Boston and Back - Bagging Mt Watatic

Words by Ian Reynolds l STE Contributing Editor

Photos: Ian Reynolds, Dan Gladu, Corey Magliozzi

Skiing as a sport is something anyone can get out and enjoy, but when it passes sport and becomes passion and a way of life, there are certain aspects of the culture and activity that can make or break a day on the hill.  We all search for the intangible that makes us feel complete.  

Much like coming home from a semester at college, or a long vacation; a warm fire, familiar couch and family is what defines home.  Its not the material possessions housed within the walls, but rather the sense of comfort that allows us to call a place home.  Skiing is much the same, its not the lift, or mountain that makes skiing what it is, it’s the intangible.  It’s the run you find deep in the woods of your local resort; it’s the feeling of flying down a groomer at mach speed.  Skiing is more than just a sport, it brings the sense of belonging much like coming home from times abroad.

Skiing is an adventure, and with skis on your feet you’re able to bring a sense of belonging into uncharted territories.  Your ability on skis evokes a sense confidence that allows you to stretch the bounds of comfort.  Much like venturing into the woods behind your house, you’re more inclined to take risks simply because you’re close to home.  

Being close to home, is one of the luxuries many skiers miss when taking their trips to the mountain.  Boston itself is 2 hours to the nearest “big mountain” experience.  What we often miss in our powder hungry trips north is that sometimes, when the conditions are just right, the best spots can still be close to home.   

During the storm Nemo the conditions were just right, and the best adventure was only a stone’s throw away, starting from the summit of Mt. Watatic in central Mass.  One of the featured resorts on the New England Lost Ski Areas Project, Mt. Watatic closed its operation in 1984.  The lifts are all but scrap metal on the side of the mountain and the base lodge burned to the ground.  What’s left is the remnants of ski trails that once were, and an access road to the summit.  

Frequented during the summer by hikers and bikers alike, the summit of Watatic, just below 2000 feet provides views of Boston to the southeast. In the winter the traffic slows down and leaves fresh snow, and no tracks for those willing to take the hike.  

Arriving at 930am, late by most standards, we found that the skin track was set, and that only 2 had made the trip up before us, leaving plenty of untracked lines, and a simple guide to lead the way.  With the remains of trails scattered across the northeast face of the mountain, choices were unlimited and allowed our group of 8 to get fresh tracks each and every run.  

While Mt. Watatic was strange territory, with skis on my feet, it felt no more unfamiliar than the slopes of my hometown hill.  The skin track leading the way boosted confidence and brought about that old feeling of home.  Sometimes the best adventures are just outside your door, and all you have to do is seek them out.  With a little adventure in mind, you will still find that sense of belonging, that sense of home.