Ski Areas In And Around Connecticut: 4 Slopes Near The Litchfield Hills

For Newbies: Mohawk Mountain (Cornwall, CT)

At about 20 minutes away, Mohawk Mountain is the closest Connecticut ski area to our front doors here at Interlaken. Don’t think the merits of this mountain end with proximity, however. For first-time riders, Mohawk Learning Center is just the ticket to get you started on the slopes — from the Snowhawks group instruction for kids to highly-acclaimed private lessons. They even offer a “parent-tot” program that gives moms and dads the tools to coach their little ones for a truly memorable family experience, proving that Mohawk has the perfect program to help anyone find their ski legs.

For A Variety Of Terrain: Catamount Ski Area (Hillsdale, NY)

If your crew is coming in as a mixed bag of experience levels, splitting off is the best way for each rider to enjoy an alpine adventure at their own pace. Catamount Ski Area has the widest variety of terrain — its 36 trails offer an even spread of difficulty levels, with 12 novice-level slopes, 13 intermediate, and 9 advanced. There are also two expert-level courses, one of which is the Catapult, the steepest run in the Berkshires. Having opened in 1939, Catamount Ski Area is also one of the oldest ski areas near Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills and is one of a few remaining family-owned ski areas near New England.

For Serious Riders: Butternut Basin Ski Area (Great Barrington, MA)

With 22 trails, two terrain parks, and a tubing area, Butternut Basin Ski Area is a fan favorite in the Berkshires. Over 80% of Butternut’s ski terrain is recommended for intermediate or expert-level riders, so if you’re no stranger to the slopes, put it on the top of your list for your Litchfield Hills area ski trip. In addition to top-notch trails, Butternut gives self-proclaimed ski bums a number of slope-centric groups and multi-week programs to partake in, such as Women’s Wednesdays, All-Mountain Explorers (for skiers learning to freeride), and an Advanced Freestyle Skiing program.

For Night Skiing: Ski Sundown (New Hartford, CT)

It’s a bit further afield, but to see your ski experience come full circle, take to Ski Sundown for some night skiing. If you’ve never been skiing under the stars, consider it a fresh feat from what you’re used to — the moonlit mountain, the snow sparkling under the lights, and the quiet evening air carries the sound of your edges. Out of Ski Sundown’s 16 trails, 15 light-up after dusk until around 10 p.m., offering a more sizable selection for night skiing than Mohawk Mountain.

Whether you’re a pro in the snow or you’ve yet to pick up a pole, the ski areas in Connecticut and the surrounding slopes are fit for a fantastic ski vacation. If you’re looking to lodge in the Litchfield Hills, knock out two birds with one stone (or two slopes with one board?) using our ski and stay package to ride on one or more Connecticut ski areas.