KEEPING THE LEGACY ALIVE: SKIING THE CCC TRAILS IN WMASS

The skiing history of WMass is the history of skiing in the U.S.  Our modest ski hills have played an important part in the development of New England ski culture and certainly helped establish many lifelong love affairs with 'the steep and deep.'  As part of FDR's New Deal (1933), the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) was tasked with cutting new ski trails throughout the mountainous regions of New England for public enjoyment.  Here in Massachusetts, those trail systems spanned from the rugged Wapack Range in central Mass to the infamous Thunderbolt trail on Mt. Greylock, as well as others found at Beartown, PSF, and Butternut.

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WMass Backcounty Alliance (WMBA) was formed out of appreciation of this legacy, and to keep it alive for future communities of backcountry enthusiasts to enjoy. Our goal to help maintain these historic CCC ski trails also includes increasing skiable backcountry terrain within the greater region.  Through partnerships with state agencies like MA DCR, land trusts, private property owners, and other recreation organizations we hope to cultivate relationships of respect and trust, of stewardship and responsibility, and of inclusion and diversity for all types of people who love the outdoors.  We hope you will join us to help make this happen!