Beartown State Forest (DCR)
South Lee, MA.
The original Beartown Ski Area was part of the first wave of alpine ski trails in the U.S cut by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) in the early 20th century. ‘The Boys’ of CCC Companies 108 and 112 lived and worked in Beartown State Forest while clearing trails on the steep north facing slope. The area officially opened to the public for skiing in 1936, with snow trains arriving from New York City and points south shortly afterwards. Lack of parking, low snow years, and outdated surface lifts all contributed to Beartown’s commercial closing in 1964. WMass Backcountry Alliance began working with MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in 2021 to reclaim the old ski trails and provide infrastructure improvements for wintertime public recreation.
NOTE: This zone is currently open to the public for backcountry skiing, though signage is limited and kiosk info and maps have not yet been constructed onsite.
Join us for scheduled work days each Fall to help clear the trails and to meet other volunteers from the community. Please check our website for more info.
Parking
Parking at Beartown is extremely limited. ‘Parking Kind’ is necessary to allow for 3-4 vehicles maximum at the Gate 4 entrance in South Lee. The Gate 4 entrance is on Beartown Mountain Road, just beyond the intersection of Pine and Willow streets. Access to Beartown exists within a residential community, so please drive, park, turn-around, and socialize with respect for our neighbors in South Lee.
Staying Found
Before you head into the backcountry be sure to know where you’re going. Look at a map. Make some mental notes about the terrain, and make sure you have the tools and knowledge to get yourself safely back to you car at the end of the day.
Beartown Backcountry Map (coming soon)
WMBA – Western Mass Backcountry Alliance
WMBA’s mission is to secure access for ski and snowboard use of backcountry terrain throughout the region, to maintain existing terrain and develop new zones with the help of membership support, to help build community and life-long social connections, and to provide technical education for safe travel in the backcountry of Western Mass and beyond.
Learn More About WMBA
This terrain would not be possible without support from the community. If you like what WMBA is doing click here to learn more about them, and consider becoming a member, participating on a work day, or joining a backcountry tour!
