Skiing off the commuter rail---can't remember the name (Fitchburg, Princeton: rentals, costs)

[OuttaFlorida]

I saw an ad on the T this morning for a mountain that has direct access from the commuter rail in Mass via a shuttle service off the train. I cannot remember the name of the mountain (anyone?). If you've been there, how is it? Is equipment rental available?

Thanks...ready to attempt snowboarding this year and I'm looking for a pretty inexpensive, easy mountain to start, since I'm sure I'll be on my @ss the whole day anyways

[CaseyB]

It's Wachusett Mountain. Wachusett Mountain Ski Area - Princeton, Massachusetts There's a shuttle that will pick you up at the station. And yes, you can rent equipment.

[lrfox]

Wachusett is a small mountain not far from the Fitchburg MBTA stop. The Fitchburg line is the "Ski Train" and there is a shuttle that will take you from the stop to the mountain.

Wachusett is a pretty easy mountain, but for first time boarders, there's no such thing. It's a good place to learn though.

I'd call the mountain and see if they what they charge to rent equipment. Then check local outfitters in town. A lot of times costs at the mountain are similar to (or more than) ski shops in town as far as rentals go. A lot of times, the local shop has better equipment than the mountain and you don't have to waste time at the mountain getting your stuff together. You can just get out and go. The train is set up to handle skis and boards.

Oh, and I would absolutely consider a lesson or two (maybe more). Snowboarding is very hard to pick up on and the pointers from even a few lessons can make it a lot easier to learn. It's a strange concept (I ski, but tried snowboarding about a dozen times when I was younger) and one that's hard to learn right away. Don't give up though... when you reach a point where no trail is too hard, it's an excellent feeling.