Wa-Wa Ski Train Resumes this Weekend

[Angus]

from boston.com

Skiers and snowboarders will soon be able to take a train straight to the slopes.

Starting this weekend, mountain-goers can catch the commuter rail from North Station – or any intermediate stops along the Fitchburg line – and take a modified coach to the Fitchburg Station, the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company said in a statement this morning.

From there, a shuttle bus will take riders directly to Wachusett Mountain.

The coach is equipped with special space-saving racks for ski and snowboard equipment, officials said.

The ski trains will run every Saturday and Sunday during ski season on the following trains:

--Outbound from Boston to Fitchburg. Train #1405/2405, at 8:35 a.m. from North Station.

--Inbound from Fitchburg to Boston. Train #1412//2412, 5:35 p.m. from Fitchburg.

Ski trains were originally introduced by the MBTA and the railroad company in 2006.

 

[wa-loaf]

You could drive to Loon or Cannon in the time it takes for the train to get you on the slopes at WA.

 

[bobbutts]

You could fly to Snowbird or Park City in the time it takes for the train to get you on the slopes at WA.

 

[SIKSKIER]

Ya,I don't know about everybody else but I'm already making turns before that train leaves Boston.

 

[soposkier]

I would never personally use this service, but atleast the MBTA offers it considering the trains are going to Fitchburg regardless. There must be a few city dwellers without cars that use it...maybe? (Based on the photo in the article there does not appear to be too many skis onboard).

Need to separate the freight trains from the commuter rail, then the trip might be a slightly closer comparison to driving.

 

[wa-loaf]

Ya,I don't know about everybody else but I'm already making turns before that train leaves Boston.

I would never personally use this service, but atleast the MBTA offers it considering the trains are going to Fitchburg regardless. There must be a few city dwellers without cars that use it...maybe? (Based on the photo in the article there does not appear to be too many skis onboard).

Need to separate the freight trains from the commuter rail, then the trip might be a slightly closer comparison to driving.

The train takes almost 1.5 hrs to get to Fitchburg then you are talking another 15 minute drive to the mtn (not counting waiting on everyone to get off the train and on the bus ..) if you are not getting rentals you'll be lucky to be on the trails by 10:30. Driving takes just about an hour from Boston (assuming little traffic).

 

[Newpylong]

Is this really that hard to grasp? Who is going to take the train when they can drive? the answer is, not many. People take the ski train who don't have vehicles or don't want to use them.

Train leaves too late in my opinion though.

 

[neil]

Reminder: a lot of people who live in Boston don't own a car.

 

[wa-loaf]

Is this really that hard to grasp? Who is going to take the train when they can drive? the answer is, not many. People take the ski train who don't have vehicles or don't want to use them.

Train leaves too late in my opinion though.

Reminder: a lot of people who live in Boston don't own a car.

True, but if the MBTA really wants to make it a good train ride, they should make it an express instead of a local. That would cut the ride down to an hour. That would be a service, not taking a regular scheduled train and calling it a ski train.

 

[Angus]

I checked the train schedule, this is first train out of N. Station on Saturday. So, they are just adding a ski car(s). By the time you xfer, get a ticket, etc. I'd be surprised if you were on the trail any earlier than 11am. Once you get beyond Waltham/Brandeis everyone has automobiles.

 

[Newpylong]

True, but if the MBTA really wants to make it a good train ride, they should make it an express instead of a local. That would cut the ride down to an hour. That would be a service, not taking a regular scheduled train and calling it a ski train.

Agree 100% I can't imagine anyone beyond Porter Square using this...

 

[Method9455]

I used to use a bus to get to the mountain when I was too young to drive - but that schedule makes absolutely no sense. You need to get up there earlier.

 

[wa-loaf]

I checked the train schedule, this is first train out of N. Station on Saturday. So, they are just adding a ski car(s). By the time you xfer, get a ticket, etc. I'd be surprised if you were on the trail any earlier than 11am. Once you get beyond Waltham/Brandeis everyone has automobiles.

Plus on a busy Saturday you are waiting another 1/2 hr to get on the lift ...