Keolis, MBTA and Wachusett Announce Return of the Ski Train for 2017-18 Winter Season
New: Wednesday night ski train will start running as of January 17
Weekend ski trains begin running Saturday, December 2
BOSTON – December 1, 2017 – Together with Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Keolis Commuter Services (KCS), the MBTA’s operating partner for the commuter rail, announced that the ski train will once again bring skiers and snowboarders from Boston to one of Massachusetts’ most popular ski areas. These special trains will operate on Saturdays and Sundays beginning December 2. A weekday train will also run on Wednesdays beginning January 17.
Ski trains include coaches specially equipped to hold passengers’ skis, poles and snowboards. These trains will originate at North Station on Saturdays and Sundays and on Wednesdays beginning January 17, and take passengers to Wachusett Station. A free shuttle provided by Wachusett Mountain will connect passengers to the ski area. Roundtrip fare for the service is $23 and children 11 and under ride for free.
Train 1401 on Saturday and train 2401 on Sunday will depart North Station at 8:35 a.m., arriving at Wachusett Station at 10:11 a.m. For the return trains 1410 on Saturday and 2410 on Sunday will both depart Wachusett Station at 6:10 p.m., arriving at North Station at 7:40 p.m. Train crews will be in communication with shuttle bus operators to ensure efficient transfers to Wachusett Mountain. The shuttle will depart for Wachusett Station at 5:15 p.m.
A weekday ski train will run for the first time this year allowing area residents a chance to take advantage of Wachusett Mountain’s night skiing. Beginning January 17, the ski train will leave North Station at 3:30 p.m. and then shuttles will meet passengers at Wachusett Station with the arrival of train 415 at 5:08 p.m. The shuttle will return to drop skiers and snowboarders off at Wachusett Station for the departure of train 432 at 10:35 p.m. The shuttle departs Wachusett Mountain at 10:00 p.m., when night skiing ends. This Wednesday night train arrives in Boston at North Station 12:04 a.m.
“The ski train is a comfortable and convenient option for area residents seeking a day of winter recreation, saving them time and effort,” said David Scorey, General Manager and CEO of KCS. “One of our goals is to grow off-peak ridership of the commuter rail. Wachusett Mountain is one of many great destinations across the network that passengers can enjoy without the hassle of traffic or finding parking. We hope more customers will see the train as a fun way to make the most out of winter.”
“The ski train provides a great opportunity to provide Boston-area customers with an easy option for public transportation to the mountain,” said Wachusett Mountain Ski Area President Jeff Crowley. “Being so close to Boston, Wachusett is one of the most accessible ski areas in New England. And, with the opening last year of the Wachusett Station, now we’re easier to reach than ever before. Our partnership has been a wonderful way to increase use of the outbound commuter rail service. It’s a great service to the Boston residents who love to ski or snowboard but don’t have other transportation options.”
As of today, December 1, Wachusett Mountain has four lifts open servicing six trails and 38 acres of terrain.
For more information on the ski train, visit the MBTA website or view the Fitchburg Line Commuter Rail schedules. Additional information is also available on the Wachusett Mountain website.
