DCR marks 75th season at Blue Hills Ski Area
By Canton Citizen
Snow making is underway at the Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton.
On December 19, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) marked the 75th season of Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton with an announcement of a new partnership with Blue Hills Ski Recreation LLC, led by experienced operator Geoff Homer, to manage and enhance the 60-acre ski area.
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in improving outdoor recreational opportunities for the region, with a focus on increasing access, upgrading facilities, and ensuring high-quality experiences for visitors.
“We are excited about this new partnership with Blue Hills Ski Recreation LLC and Geoff Homer,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Their commitment to enhancing the Blue Hills Ski operation, along with the promise of significant capital investments over the next five years, aligns with our goals of improving and expanding recreational opportunities for Massachusetts residents, families and visitors.”
Arrigo said the new partnership is a “great example of public and private organizations coming together to maintain a shared stewardship of one of our most beloved urban parks.”
“We look forward to seeing all of the excitement this new collaboration will bring to the skiing community this winter,” he said.
DCR granted Homer, a Boston resident, a five-year lease to operate the ski area in DCR’s Blue Hills Reservation, one of the agency’s largest urban parks and a regional recreation destination.
“I am humbled and excited to be the next operator of Blue Hills Ski Area,” said Homer. “A local operator is exactly what this mountain needs to achieve its full potential. Urban ski areas like Blue Hills are vital to the continued success and growth of the industry. It has been a very busy few months and we’re thrilled to announce that we are open for the season for Blue Hills’ 75th year of skiing and riding!”
The ski area officially opened on Saturday, December 14 — its earliest opening in more than 15 years. As part of the partnership with DCR, Homer and his team are expected to deliver significant capital investments over the next five years focused on enhancing facilities, increasing safety, and expanding services for all visitors. These new improvements will help improve Blue Hills’s standing as a destination for winter recreation.
Homer has spent the fall focused on enhancing and growing the “on- and off-hill skier experience” and has already made a significant investment, including upgrading the snowmaking plant with new energy-efficient HKD snow guns, increasing water supply, and adding two PistenBully groomers. Additionally, Blue Hills has purchased all new rental equipment for skiers of all ages along with investing in new technology for the ski area’s tuning and repair shop. There is also a newer, more efficient ticketing and e-commerce system, along with a redesigned website. Visitors to Blue Hills Ski can expect new food offerings — and tubing, another new addition to the park this year.
As part of this transition, Blue Hills General Manager Molly Gilleece and Operations Manager Iwan Fuchs have remained with the ski area under the new ownership, ensuring a smooth continuation of operations.
The partnership with Blue Hills Ski is part of DCR’s ongoing commitment to public-private collaborations that enhance recreational opportunities across Massachusetts’ park system. DCR also partners with the managers of several other ski areas across the commonwealth, including Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, the Leo J. Martin Ski Track in Weston, Butternut Ski Area in Great Barrington, and Great Brook Ski in Carlisle.
For more information about Blue Hills Ski Area, including details on rentals, tickets and passes, and hours of operation, go to bluehillsboston.com.
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Posted by Canton Citizen
on Dec 27 2024. Filed under Featured story.
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