Years ago I went to Ragged fairly often. The prices were good and there was a good variety of trails. Then the ownership seemed to get into trouble and the snowmaking became poor and the whole experience became unpleasant.

Hearing there was new ownership I went back up last Monday. It was a nice ski day and there had been a good dumping. Anyway, conditions were great and there was a great snow base. Grooming was just perfect. There were no lines and my friend and I pretty much had the mountain to ourselves. Unfortunately, the Spear Mt lift was not operating so we had a limited number of trails. That would be my only complaint. Even so, we found a good variety of trails to try. There are plenty of glades, but not too many really steep trails. The base lodge is perfectly OK. Staff were helpful and friendly but whining a little at being not busy enough. Prices at Ragged are very good, and they have all kinds of midweek deals including two for one on Tuesdays.

Overall, I would say that Ragged is a great value and definitely worth checking out. It is a great deal for families and has enough variety to keep everyone happy. I am hopeful that those years of insufficient snowmaking are well and truly over.

Have been going to the mountian over hte past 4 years and this year by far is the best I have seen it. Last weekend the condition were amazing. The best in the years. The lines got alttile long, but mostly because of the race that was going on. You could'nt find a better bunch of people to work for you. Everyone is extremly nice. From the people helping you park, the ski school instructors (who actually care if your learning something), the staff in the cafe and even the friendly ski patrol who take the time to chat and see how you are doing. If your looking for a fun day with the family this is the place to be. I saw someone posted about the small lodge and I have to agree, but everyone is so friendly...yes even the people from Mass, that you you make new friends while trying to all find a place to sit for a few. Keep up the good work Ragged!

No question it's not Snowbird but it's the best combination of decent terrain, good lifts (now that they are all spinning) short lines, easy parking, reasonable prices and friendly staff within the two hour drive from Boston.

(Not that I want to see loon or Wachusett like crowds there mind you.)

I was there a few weeks ago to see about the new improvements that I heard were coming via the new owners. It was't open for skiing yet, but I got a good tour of the place, and it looks promising. From the new carpet and flat screen TV's in the base lodge to thousands of new feet of snowmaking pipe and a couple dozen new snow guns, it looks to me like new management is pretty serious about fixing things up. When I was there they had a couple of the lifts torn apart for complete overhauls, and they were installing a new cafeteria downstairs and a new brick oven pizzeria upstairs in the lodge. They also had a bunch of new rails and features they had just purchased from Planet Snow ready to take up the hill. The people I met, Kiwi Dave (mountain ops) and Brenda were very pleasant and generous with their time. They also seemed completely fired up about all the changes and improvements happening at the place. My guess is that it's going to be worth a try this winter.

Bring your ice skates