Take the Rails to the Trails from

Boston on the Wachusett Ski Train!

SKI TRAIN / VILLAGE INN OFFER

Wachusett Mountain is already considered most accessible ski area in the eastern USA, according to SKI Magazine. Now, getting there from Boston is easier than ever!

In conjunction with the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company (MBCR), skiers and snowboarders from Boston can take the commuter rail from Boston’s North Station to nearby Fitchburg, MA on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the ski season.  The weekend commuter rail service to the mountain is expanding this season  to include a Saturday night train. 

• The current scheduled weekend “ski train” service will Leave North Station at 8:35 a.m. and arrive at the Fitchburg commuter rail station at 10:06 a.m. 
• Wachusett Mountain will pick up skiers and riders and shuttle directly to the mountain, approximately 20 minutes away. 
• Wachusett will then shuttle customers at 4:45 p.m. (promptly) back to the Fitchburg station for a 5:35 p.m. departure back to Boston, arriving at North Station at 7:00 p.m. 
• NEW for the 2007-2008 season, Wachusett will introduce a SATURDAY night shuttle service for the train leaving North Station at 3:30 p.m. arriving at Fitchburg at 5:15 p.m. 
• The Saturday night return train leaves Fitchburg at 9:45 p.m. and arrives back in Boston at 11:10 p.m. 
• When Wachusett drops off at the train station on Sat. for the 5:35 departure, there will be a pick up for anyone who boarded the train for the night session.
• The late Shuttle is on Saturday nights ONLY!   The final shuttle on Sat. nights to Fitchburg leaves Wachusett promptly at 9 p.m.
• If someone misses the Shuttle Bus to Fitchburg it is not the responsibility of Wachusett Mountain to supply them with an alternative ride.  We will assist in calling a cab.
  
  

  The Ski Train has also been expanded this year to include Martin Luther King Holiday (Jan. 21) and Presidents Day (Feb. 18).  The season service runs from Nov. 24 through the end of March.  Each train includes a designated “ski” car that will allow for easy storage of ski or snowboard equipment.
  
  “In this day of high gasoline prices, the ski train provides our Boston-area customers with an incredible option for public transportation to the mountain,” said David Crowley, Wachusett General Manager.  “We hope the addition of a night train will be especially attractive to all the college students in the Boston area.  There hasn’t been a transportation option available like this since the era of the gasoline shortages.”
  
  Enthusiasm for the “ski train” was echoed by Daniel Grabauskas, general manager of the MBTA.  ”The combination of Wachusett Mountain and the MBTA in offering this service is a prime example of the benefits that can be attained by collaborative efforts,” he said.

  
  “The ski train is an excellent opportunity to highlight the entire North Central Massachusetts region,” said Dave McKeehan, president of the Johnny Appleseed Trail Association, the local travel tourism trade group.  “Tourism is an important segment of our local economy and this will not only help provide easy access to the mountain but give visitors a chance to spend the weekend.”
  

  The “Ski Train” fare is only $7.75 one-way (subject to change).