Winter in the Berkshires transforms the mountainous landscape with picturesque snow-covered hills and serene, frosty woodlands. Nestled in western Massachusetts, this region turns into a haven for winter sports enthusiasts and visitors drawn to cozy dining, unique shopping, and warm hospitality. The magical ambiance of the Berkshires during winter offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and quaint village charm.

Our friend Yara Akkari, the editor of Open Spaces Magazine, has crafted the perfect itinerary for a winter weekend in the Berkshires, featuring her top picks for slopes, wellness centers, art museums, and quaint village cafes. Her mission is to illustrate how travel helps us step outside ourselves and into broader, more meaningful discussions; showing how wandering, wayfinding, and discovering can become something resembling an art form.

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_DAY ONE 

1. Start your weekend with a centering hot yoga session at Radiance Yoga in Pittsfield, followed by a replenishing breakfast at Dottie's Coffee Lounge. Try their oatmeal featuring their homemade bear butter, made of fortified almond butter and goji berries.

2. Drive to the Northern Berkshires, through the crags and valleys towards Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts. After, visit the nearby Clark Art Institute, known for its collection of European masterpieces and its sculpture garden, which includes works by Thomas Schütte and Jenny Holzer.

3. In between museum stops, take a break at Heart's Pace, a tea and healing arts lounge. They offer a variety of workshops and wellness therapies as well as an extensive tea selection. Once you're refreshed, drive to MASS MOCA, and make sure to visit the Sol Lewitt galleries and the James Turrell installation.

4. Head home to Life House, Berkshires for a cozy night cap and bite in the Club Room. Before returning to your room, select a book from our Library, which houses a historic collection inspired by the region's literary past, for an evening of reading by candlelight.

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DAY TWO 

5. After sipping a cup of coffee at the hotel, head straight to Bousquet Mountain for early morning skiing. With a peak elevation of approximately 1,818 feet, the mountain is a favorite amongst enthusiasts for its well groomed trails and scenic views. The lodge offers daily lift passes and rentals covering all of your needs for the outing.

6. A well deserved coffee break at Six Depot in West Stockbridge. Be sure to stop by Shaker Mills Books in front, a bookstore located in an iconic mill on the river, offering new, used and vintage finds.

7. Finish your day with a slow walk through the Norman Rockwell Museum, taking in his affectionate portrayals of American life, capturing the spirit and values of the nation with humor, warmth, and detail. The museum also includes Rockwell's last studio, which was moved to the museum grounds in 1986. The studio is preserved as it was during Rockwell's lifetime, providing insight into his creative process.

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Open Spaces Magazine is an independent, annual print magazine that aims to expose the connection between art, nature, and humans. These elements are united through their shared awareness of the power of open spaces. Their Journeys series offers advice and services to develop experiences around art, travel, and the outdoors. To order their latest issue, visit their website.