The Best Winter Activities in Massachusetts

When winter arrives and Massachusetts is covered in crisp white snow, it’s no reason to hibernate. During the cold season, the state is as bustling as ever with plenty of outdoor and indoor activities available, from skiing and snowboarding to mead tastings and brewery visits. 

At Keolis massAdventures, we specialize in Day Trips in Massachusetts during every season! Using the Commuter Rail system, our tours are perfect for tourists and locals without cars, allowing you to travel with ease regardless of the weather. 

If you’re wondering what to do this winter, keep reading to find out our picks for the best winter activities in Massachusetts! And if you have any questions about tours, don’t hesitate to contact us

Go Skiing and Snowboarding on the Massachusetts Slopes

One of the most thrilling things to do in winter in Massachusetts is to hit the slopes! Whether you go skiing, snowboarding, or even snow tubing, there’s nothing quite like going speeding through the snow. 

Some of the best locations to go skiing include Ski Ward in Shrewsbury, where you can ski, board, and tube — even in summer! In Westford, the Nashoba Ski Area has pristine slopes and a range of skiing lessons available if you want to learn how to get your balance on the snow. Five minutes away, they also have a giant tubing park with up to 18 lanes and an on-site lodge serving drinks and snacks. 
In Central Massachusetts, the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area is perfect for all skill levels and offers a vertical drop of 1,000 feet! With nearly 30 trails to choose from and a cozy lodge to relax in, you’ll definitely want a season pass.

Enjoy a Meadery Tour and Tasting

There’s no better drink to warm you up on a cold winter’s day than mead, the world’s ancient alcoholic drink. Made from honey, mead has been enjoyed for centuries, and you can try it for yourself on our Local Massachusetts Meadery Tour and Tasting

We visit the Honeybound Meadery in Tyngsboro, where for the past few years a team of mead-makers has been producing some of Massachusetts’ most incredible mead. Kick off the experience with a guided tour of the beekeeping and production facilities for insight into the process from start to finish. Then, sit down for a delectable tasting of mead paired with a charcuterie board that will delight your senses!

If you’re looking for more festive things to enjoy, then check out our blog on the 10 Magical Things To Do in Massachusetts During the Holiday Season.

Visit Local Craft Breweries in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is well-known for its craft breweries — there are over 100 found across the state! A household name is the Tree House Brewing Company, which has locations across Massachusetts, including Charlton, Tewksbury, and Sandwich. You’ll have an unbeatable selection of drafts to choose from, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. 

If you’re looking for a specialist brew, head to Jack’s Abby in Framingham. This award-winning brewery produces top-notch lagers served with delicious bites to eat in their German-inspired beer hall. In Canton, Trillium Brewing offers a welcoming taproom and restaurant, where you can warm up and sip on their selection of pale ales and IPAs.

Search for Snowy Owls at Crane Beach

In winter, you have the unique opportunity to spot migrating snowy owls in Massachusetts. One of the prime locations for seeing them is Crane Beach, where they base themselves for the winter. During our Crane Beach Snowy Owl Trek, you can go on a guided tour through the dune system in search of these majestic characters. Since they are active both day and night, you have a good chance of seeing them!

White owl in the snow

Embark on a Maple Sugaring Adventure

Winter is the perfect time for maple sugaring when nighttime temperatures range around 20 degrees Fahrenheit and the daytime temperatures are in their 40s. Under these conditions, the sap from maples runs smoothly, meaning you need to get your tap out!

For an introduction to the process, you can join our Maple Sugaring Adventure at Natick Community Organic Farm, during which you’ll learn how to identify maple trees, discover how the trees are tapped, and see the sap boiled over a campfire like early colonists once did. You’ll also learn more about the significance of maple sugaring to Indigenous communities and walk home with your own jar of syrup!

Explore Massachusetts Year-Round with our Tours!

Although Massachusetts certainly embodies winter wonderland, there’s so much more to explore year-round! With hikes in the hills, historic attractions, kayaking at Cape Cod, and artistic excursions, this state is teeming with unique things to see, do, and experience. And you can do it all with our easily accessible Day Trips Near Boston! No matter the season or activity, we’re here to show you the best of Massachusetts.

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