Once a competitor in the local day tripper market only, Jiminy, located in the Berkshires just east of the New York border, has become a full service winter resort in recent years with a great variety of terrain and an appealing base area village with ski in-ski out hotel that compares favorably to much larger destinations in the east.

Credit Brian Fairbank and his experienced area management team in making this happen. The base area village which includes a welcome center, day lodges, cafeterias, a bar-restaurant, a rental shop, and a full service ski shop, was completed just last year. The planning drawings date back to 1984. Things may not happen overnight at Jiminy Peak but they do get done and today’s guests are reaping the benefits.

The Berkshires divide Western Massachusetts from the rest of the state. These are rolling hills, less physically impressive than the nearby Green Mountains and Adirondacks, but still plenty to host a well designed mid-size ski area like Jiminy Peak. The ski hill is a sprawling layout with 44 trails linked across a ridge line that is serviced by nine lifts. There are steeps, like the double black Jericho, long intermediate cruisers like Left Bank, and some lengthy green circle runs like Lower Glade and Slingshot, all from the summit giving skiers of all abilities a way to get down from the top of the hill. Almost all of the mountain terrain has snowmaking and 18 of the trails have lighting for skiing until 10:30 PM.

Jiminy was one of the first areas to offer a four hour lift ticket option and Jiminy veterans know to check www.jiminypeak.com for on line specials the area offers during the season. The Jiminy Peak Value Card that appeals to repeat visitors is available here too.

"Green" is not just a claim at this resort. A signifigant portion of the power used by the area is generated by Zephyr, a wind turbing located on the hill, near the resort's reservoir.

For those whose Jiminy plans call for a multi-day stay, there is the ski-in, ski-out Country Inn at the base, complete with an outdoor heated pool, and the John Harvard’s Restaurant & Brewery for après ski activities. When the legs are done for the day, try the Mountain Coaster for some off boards ski fun. In addition there is a substantial condominium bed base at the mountain, and lots to do and see in nearby communities.

This is the largest ski resort in Southern New England and one that holds its own with many of its neighbors to the north.

Summit elevation: 2,380 feet
Vertical drop: 1,150 feet
Base elevation: 1,230 feet

Expert: +
Advanced: ++
Intermediate: ++++
Beginner: +++
First-timer: ++++

Dining: +++
Apres-ski/nightlife: +
Other activities: +++

Address: 37 Corey Rd, Hancock, MA 01237
Area code: 413
Ski area phone: 738-5500
Fax:
Snow report: 888-4-JIMINY
Toll-free reservations:
800-882-8859
E-mail: info@jiminy.com
Internet: www.jiminypeak.com

Number and types of lifts: 9—1 6-person high speed; 2 quads, 3 triples, 1 double, 2 surface lift

Skiable acreage: 170 acres
Snowmaking: 93 percent
Uphill capacity: 12,800 per hour
Parks & pipes: 3 terrain parks;
Bed base: 2,000 at resort
Nearest lodging: Slopeside
Resort child care: Yes, 6 months and older
Adult ticket, per day: $52–$59