Ski season is here, but if you’re feeling the pinch from either holiday bills or the lingering recession, there are economical ways to hit the slopes or trails close to home.
And local ski areas are working hard to make sure you know about them.
The Weston Ski Track, which bills itself as the country’s first cross-country center to make its own snow (starting in 1974), is expanding its popular night operation with the help of a new lighting system.
The Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton is using everything from Facebook to Twitter to give skiers a heads-up on the latest conditions. And the Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford is offering more flexible lesson packages.
“We’re cheaper than a lot of the destination places,’’ said Al Fletcher, Nashoba’s general manager. “On top of all that, we’re an easy ride, right off 495.’’
Downhill skiing fared well in Massachusetts last winter despite the economy, according to a report from the National Ski Areas Association. Visits were up 7.6 percent over the previous season, to just under 1.5 million.
Nationwide, the recession probably caused skiers to take fewer overnight trips in favor of more-affordable day trips, the report said.
Figures are not yet available for the 2008-’09 cross-country ski season, but last month’s snowfall got this winter off to a good start, said Chris Frado, executive director of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association, which includes eight Massachusetts areas.
“When there is snow on the ground before Christmas, it is a huge shot in the arm for the industry,’’ she said.
One theory on why the recession hasn’t much affected local ski areas is that all were able to provide good snow the last two seasons, thanks to cold temperatures.
“Our focus is really snow-making,’’ said Mark Jacobson, the Weston Ski Track’s manager. “It’s great when it snows, but our machine-made snow really makes the difference. We don’t really count on the natural snow.’’
In an effort to create conditions that are consistent and reliable, the Weston Ski Track boasts one of the largest cross-country snowmaking systems in New England. But this year, new lights have been added as well.
Jacobson said night skiing is a favorite for commuters, with many of them driving past the track, which operates on the Leo J. Martin Memorial Golf Course near the Interstate 90-Route 128 interchange, on their way home from work.
The facility offers rentals and lessons for both skiing and snowshoeing. It’s annual Winter Trails Day, being held on Saturday, will feature free snowshoe demonstrations, guided tours, and music.
