Ski Blandford Will Not Open For Season 20 - 21
Ski Blandford will close and not re open for next season. The owners have announced they will close the ski area.
Blandford Ski Area (BSA) is a ski area located in Blandford, Massachusetts. It was owned and operated by the Springfield Ski Club from 1936 until 2017, when it was sold to private hands, and was the oldest, continuously operating club-owned ski area in North America. In fall of 2017, Blandford underwent a private sale to Butternut Ski Area. Butternut had planned on re-opening the ski area that same year and had started making snow when inspections of their lifts and other facilities made it abundantly clear that they would need more time to get everything up to code. The mountain and its buildings have since been heavily remodeled. More snowmaking was added, two new groomers were brought in and the ski lodges interiors and exteriors were updated. Following successful refurbishments, Blandford Ski Area was reopened for the 2018/2019 ski season and has remained operational since.
Blandford Ski Area has 27 trails (12 lighted for night skiing), 2 terrain parks, and 5 lifts: 3 double chairlifts, a rope tow, and a magic carpet lift. The base is located at 1,025 ft and the summit is located at 1,490 ft; a 465 ft vertical drop. They have updated snow-making that covers about 80% of the mountain, as well as up-to-date grooming. They have two lodges; an older lodge, and a new lodge with hot food service.
Jeff Murdock, president of Ski Butternut announced the closure in a letter to season pass holders.
Dear Ski Blandford Season Pass Holder,
In 2017 Butternut purchased Blandford Ski Area. Our goal was to keep the ski area operational and to grow the sport of skiing and riding. Over the last three seasons we have made significant investments in Ski Blandford’s infrastructure. We fixed the lifts, upgraded the electrical system, replaced snowmaking pipe, and added snow guns. Everyone involved has worked hard to make Ski Blandford a success. We are proud of the Ski Blandford team; they have done an outstanding job. However, after all this hard work, we are still losing money. Unfortunately, Butternut cannot continue to support the losses we have experienced at Blandford. When you add present economic uncertainties to the mix, we are forced to make a very hard business decision. With much disappointment, we are announcing the closure of Ski Blandford; the ski area will not open next season.
What happens now? If you purchased an Early Bird Season Pass for next season (2020-2021), you may transfer your pass to Ski Butternut at no charge, and your bonus vouchers will be honored at Butternut. Or, we can refund your money. Please email Lisa@skiblandford.com by April 15th and let us know what you prefer.
Refunds will be issued to anyone who prepaid for a seasonal locker. Current locker holders with things still in their lockers, please email Lisa to make arrangements for pick up. In light of the Coronavirus, we request that you do not come to Ski Blandford without making prior arrangements.
If you had a Ski Blandford season pass this winter, we offer you a discounted season pass to Ski Butternut for next year. This offer is good until August 31st. To receive this special discount, call the Butternut office at 413-528-2000 x111. Please direct any questions after April 15th to sarah@skibutternut.com.
This was not an easy decision to make. We know the passion and dedication you have for Ski Blandford, and we share your love of the place. We are very disappointed to have to deliver this news.
Sincerely,
Jef Murdock, President
Ronald W. Crozier, General Manager
