Thursday, November 21, 2024, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
A large fire appears to not be a threat to Ski Butternut, as well-needed rain has slowed its spread.
The southwestern Massachusetts ski area's snowmaking system has been in operation for two days, as crews scramble to protect the ski area from a nearby 1,200-acre fire. In a Facebook post, Ski Butternut stated, "Everyone is safe and there has been no damage to the property."
According to Lt. Brian Mead of Great Barrington Fire Department, "Ski Butternut was never in true danger," however the property has remained closed to the public. A National Guard helicopter has used Ski Butternut's snowmaking pond to make water drops. The start location and cause of fire are not yet known.
The fire is not the first disaster that has threatened Ski Butternut over the years. In May of 1995, an F4 tornado devastated the ski area. A large construction-related fire burned at the area for a day in July 1964.
