Ski Train Returns, Offers Service to Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
Updated Schedule Released for Fitchburg Line
Planned Construction Completed on Fitchburg Line, reducing trip time for passengers
BOSTON – The MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis), the agency’s operating partner for Commuter Rail, today announced an updated schedule for the Fitchburg Line beginning on Monday, December 12, 2022. The updated schedule reflects the addition of the seasonal “ski train”, a specially equipped train which connects passengers to the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. Additionally, the updated schedule reflects overall service improvements including reduced trip time, as planned infrastructure improvements were recently completed. The new schedule can be found online at mbta.com/wachusett.
“The return of the Ski Train marks the return of the winter season and cold weather outdoor activities, and we’re pleased to again offer this special coach service to the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area for our skiing and snowboarding riders,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Conveniently operating on weekends starting December 12 and also on Wednesdays starting in January, the Ski Train is a great example of using public transit to reach recreational destinations without the inconvenience of traffic and finding parking. We thank our partners at Keolis and the Wachusett Ski Area for their collaboration on this unique and fun service.”
“Since we launched our all day service during the week and on weekends it has been exciting to see people using the Commuter Rail to explore the region,” said Abdellah Chajai CEO of Keolis Commuter Services, “The Ski Train is a convenient way to connect to the Wachusett Ski area in a fun and more sustainable way. We are grateful for the partnership with the Wachusett Ski Area and look forward to another successful season.”
“We are so excited to have the ski train back in operation for the 2022/2023 Ski season,” said Carolyn Stimpson, Vice President of Wachusett Ski Area. “Accessibility has always been a focus of Wachusett, and the ski train makes it so easy for our Boston based skiers to get to us. Like all ski areas we are working to reduce our carbon footprint and having efficient public transportation to the mountain is a great step. We are looking forward to the continued success of this partnership with Keolis and the MBTA.”
Ski trains feature a specifically modified coach equipped with racks for ski and snowboard equipment. Beginning the week of December 12th , there will be an inbound and outbound ski train on Saturday and Sunday. Wachusett Mountain Ski area operates a shuttle between the ski area and Wachusett station to connect passengers from the ski trains. An additional weekday ski train will operate on Wednesdays beginning on January 4th. The ski trains will run through the week of March 6th, the last Wednesday trains running on March 8th and the last weekend trains running on Saturday March 10th and Sunday March 11th.
The new Fitchburg Line schedule also reflects overall service improvements as recent planned construction is completed. Passengers can expect shorter over all trip times and a return to the regular clock face schedule with weekday outbound trains departing North Station on the half hour and weekday inbound train departing Wachusett at 25 minutes past the hour.
Passengers can stay connected with Commuter Rail by calling customer service at 617-222-3200, following @MBTA_CR on Twitter or signing up for T-Alerts at www.mbta.com/alerts.