Vacation week could be great for local ski areas

NORTHFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The timing of last week's storm could be ideal for next week's school vacation if families are planning to do some downhill or cross country skiing.

Franklin County's Northfield Mountain Recreation Area expects up to 1,000 visitors to spend part of the February school vacation skiing cross country.

Manager Bill Gabriel told 22News that it has been years since conditions were this ideal.

“Boy I'm excited! I said this is the first time we've had great snow for skiing here for vacation week; we should be in pretty good shape,” Gabriel said.

He said that the 20 miles of cross country Northfield trails can comfortably handle up to 150 skiers each day.