The best places for snowboarding near Boston

The Blue Hills Ski Area is the closest spot to the city and the only snow sports facility right outside the metro area. It's great for newbies who want to learn snowboarding, with lessons for kids and adults to help them get there. The vertical drop is 309 feet and there are four lifts serving the 16 trails, over half of which are for advanced skiers.

Canton, MA: 14 miles from Boston

Located in historic Haverhill, Ski Bradford offers 15 trails and a terrain park spread across 48 skiable acres, and is serviced by nine lifts. The family-friendly spot, not more than 45 minutes from the city, is great for beginners but won't disappoint the more experienced boarders. Snowboarding lessons for both children and adults are available. The base camp includes rentals and a snack bar for lunch breaks, as well as warming cups of coffee.

Haverhill, MA: 31 miles from Boston

This 50-plus acre ski area offers a 240-foot vertical drop with 17 trails, nine lifts and two terrain parks—all of which are fully equipped for snowmaking. It may not be the most thrilling destination for advanced boarders, but it's a great spot for beginners and intermediates. New England's largest snow tubing slope is also right next to the ski area.

Westford, MA: 31 miles from Boston

Mount Snow offers 80 trails spread across four mountain faces in the gorgeous Green Mountain National Forest. In addition to 467 acres of developed terrain, all of the woods within the resort's boundaries are open for tree-skiing. A whopping 40 intermediate runs make it a great choice for confident-but-leisurely shredders. While first-timers will appreciate gentle slopes, like the popular three-mile Long John trail, adrenaline junkies needn't feel left out—there's plenty of ungroomed tree terrain on North Face and, in the consistently top-ranked Carinthia (the only all-terrain-park mountain face in the east), ten parks full of rails, jumps and pipes.

West Dover, VT: 130 miles from Boston

New Hampshire's Waterville Valley is a great place for beginners and experts alike. Novice boarders will find a supportive atmosphere, while advanced winter athletes will find increasingly challenging runs that'll keep them happy. Check out the Nordic ski trails, too.

Waterville Valley, NH: 128 miles from Boston

Known as The Beast of the East, Killington has 155 trails and 22 lifts with Killington Peak reaching 4,241 feet in elevation. Outside of world class skiing and snowboarding, Killington offers the best après ski and resort night life in New England. No need to be overwhelmed by the Beast, we’ve broken down everything you need to plan the perfect Killington getaway.

Just 20 minutes from Concord, NH, Pats Peak mountain boasts a vertical drop of 770 feet, 28 trails, nine glades and three terrain parks, all served by 11 lifts, and all with full snowmaking capability. There are three separate beginner areas with their own lifts, but the mountain also offers challenging terrain so advanced boarders can put their skills to the test.

Henniker, NH: 80 miles from Boston

Most of the trails here are intermediate level, but you'll find snowboarding lessons for kids and adults still finding their snow legs. The trails are thrilling, but you can also enjoy Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and Fat Tire biking on 32 miles of cross-country trails. Want more? There’s also zip lining and snow tubing along New Hampshire's longest tubing run. The Panorama Pub located at the top of the mountain offers views of beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee in the snow.

Gilford, NH: 102 miles from Boston

Wachusett's welcoming atmosphere make it a regional favorite. There’s an entire area dedicated to beginners, and a number of advance trails near the top of the mountain. There's a 1,000-foot vertical drop and 27 trails in total. For advanced boarders, it’s a thrill to see the Boston skyline from the 2006-foot summit.

Princeton, MA: 55 miles from Boston

With 67 trails and more than 233 acres, plus a dedicated beginner slope area, it's no wonder this NH ski and snowboarding spot is popular for weekend getaways. Check out weekday specials that include discounts on lift tickets and lessons. The resort has everything you need for a great outdoor escape from the city.

Newbury, NH: 101 miles from Boston