Bostonians flock to the Berkshires in summer, but in winter the region is overlooked. Which is fine by the locals, who cross-country-ski and snowshoe over rolling hills and hit the mellow slopes at Butternut and wind-powered Berkshire East. Base yourself at the Briarcliff Motel, a 1960s motor lodge between Stockbridge and Great Barrington that’s been redesigned with Scandinavian-style furnishings and modern upgrades like iPod docks and flatscreen TVs. Every room has a view of Monument Mountain. Hit up the nearby Arcadian Shop for cross-country-ski and snowshoe rentals (413-637-3010), then head to the rolling trails in 400-acre Kennedy Park. With a DVD library, two excellent indie cinemas within 30 minutes, and hard-to-beat prices, the Briarcliff isn’t a bad place to wait out a nor’easter, either. Doubles from $65.
Easy going at Butternut, Massachusetts Photographer: Courtesy of Briarcliff Motel
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