Uphill Pass & Policy

Uphill Passes are available below for the 25/26 Season and can be picked up at any Ticket Window or at the Customer Service desk during normal operating hours.

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area UPHILL POLICY

Uphill users must register with Wachusett Mountain Ski Area (Wachusett Mountain Associates, Inc.), sign a use agreement and liability waiver, and purchase an uphill access pass.

Those engaged in uphill travel are considered skiers under the Massachusetts Skier Safety Act and must be familiar with and abide by “Your Responsibility Code.”

Uphill travel and descending are permitted on designated routes only and only when conditions do not adversely impact grooming, snowmaking, parking, snow removal, maintenance or other ski area operations.  Uphill travel is only permitted from 6:00 am until lift operations begin.  No uphill travel is permitted at any other time.

ACCESSING THIS TERRAIN IS DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK.  USE EXTREME CAUTION.  NO SKI PATROL IS AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE AREA’S OPERATIINGHOURS

1.  Uphill travel is not allowed when lifts begin operation

Uphill travel must cease as soon as the lifts begin operating/spinning, which may occur earlier than the posted operating time without advance notice.  At that point, Uphill travelers must transition to downhill skiing.

2.  Uphill skiers MUST ASCEND ON looker’s left (skiers right) and descend down the same trail

You must therefore have the equipment and skill necessary to head straight up the left side of the trail.  Zigzagging/switch-backing across the trail should be avoided.

3.  Snowmobiles use Looker’s Right (Skiers left)

Snowmobiles typically travel on looker’s right (skier’s left) of the trail during both ascent and descent. However, operators may deviate—always watch and listen for approaching vehicles.

4.  Always be Aware of and Yield to ALL Mountain Operations

Mountain operations occur at all hours. You may encounter snowmobiles, grooming machines, or other equipment at any time.
Uphill travel is prohibited on trails being actively groomed or where snowmaking is occurring.

If you encounter mountain equipment:

  • Move safely out of the way
  • Stay visible
  • Keep your group together
  • Pause uphill or downhill traffic until mountain operations pass
  • Transition to downhill skiing if needed

5. Tour in a single file line

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for the safety of you and your fellow uphillers to travel in a single file line. Mountain operations staff work early mornings and late nights, which means they will be on trails with motorized vehicles that might encounter your group.

6.  Be VISIBLE AND ABLE TO HEAR

Wear reflective clothing and a headlamp to increase your visibility. If approaching equipment, move to the side and shine your headlamp toward the operator so they can see you.  When you hear snowcats and/or snow machines approaching, please relinquish the right of way and respect our mountain operations personnel.

7.  No Dogs

No Dogs – Dogs are not allowed on the mountain.  We love our furry friends, but please leave them at home; dogs pose a safety risk to you, themselves, other guests, and the mountain operations staff.   

8.  No Sledding

Sledding is strictly prohibited at all times.

 9. UPHILL ACCESS MAY BE CLOSED OR MODIFIED

Uphill access is a privilege, not a right. Wachusett Mountain Associates, Inc. may modify or close uphill access at any time for safety reasons.
Traveling on trails outside designated uphill routes may result in loss of uphill privileges.  Please help educate new uphill users and encourage compliance with these guidelines. Failure to follow policies may result in restricted access for everyone.  Always check the resort’s website for the latest updates. 

10. Avoid all Snowmaking Equipment

Snowmaking equipment poses serious hazards, especially in the dark. Snow may be wet and heavy and may be inconsistent between guns. Hoses stretch between guns and across skiing terrain. DO NOT ski or step over any hoses, lines, or equipment. These hoses contain high-pressure water and electricity and any contact with them is extremely dangerous.  

11. Respect Wachusett Mountain Operations Staff

Treat all Wachusett Mountain staff as authority figures on the mountain and follow their instructions or warnings promptly.    

12. INJURIES OR EMERGENCIES

For any injury or emergency, call 911.  Wachusett Mountain Ski Patrol is not available outside posted operating hours, and emergency response may be delayed.
Cell service can be unreliable, plan accordingly.

Travel Routes

  • Sundowner and Indian Summer on the Monadnock Area
  • Conifer Connection on the Polar Express Area
  • Ralph’s Run on the Minuteman Express Area
Uphillmap Sleds