Looking for a fun, family-friendly ski getaway close to New York City? Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. From ski-in/ski-out accommodations to night skiing and a welcoming village vibe, Jiminy delivers an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or introducing little ones to the slopes, this resort has something for everyone.
Read on for my full review and tips for planning your own trip!
Plan Your Trip
We stayed at the Country Inn, which features a warm lobby and rooms outfitted with efficient little kitchens. The condos were in good shape—everything was clean and well cared for. While the furniture and carpets are a bit dated, everything worked perfectly and was neat as a pin.
The ski-in/ski-out setup is ideal for families. It’s just steps away from the mountain coaster and lifts. The building also houses a small gym, an indoor and outdoor hot tub, and a heated pool.
If you want to cook some meals, you can pick up supplies for breakfast or a quick dinner at the Country Store. It’s a short walk from the base area, or you can drive if you plan to stock up. The store also offers breakfast and lunch sandwiches, coffee, souvenirs, wine, toiletries, and all sorts of snacks.
Get a room tour of the Country Inn
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Navigating the Mountain
For day trippers, there is plenty of parking, much of it in satellite locations. Jiminy offers a shuttle wagon to transport guests from parking areas to the base.
The base area includes a coffee shop, rentals, and two lodges. The Crane Lodge features two fireplaces and ample space to get geared up. J.J.’s Lodge houses the cafeteria and a downstairs room for brown bag lunches. A large outdoor fire pit with seating makes it a popular gathering spot before and after skiing.
Once you’re ready, it’s just a short walk to the Berkshire Express high-speed lift. During our visit, only a few lifts were running, but thankfully, this compact resort is easy to navigate. You can access almost everything from the main lift.
From the summit, you have several trail options and a good view of the turbine. We always loved Jiminy for its steep trails—a great challenge compared to our tiny home hill. Our favorite was Jericho, a double black diamond groomer with fantastic views.
If you prefer an easier run, try Left Bank, a meandering trail from the top. One of my favorite spots to ski is the Hot Wheels gentle glades.
Another highlight of Jiminy is the night skiing. Once the sun sets, the mountain transforms under the lights. After a few runs, grab a warm drink and toast your toes by the fireplace. I bet this will be the part your kids remember most! Night skiing and snowboarding are available from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily from mid-December to mid-March. Night skiing passes start at $59, with 55% of the terrain accessible at night.
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Jiminy Stats
- Elevation: 2,380 ft
- Vertical Rise: 1,150 ft
- Ski Area: 167.4 acres
- Average Annual Snowfall: 68 inches
- Snowmaking Coverage: 96%
- Longest Run: 2 miles
- Terrain Parks: 3
- Lifts: 9
- Runs: 45
Welcome Moose
Dining at Jiminy
Jiminy offers several dining options. The John Harvard restaurant accepts reservations but was unfortunately closed the night we visited. We had dinner at Christiansen’s Pub, which turned out to be a fun experience. We started with a heaping plate of nachos and then opted for salads. Everything was delicious, and the service was friendly and efficient.
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Learning at Jiminy
For beginners, there is a sheltered area to master the basics. The beginner lift provides a great place to build skills and gain confidence before tackling steeper slopes. I particularly liked the “Weasel” learning terrain, which features banked turns as a teaching tool. There’s also a magic carpet in the learning area.
Jiminy offers a great first-timer lesson program for ages six and up. This package includes all rental equipment (boots, helmet, and wrist guards for snowboarders), a 90-minute group lesson, and a lower mountain lift ticket valid until 6:00 pm. Rates are $144 midweek and $164 on weekends and holidays. Reservations and pre-purchase are strongly recommended.
In addition to lessons and weekend programs, Jiminy has a race team and an adaptive program through STRIDE Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities. More information can be found here.
Unlike many resorts, Jiminy has not closed its on-mountain childcare. The Cub’s Den, a supervised playroom at the base, is still available. Check the website for hours and rates. Reservations can be made by calling (413) 738-5500 ext 3410.
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When You Aren’t Skiing
Jiminy offers plenty of snowshoe trails. Mountain Sports by Potter Brothers provides rentals for $24 per 8 hours. However, you must bring your own hiking boots.
On weekends and holidays, the mountain coaster is a hit. My girls were HUGE fans. A single ride costs $15, or you can get two rides for $22. During winter, the coaster operates on weekends, holidays, and holiday periods.
If you’re extending your trip in the Berkshires, consider visiting the nearby Clark Art Museum—one of my favorite art museums in New England, just 20 minutes away. The museum also offers scenic hikes on its property.
Jiminy Peak is about three hours from New York City. It’s not part of any multi-mountain pass. The most expensive lift ticket I found was $119, but there are many less expensive options for half-day, midweek, or with the Jiminy Savings Card. Get details here.
MORE SKI FEATURES FROM MOMTRENDS
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- Check out our review of the nearby Scandinave Spa
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