Notchview Conditions

About Notchview

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Last Updated: Monday, 09 December 2019 15:09

Written by Jim Caffrey

With over 3,000 acres of scenic forest and open meadow, Notchview offers an idyllic escape for winter sport enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to experienced skiers and snowshoe hikers. 17 kilometers of trails are groomed and track-set for classical cross-country skiing; 10 kilometers are groomed for skate skiing. Young skiers can enjoy our sheltered Kinderloop, or check out our separate groomed trail system for “skijoring,” or skiing with dogs. You can also snowshoe on newly-dedicated trails or go off track and explore the backcountry on either skis or snowshoes.

Part of the Hoosac Range, an extension of Vermont’s Green Mountains, much of Notchview is above 2,000 feet, with Judge’s Hill the highest point at 2,297 feet. This results in snow on our trails for more than 80 days each year. Think of us in March and even April! Although some fields are kept open, most of the reservation is covered with a red spruce and northern hardwood forest and is home to many wild species. Look for tracks of deer, moose, and snowshoe hare as you ski along. Chickadees, barred owls, and pileated woodpeckers live in the forest year-round.

In winter, warm up in the Budd Visitor Center, featuring a masonry heater with toasty soapstone seats, a waxing area, skis and snowshoe rentals, and a stunning view of our woods and fields. Take an energy break with our café service, which offers soup, sandwiches, baked goods, and hot and cold beverages. Along the trail, two Adirondack shelters offer spectacular views across the surround Hilltown countryside. Public restrooms (open year-round).

Open year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing available early December to early April, daily, 8AM to 4:30PM. Group ski lessons are held at 11:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Please sign up by 12:00 on weekends to ensure a spot for the 1:00 lesson. Skating, advanced, and private lessons may be arranged by appointment to fit your schedule.

Check out our website for schedule of special events, races, and guided nature programs.

Notchview is a property of The Trustees of Reservations, which was founded in 1891 to preserve for public use and enjoyment exceptional scenic, historic, and ecologically significant properties across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In addition to skiing at Notchview, a Trustees membership allows free or reduced admission to each of our 110 natural and/or historic properties. Ask us about volunteer opportunities at Notchview – we’d love to have you join us!

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