Bernard's Hill
Bernards in the Notch
North Adams, MA
Late 1930's-At least 1949

Bernard's in the Notch was a small ski area that operated at the foot of Mt. Greylock. It was not the area still operated by the Mt. Greylock ski club and is not related to the Thunderbolt. It had a few rope tows that were installed after WW II, and operated as a hike up and ski down area prior to that. The lower portion of the area was served by a 600' tow and was a beginner slope, while a 500' tow served four upper trails. The last mention in a guidebook was from 1949, so it is unknown when the area closed.

Alec Gillman, Visitor Services Supervisor at the Mount Greylock Reservation, pointed us in the right direction and I was able to find this area. Its about 1-2miles up Notch Road as you ascend to the summit of the Greylock. Its on the right before a huge turn. Its not a very steep area, and the vertical appears only 50-60', so perhaps the upper portion of the slope grew in. He believes the old tow shack remained until fairly recently.

I found the area on Oct 08, 2005, and you can see it on the right. Basically just a meadow on a slope. It was raining, and the area appears to be on private property, so I did not explore the area.

A Terraserver shot shows a few more trails. The above photo was taken near the R in "Notch Road".

History by the Year

Year Lifts Trails Other Info Source
1939 None 0.3 miles long, 25-100' wide, 25 degree slope, 600' drop, NE exposure, three trails, all classes  Maintained by N. Adams Ski Club, located foot of Notch Road Skier's Guide to New England
1947-1948 500' tow 200-400' wide slope, 120' drop, east exposure, 4" snow to ski, novice Gentle protected hill, operates weekends and holidays, lighted for night skiing Skier's Guide to New England
1949 600' lower area tow, 500' upper tow Lower open slope, 200-400', served by lower tow, 120' drop, 0.12 miles long, NE exposure, needs 4" to ski, 20 degree slope, novice. Upper trails served by upper tow, four upper trails, 50-80' wide, 200' drop, 35 degree slopes, 0.15 miles long, NE exposure, 8" snow, intermediate. Located foot of Mt. Greylock in the Notch. Operates weekends, holiday, some nights, 1 mi west on Rte 2 from North Adams, turn at ski sign, take left at top of hill. 3 miles total from N. Adams MA Ski Guide

If you have more information on this area just let us know.

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