prime conditions for snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing as well as old-fashioned fun, from snowball fights to making snow angels.

“Western Mass is truly a year-round tourist destination. Known for our outdoor experiences, we wanted to create a campaign that attracts our visitors back during the shoulder season,” says Michele Goldberg, Vice President, Explore Western Mass. “Our slopes offer the excellence of our competitors at a fraction of the cost and without the crowds. We can’t wait to welcome visitors this snow season.”

About Western Massachusetts ski areas:

• Berkshire East Mountain Resort offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding opportunities. 
• Bousquet Mountain Resort is The Berkshires’ oldest existing ski area. 
• Catamount Mountain Resort is the newest four-season resort offering some of the most varied terrain in, Catamount is suited for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. 
• Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is known for its family-friendly atmosphere 
• Ski Butternut offers a 60 year legacy, of an uncompromised winter environment, known as “where families go to play in the snow”

After Skiing:

After a day on the slopes, return to one of these retreats to relax, rewind, and rejuvenate:

• Shelburne Springs, located at 904 Mohawk Trail, is a new luxury hideaway in Shelburne and a short 19-minute drive from Berkshire East. Enjoy a 10% discount when using the code SNOW. 413-512-1454; https://shelburnesprings.com/
• With views of a beautiful cascading waterfall, the Old Mill Inn is a boutique hotel located in Hatfield. Book online and use the code “WINTER20” to enjoy 20% off your two-night stay through March 1^st. T. 413-247-3301; www.oldmillinn.us
• Deerfield Inn is situated near Berkshire East and is a classic luxury inn known for its cozy ambiance. Enjoy two offers: 25% lodging discount plus 20% off dining at the hotel’s dining destination, Champney’s Restaurant. Reserve your room by calling the hotel directly using the promo code “Ski.” T. 413-774-5587; www.deerfieldinn.com

Western Mass is the epicenter of discovery, from the excitement of its urban cultural centers to the effervescent spirit of its great outdoors powered by a pioneering spirit that embraces innovation, adventure, and creativity. To book your next Western Mass snow odyssey during January’s “Learn to Ski and Snowboard,” visit www.explorewesternmass.com/learntoski