Nashoba, Cranmore Head Into Fall With Halloween Festivals

Nashoba Valley Ski Area in Westford, Mass., and Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway, N.H., bridge the gap from summer to winter with festivals geared toward Halloween.

Witch's Woods at Nashoba offers Haunted Hayrides and Halloween Screampark, both of which are fright-filled adventures for kids age 6 and up.

The Haunted Hayride is the longest in New England, and the only one in Massachusetts.

Admission includes access to three haunted houses: Nightmare Mansion, Castle Morbid, and 3D Keeper's Crypt.

Nashoba also offers two self-guided attractions, a Jack O'Lantern Jamboree, and Horrorwood Chamber of Chills.

Cranmore's Ghoullog opens for the fourth season, offering a glimpse into the terror of a village struck by a mystery virus that has affected all inhabitants.

A stroll through the beleaguered village at dusk leads to the summit quad for a seven-minute ride to the Ghoullog atop the 2,000-foot peak.

Both resorts are selling season passes at pre-season rates. Nashoba is selling Adult Unlimited Passes for $625, and Junior Unlimited Passes for $575; prices increase $50 Nov. 15. Cranmore is selling Adult Unlimited Passes for $509, Adult Limited Passes (valid except Christmas, Martin Luther King Jr., and February vacation periods) for $339. Teen Unlimited Passes (ages 13-18) and Senior Unlimited Passes are $319.

More information: Nashoba Valley Ski Area; Cranmore Mountain Resort. Or call: Nashoba, 978-692-3033; Cranmore, 800-786-6754.