Ski Butternut

Ski Butternut, also known as Butternut Basin, is located in Great Barrington in western Massachusetts, on Warner Mountain in the scenic Berkshire area. The ski resort has been run since 1963 by the Murdock family, who named the mountain after the large stands of butternut trees in the valley. Since its inception, the resort has had a clear focus on accessible and family-friendly skiing.

The ski area offers 22 slopes, ten lifts – including five four-chair lifts – as well as two parks and a separate area for snow tubing. The terrain is varied but generally easy to intermediate, which makes Ski Butternut especially appreciated by families with children, beginners and skiers who want well-prepared slopes rather than extreme challenges. The ski school is PSIA-affiliated and has a good reputation in the region.

Outside of the winter season, the mountain is also used for summer events, concerts and festivals, including the Berkshires Arts Festival, making Ski Butternut a year-round destination with a local twist.

For the 2025/2026 season, a new modern chairlift, Jane's Quad, manufactured by Skytrac, will be installed. The lift replaces the former Overbrook Triple Chair and is named after Jane Murdock, who founded the ski area with her husband Channing. The new lift improves accessibility to the Uptown, Freewheeler and Downspout slopes, eliminates previously flat sections and provides a more efficient ride flow. With a horizontal length of approximately 1,410.1 feet and a vertical drop of 757.9 feet, Jane's Quad contributes to both greater comfort and more skiing per day.

Ski Butternut is a clear example of a classic New England resort where history, local roots and modernization meet – without losing its accessible and down-to-earth character.