Bryant State Forest (DCR)
West Cummington, MA.
Berkshire Snow Basin was founded as a commercial ski area by Ruth and Stan Brown in 1949 and served as an anchor for winter activity in the community until it closed operations, sadly, in 1989. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) purchased the property in 1994 with the intention of possibly maintaining Snow Basin as a State-run ski area. While this plan never materialized, the property has been continually managed for wildlife habitat, forestry and recreation over the years since. In 2022, WMass Backcountry Alliance entered into a partnership agreement with the DCR to manage the former ski trails for backcountry skiing/winter recreation.
NOTE: This zone is currently open to the public for backcountry skiing, though trail signs, maps and kiosk information have not yet been constructed onsite. Be aware that some former infrastructure still exists on the mountain like snowmaking pipes, culverts, etc.
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 is available for 10-12 vehicles on the south side of Rt 9 in West Cummington, just west of West Cummington Rd. Please ‘Park Kind’. If the lot is full, visit the Cummington Creamery Co-op for lunch or a coffee and try again later.
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.
Berkshire Snow Basin 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!
