Northfield Mountain in Northfield, Massachusetts, has offered great cross-country skiing to the public for thirty-seven years. Twenty-five miles of meticulously groomed trails welcome the novice and challenge the expert. The summit often holds snow well into March.
Operating Schedule
The mountain opens for skiing after the first good snowfall around mid-December. The schedule runs Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The trails are open during most school holidays and vacation weeks.
The Terrain
Northfield Mountain, with 810 feet of vertical, rises 1100 feet above the floodplain meadows of the Connecticut River valley. The ski trails are situated on its western face. A map (592 kb jpeg image) shows contours and terrain shading.
The Trails
Specifically designed for ski touring, the trails are ten to twelve feet wide. There is plenty of room for both packed, free-style lanes and classical tracks. Gentle meadows appeal to beginners, while The Chute and Tenth Mountain challenge telemark enthusiasts. Snow cats groom the trails at night, leaving pristine tracks for early-morning skiers. Trails are marked with international symbols depicting the degree of difficulty. Signs posted at intersections correspond to numbers on the trail map. Trail lengths and distances between intersections are available in a chart.
Trail Conditions
Find today’s report at SnoCountry. The mountain’s toll-free, 24-hour snow hotline is updated daily by 8:30 AM. At any time phone 800-859-2960 and follow the prompts for Ski Conditions.
Download the Daily Ski Report for the day’s trail conditions, photos, and recommended wax.
Equipment Rental
The Ski Shop inventory includes close to three hundred pairs of name-brand, cross-country skis, boots, and poles which fit everyone from toddler to adult. Experienced staff will help you select the correct equipment for your needs. You can also rent snowshoes and pulks – sleds for towing kids.
Ski Lessons
PSIA-certified instructors on staff offer group and individual lessons for children and adults, beginners and experienced. Lessons make your skiing more productive and enable you to progress at a faster rate. Call ahead for reservations.
Snowshoeing
Many winter enthusiasts are discovering the fun of exploring the mountain on over six miles of trails restricted to snowshoeing. Our Ski Shop rents modern, lightweight snowshoes which make hiking a breeze.
Lunch Time
Northfield Mountain has a low-key, family atmosphere. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch and enjoy it in our dining area.
Chocolate Pot
Halfway up the mountain, near the intersections of several trails, a lean-to shelter welcomes skiers with an outdoor fireplace, picnic tables, hot drinks, and snacks. The Chocolate Pot is a popular spot to take a break. Bring your lunch and enjoy the company of fellow skiers in this sunny location.
Reviews
On March 16, 2003, The Boston Globe published an article by Diane Daniel, “Warm to Tooleybush Turnpike”, which reported favorably. GORP gives a rave review to our trails and terrain. The Annual 2009/2010 edition of SkiTrax magazine printed a full-page article on Northfield Mountain.
After-Season Activities
The mountain does not shut down when the snow melts. After letting trails dry for a few weeks, outdoor action begins. From spring through fall, the area is popular for mountain biking, cyclocross, orienteering, running, hiking, and horseback riding. State and regional competitions are often hosted here. The Metacomet-Monadnock Trail, which runs from Connecticut to New Hampshire, crosses the east side of the mountain and links to our trail system. The cliffs of Rose Ledges attract rock climbers from around the Northeast. Located on the Connecticut River, Northfield Mountain also rents canoes and kayaks and maintains campgrounds on the river’s edge. More information can be found on the web.