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SAM Magazine—Blandford, Mass., March 26, 2020—Ski Blandford in western Massachusetts will not operate next season. The ski area was purchased in 2017 by the owners of nearby Butternut, and they made a variety of improvements to lifts and snowmaking. However, the area has continued to lose money, and coupled with the current economic uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners made the difficult decision now to close the ski area.blanfordweb

The letter to Blandford season passholders from president Jeff Murdock and general manager Ronald Crozier announcing the closure reads, in part:

“In 2017, Butternut purchased Blandford Ski Area. Our goal was to keep the ski area operational and to grow the sport of skiing and riding. Over the last three seasons we have made significant investments in Ski Blandford’s infrastructure. We fixed the lifts, upgraded the electrical system, replaced snowmaking pipe, and added snow guns. Everyone involved has worked hard to make Ski Blandford a success. We are proud of the Ski Blandford team; they have done an outstanding job.

“However, after all this hard work, we are still losing money. Unfortunately, Butternut cannot continue to support the losses we have experienced at Blandford. When you add present economic uncertainties to the mix, we are forced to make a very hard business decision. With much disappointment, we are announcing the closure of Ski Blandford; the ski area will not open next season.

“This was not an easy decision to make. We know the passion and dedication you have for Ski Blandford, and we share your love of the place. We are very disappointed to have to deliver this news.”

Anyone who purchased a 2020-21 Blandford season pass can transfer it to a Butternut season pass at no charge, or can request a full refund.