Butternut or Catamount: Which Ski Mountain Is Best for Your South Berkshires Trip?
Which mountain is right for you?
The South Berkshires is a perfect winter destination for skiers from New York, New Jersey, and all over New England. While our mountains aren’t the biggest compared to places like Vermont or New Hampshire, our culture, arts, dining, and overall charm put us over the top as a must-visit spot for a weekend away. The area delivers that cozy, small-town winter energy without sacrificing good food, great drinks, and plenty of things to do off the slopes.
The Southern Berkshires region has two fantastic options for skiers and snowboarders looking to enjoy a day or weekend on the mountain. Both Butternut and Catamount are only about 15 minutes from the front door of Wilder House and offer a diverse range of terrain for skiers of all levels. So which one is best for you?
Let’s take a look:
Catamount
Nestled between Hillsdale, NY and Egremont, MA, Catamount has created a ski resort experience that goes well beyond just the snow. With multiple restaurants and bars onsite, you can truly spend an entire day here, alternating between long ski runs and sipping cocktails or hot chocolate by the fire. If your idea of a perfect ski day includes equal parts skiing and relaxing, Catamount may be the better fit for your style.
But it’s not just a cozy place to drink and be merry. Catamount offers terrain that many skiers—including me—find to be more challenging than what Butternut provides. The trails are longer, steeper, and better suited for advanced or thrill-seeking skiers who want to push themselves a bit. The mountain’s layout also gives more opportunities to explore different faces and keep each run feeling fresh.
Another major benefit is night skiing, which opens up more flexibility for your schedule. Whether you’re arriving late, fitting in a few quick turns after work, or simply prefer the novelty of skiing under the lights, Catamount gives you that option.
Our favorite restaurants near Catamount:
- Hilltown Hot Pies (2 minutes): https://www.hilltownhotpies.com/
- Hy’s Fried (2 minutes): https://hysfried.com/
- The Cliff House (5 minutes): https://www.cliffhouseberkshires.com/
Butternut
Butternut advertises itself as an affordable ski area for families, and in this regard it truly delivers. Lift ticket prices are among the most reasonable in the region, and the majority of the mountain’s runs are ideal for novice-to-intermediate skiers. The team here works hard to keep the mountain well-groomed, safe, and reliably open regardless of weather fluctuations—something longtime visitors appreciate.
In terms of terrain, Butternut offers slightly less diversity than Catamount. Both have green, blue, and black trails, but the black runs at Butternut are generally shorter and less intense, making them approachable for those just starting to explore steeper terrain. For families or newer skiers who want to build confidence without being overwhelmed, this can be a real advantage.
Food and beverage options at Butternut are simpler and more streamlined than what you’ll find at Catamount. The cafeteria-style setup offers grab-and-go classics—burgers, hot dogs, pizza—plus beer and wine. No craft cocktails here; the energy is very much “no frills, get on the lift, and cram as many runs in as possible.” If your perfect day is focused squarely on skiing rather than lounging, Butternut shines.
One of Butternut’s biggest perks is its proximity to Great Barrington. When the mountain closes, you can head straight downtown to explore the shops, cafés, and restaurants that make Great Barrington such a beloved local destination.
Our favorite restaurants near Butternut:
- No Comply Foods (5 minutes): https://nocomplyfoods.com/
- Koi (2 minutes): https://koigbtogo.com/
- Agaves (5 minutes): https://www.agavesgb.com/
- Cantina 229 (15 minutes): https://www.cantina229.com/
Both
Still not sure? No worries! Both are excellent options, and there are a few things you can count on at either mountain:
- Aggressive snowmaking. Even in low-snow winters, both mountains use state-of-the-art snowmaking systems to keep trails open as consistently as possible.
- Great options for beginners. First-time skiers can feel comfortable at either mountain thanks to well-run lesson programs, beginner slopes, and gear rentals that make getting started simple.
- Plenty of parking. Both resorts offer large, easy-access parking areas, which makes the start of your day much smoother.
- Great vibes. Whether you choose Butternut or Catamount, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and a classic Berkshires winter feel that brings people back year after year.
- Wilder House. The perfect place to call your home base for a weekend on the mountain. Convenient, affordable, and just 15 minutes from both!
