Ski Areas

Catamount Ski Area. Skiers seeking a family experience often end up here. Although it's not the biggest mountain in the area, Catamount can be less crowded than other options when it's not a holiday weekend, and the terrain is varied. The Sidewinder, an intermediate cruising trail, is more than 1 mile from top to bottom. Just watch out for ice on the tougher trails. There's also night skiing and snowboarding, plus three terrain parks for snowboarders and others. During the summer, the aerial adventure park has guests traveling between treetops. Facilities: 36 trails; 130 acres; 1,000-foot vertical drop; 7 lifts. 3290 Rte. 23, South Egremont, Massachusetts, 01258. 413/528–1262; 413/528–1262; www.catamountski.com. Lift ticket: $68.

Ski Butternut. With a variety of trails and slopes, including a 1½-mile run, Ski Butternut is good for skiers of all ability levels. There are a few beginner and advanced trails, and more than half the mountain is mellow intermediate terrain. For snowboarders there are top-to-bottom terrain parks and a beginner park, and eight lanes are available for snow tubing. Eleven lifts, including four carpet lifts and the longest quad in the Berkshires, keep traffic spread out. Facilities: 22 trails; 110 acres; 1,000-foot vertical drop; 11 lifts. 380 State Rd., Great Barrington, Massachusetts, 01230. 413/528–2000; 413/528–4433; 800/438–7669; www.skibutternut.com. Lift ticket: $60.