Canton, Massachusetts — Keeping a small ski area open is challenging. But for those who are able to pull it off, running a ski hill can help create legendary skiers and riders.
In a new documentary by 5 Under 5, the short film analyzes why small ski areas have been disappearing. In the documentary, extreme skiing legend Dan Egan analyzes why Blue Hills has been able to survive. He also explains why this ski area is an important piece of the local community and the New England ski industry.
Skiing began at Blue Hills in 1935 with the creation of a trail by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Lift-serviced skiing started at Blue Hills in 1949, and it became one of the first to adopt snowmaking.
Last year, Geoff Homer, whose family used to operate Pleasant Mountain (formerly Shawnee Peak), took over the operations of the ski area in 2024. Some of the upgrades for the 2024-25 season included 35 new snowguns, two new PistenBully snow groomers, new rental equipment, a modern ski tuner, and the addition of snow tubing. For this upcoming ski season, some of the improvements announced include two new surface lifts (one of which will be for intermediate and advanced guests), additional rental equipment, and more snowmaking guns. As of the 2024-25 season, Blue Hills is home to 14 trails, 4 lifts, and a vertical drop of 309 feet.
Image/Video Credits: 5 Under 5, Blue Hills Ski Area
