The Berkshires In the Winter

Berkshire County Massachusetts, is ideally located in the western end of the state. Cute, Idealic small towns that each have their own charm and personality. But don't let that make you think there is nothing to do here. There is lots to do all year, and some really great places to stay. The Berkshires in the winter, being located in the mountians there is quite a few Ski Resorts, shoeshoing, hiking trails, tubbing, sledding, Ice Skating. But if like alot of people the concern for the lack of snow or hardley any is troubling always call and check about the mountians. Cause as long as it is cold enough they are able to make it. And if you still want to come, but maybe skiing is not your thing, or maybe you think it is too cold and rainy one day, there lots to do inside as well. Things like shopping, musuems, bowling, theatres, movie theatres, even a location that has an in door rock climbing wall.

There are several Ski resorts in the area, and their good for varing levels of experience. remember that these resorts are often times able to make snow, and have have been doing it since late october or november so they have a really good base down. Check their websites for their reports. Another trick, call one of the hotels directly and ask about the ski conditions, and if they have heard anything good about them from guests that are there for skiing. They usually don't have a problem telling you and they usually get information from guest and the resorts on a daily basis. And if not all members in your party are good, or strong skiiers, see what else the resorts have to offer. When it comes to lift tickets, and deals for ski and stay, check the resort website, cause several of them do offer ski and stays duriing non-holiday weeks, and weekends that can save you money. Check with the hotels as well, because sometimes they offer coupons for the lift tickets when it is a holiday.

Butternut Ski resort is located in the heart of the berkshires, in Great Barrington, Massachusestts. The Mountian has twenty two trails in total. With a number of beginner and intermediate trails, for which there are eight each. Plus, the resort also offers ski school and classes, which makes it an excellent place for beginners. But there are also six advanced trails, and two terrain peaks, which are good for more advanced skiiers and boarders. The resort also offers day care, a rental shop, and a lodge that has items for breakfest and lunch. In additon to Skiing and boarding the resort has a tubbing hill, which runs later than the skiing, as its also under the lights. The Tubbing is actually fun for all ages. I have personally done that with my four year old nephew, and we had a blast.

Catamount Ski Resort offers a number of tails and is located right on the border of New York and Massachusetts. The Mountian is literaly half in one state and half in the other. Catamount offers a number of really good advanced and intermediate trails, but doesn't have as much for beginners. It does have a ski school, and a place to rent equipment. The Moutian has a kids area which allows younger kids to work on their skills before heading to the terrian park, to try out some of their tricks. There are a total number of 33 trials, and they have a few lifts. This is one of two ski resorts in the area that has night skiing under the lights, if thats what you prefer. Catamount also holds a number of events throughout the year.

Jiminy Peak is one of the largest ski resorts in the area. It has several trails, designed for all levels. Whether your a beginner or more advanced. They are also one of two of the three resorts here in the area that offer night skiing. The resort has a rental shop, and does quite a few events, like bon fires. It's alot of fun and family friendly. They have a lodge where you can get food and rentals. At the resort itself it also offers a country store, if theres something you need. Jiminy Peak as a bonus activity offers a Winter Coaster. These I am told are popular in Europe, and that this is one of the few here in the states. You control the speed, but it is alot of fun, that I can tell you from experience. If you have a snow boarder in the family, Jiminy Peak has a great Terrian Park, which I know is quite popular.

If your looking at for walks in the snow, or the scenery. If you want snow shoeing or cross country. Look at Cranwell, and The Mount. Both locations are very nice and have a number of options. They are both located in Lenox.

If you like a little bit of something extra when you travel, entertainment and culture. There are number of cinemas, Theatres, and Muesums in the area. There are two excellent movie theatres in the berkshires and those are The Beacon Cinema and The Triplex Theatre. They have range of movies, the go from forgien and independant to todays newest releases. If you like live theatre or shows, checkout Shakespeare and Company, Barrington Stage Company, The Mahawie Theatre, and The Coloniel Theatre. You could even see if there is a production going on at the Local Community College, Berkshire Community College, they do some really excellent preformances. For muesums, there are a few. The Norman Rockwell Muesuem, MASS Moca, The Clark Art Muesum, And the Berkshire Muesum. Theres something for all ages to enjoy.

If your prefer shopping, there are alot of great places to shop. The area has alot of Antique shops if thats your taste, all the towns in the berkshires has at least one. There main streets full of cute little shops, that are local to the area. If you prefer malls you get a choice between on The Lee Outlet's, and The Berkshire Mall. Even if you just want a department store, such as Kmart, Walmart, or Target, you would be in luck as there are one of each in the area.

If your looking for a good place to stay in the Berkshires, there are a number of hotels, motels, and Bed and Breakfests, it really just depends on what your looking for as far as accomadations go and how much you want to spend. Just remember like I sais above, look for packages deals, what comes with the price of your room, and see if there are any other discounts (i.e. AAA, roomsaver, frequent flyer miles, managers discounts or other deals). Also, sometimes rather then just booking online, if you call the hotels directly then you may be able to get a lower rate. Sometimes they have more leeway when it comes to the rates. They want to make your reservation when you call, so if you seem hestitant, then they are more then likely to work with you on the rate. Check out the thoughts of previous guests, and the hotels on Trip Advisor. Some of my choices on accomadations:

Berkshire Comfort Inn and Suites in Great Barrington, The Briarcliff Motel, Hoilday Inn Express, Cranwell resorts, The Blantyre, Yankee Inn, Crowne Plaza, Days Inn in Great Barrington, The Inn at Sweatwater Farm, Hampton Terrace Bed and Breakfeast, The Shaker Inn, or The WilliamsVille Inn.

As as far as restuarants there are a number of really great restuarants in the Berkshires. This is going to depend on how far you want to drive, proximity to where your staying, what type of food you want, or what you want (i.e. All adults, or family friendly). Ask the front desk clerk at your hotel, for where they think you should eat. Some of my recomandations on where to eat:

The Agean Breeze, Barrington Brewery, Gypsy Joint, The Lions Den, Neighborhood Diner, Arazonia Pizza, Martins, Fiori's, Route 7 Grill, Mistys Moonlight Diner, Shiros, Koii, The East, Great Barrington Pizza House, and Baba Louies.