Posted by:
Commissioner Rick Sullivan, Department of Conservation and Recreation
Saturday marked the end of one of the most successful Boston-area ski seasons in years, thanks to a lot of snow – and the revitalization of the Blue Hills Ski Area.
Blue Hills is a unique facility, offering opportunities from schuss to snowplow in unusual proximity to the Commonwealth’s largest city. Yet, as recently as last season, the Blue Hills Ski Area was in trouble. The operator suffered from financial difficulties, falling behind on water, electrical and insurance bills, let alone any type of capital improvement that would make the facility more attractive to local skiers. Lifts fell into disrepair. Snowmaking was shaky. DCR’s ability to bring skiing to Greater Boston was on the brink.
Then came Ski Blue Hills, an entity created by the successful operators of Campgaw Mountain in New Jersey, who took over the Blue Hills slope under a new five-year permit, and we couldn’t be happier. In Ski Blue Hills, DCR found a partner with a proven track record of successfully operating a small, metropolitan ski area in partnership with a public entity – and the makings of a booming ski season in Greater Boston.
Even before the season began, Ski Blue Hills invested $400,000 in infrastructure, purchasing a new groomer, regrading the beginners trail, and upgrading the snow-making system. These improvements resulted in 40 percent more snow coverage.
The operator also focused on getting skiers up the slopes. The double chair lift received a much needed upgrade and the installation of new “Magic Carpet” and “Mini Magic Carpet” conveyor belts made it easier for young skiers to get to the “Skiwee” trails – vital to the Blue Hills mission of introducing young skiers to the sport.
As the season developed, Blue Hills provided much-needed outdoor time as well as skill development. The winter vacation camps were a huge success, with the number of participants increasing 50 percent, to 225, during the February vacation. The Ski Area also reached out to recreation departments in Braintree, Quincy, Norwell and Weymouth, encouraging them to sign up young people for the Ski Area’s Junior Program.
High schools signed on as well. This year, the ski area added Mass Bay East to the roster of MIAA leagues who call Blue Hills their home slope. More than 20 schools from MIAA leagues host meets at the Blue Hills Ski Area.
I couldn’t be happier. This year, the cost of travel, as well as the price of lift tickets for ski resorts up North, caused local skiing enthusiasts to seek alternatives, and they found one at DCR’s Blue Hills Ski Area. Of course, Mother Nature played along. Record local snowfalls made Blue Hills an even better option. But I am optimistic that, with our new partner, DCR will provide a family-friendly ski opportunity near Boston for many years to come.