Don't overlook 'the hills' for varied skiing pleasures

February 06, 2005|Jaci Conry, Globe Correspondent

THE BERKSHIRES are known for Norman Rockwell, Tanglewood, and more recently, Canyon Ranch. That the region is also an appealing downhill skiing destination is, if not unknown, at least underappreciated. The Berkshire Hills include a vast selection of snow-covered slopes, some of which have been around since pre-chairlift days, when people carried their skis up the mountain. Today, the area offers ample terrain for even the most experienced alpine daredevil.

Bousquet, Pittsfield. Bousquet lays claim to being the region's first ski destination: In 1932, a group of winter enthusiasts approached Clarence Bousquet about using the slopes of his farm for skiing. In 1936, Bousquet became the first ski mountain in the country to offer night skiing, thanks to a partnership with Pittsfield-based General Electric that created a unique lighting program for the area. In the early '50s, Bousquet was one of the first ski areas to make snow.

In its early years, Bousquet (boss-KAY) lured skiers with one of the Berkshires' greatest travel promotions: snow trains that traveled from New York to Pittsfield (with a bus connection to Bousquet) for $2 round trip. The area doesn't draw big out-of-state crowds any more, but it does have a large band of local skiers who frequent the mountain several times a week. Its 200 skiable acres cater to novice and intermediate skiers, but there are also several demanding runs among its 22 trails.

Bousquet is known for its ski school. I took lessons there in my youth and can attest to the instructors' patience. The area also offers classes for adults, such as Monday-morning Ladies' Days. Though the old-fashioned rope tow was retired recently, two ski carpets (like moving sidewalks) take skiers up the beginner slopes and tubing area.

Bousquet also has a competitive ski team. According to the area's marketing manager, Sherry Roberts, ''The team usually ranks in the top four when participating in tri-state and New England races." Additionally, she says, ''the team has produced three US Olympic Ski Team members." To cultivate local talent, Bousquet has race clinics and programs such as Adventure Race Camp, offered during school vacations.

Jiminy Peak, Hancock. Jiminy Peak is the most elaborate ski resort in the Berkshires, with facilities and activities to compete with resorts in Vermont. It tends to be crowded here, but lift lines aren't unusually long, and employees as well as skiers tend to be good-natured.