Big Blue

Growing up right outside of Boston doesn't leave the aspiring shredder with too many options for after school shralping. Sure, you can build a sweet backyard park or hit some urban rails but what happens if you want to do some euro-carving? Thankfully for all the frothing rippers who live in the 'burbs of boston, Blue Hills has you covered. With 309' of vertical drop, 80% snowmaking and night riding, big blue is full equipped to handle everything you can throw at it.

Good 'ol Blue Hills.

Growing up with Blue Hills basically in my backyard was perfect. Not only did I learn to snowboard, teach snowboard lessons and win my first competition there but I also got the opportunity to snowboard with the likes of Peter Line and Danny Kass when the World Quarterpipe Championships were held at Blue Hills in 2003. Five years later, with thoughts of the World Quarters still vivid in my mind, I found myself driving through the Blue Hills area on a warm and sunny March afternoon with nothing to do. I would be a fool if I drove by and didn't give my past a quick visit.

Boston's skyline.

Pulling into the parking lot I instantly began going down memory lane. Thoughts of broken wrists, concussions, teenage crushes, sketchy big air comps, fun rail jams, and endless after school shred sessions filled my mind. Walking up to the lodge I noticed not much had changed in the past few years, even a few familiar employees were still hard at work. Once I had my boots on, it was off to the rickety old double chair. A quick ride up the lift and I arrived to the top with nothing but slush and sunshine in front of me. Where else can you snowboard with the Boston skyline and the ocean in view? I took a few laps down the the two open trails (it was VERY late season for Blue Hills) enjoying every slash, turn and jib. Because of the minimal late season snow pack, all the terrain features had already been taken down but I was able to keep myself entertained with all the natural bumps, rocks and stumps to jib.

Sonya to the Terrain Park trail.

I'm glad that I stopped off at Blue Hills to enjoy some spring time shredding. It was a lot of fun and if you are ever in the area I highly recommend that you check it out. An afternoon lift ticket is an affordable $18 and during the winter they have an array of rails set up. There are also several rail jams that take place throughout the winter that will definitely keep you entertained. Or, if you are a shralper who gave in and took a job in the city, this could be just what you need after a long day in the cubicle. Check out the Blue Hills website for more information: www.ski-bluehills.com