Press Release  DCR Marks 75th Season of Blue Hills Ski Area with New Operator

Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today   marked the 75^th season of the Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton. The Department announced a new partnership with Blue Hills Ski Recreation LLC, led by experienced operator Geoff Homer, to manage and enhance the 60-acre ski area. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in improving outdoor recreational opportunities for the region, with a focus on increasing access, upgrading facilities, and ensuring high-quality experiences for visitors.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Blue Hills Ski Recreation LLC and Geoff Homer,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Their commitment to enhancing the Blue Hills Ski Operation, along with the promise of significant capital investments over the next five years, aligns with our goals of improving and expanding recreational opportunities for Massachusetts residents, families and visitors. This is a great example of public and private organizations coming together to maintain a shared stewardship of one of our most beloved urban parks. We look forward to seeing all of the excitement this new collaboration will bring to the skiing community this winter.”

DCR granted Homer, a Boston resident, a five-year lease to operate the ski area in DCR’s Blue Hills Reservation, one of DCR’s largest urban parks and a regional recreation destination.  

“I am humbled and excited to be the next operator of Blue Hills Ski Area,” said Geoff Homer. “A local operator is exactly what this mountain needs to achieve its full potential. Urban ski areas like Blue Hills are vital to the continued success and growth of the industry. It has been a very busy few months and we’re thrilled to announce that we are open for the season - for Blue Hills’ 75th year of skiing and riding!"

Blue Hills Ski Area opened on Saturday, December 14 – the ski area’s earliest opening in more than 15 years. As part of the partnership, Homer and his team are expected to deliver significant capital investments over the next five years focused on enhancing facilities, increasing safety and expanding services for all visitors. These new improvements will help improve Blue Hills’s standing as a destination for winter recreation.

Homer has spent the fall focused on enhancing and growing the “on and off-hill skier experience.” He has made a significant investment in the ski area, including upgrading the snowmaking plant with new energy-efficient HKD snowguns, increasing water supply and adding two Pisten Bully groomers. Additionally, Blue Hills has purchased all new, modern head rental equipment for skiers of all ages along with investing in new technology for the ski area’s tuning and repair shop. There is also a newer, more efficient ticketing and e-commerce system, along with a redesigned website. Visitors to the Ski Area can expect new food offerings and tubing – a new addition. Last year, Blue Hills logged more than 51,000 skier visits.   

As part of this transition, Blue Hills General Manager Molly Gilleece and Operations Manager Iwan Fuchs have remained with the ski area under the new ownership, ensuring a smooth continuation of operations.

This new partnership is part of DCR's ongoing commitment to public-private collaborations that enhance recreational opportunities across Massachusetts’ park system. DCR also partners with the Crowley family, who manage Wachusett Mountain Ski Area in Princeton, a premier ski destination for Central Massachusetts. Additionally, DCR works with Charles River Recreation, Inc. to operate the Leo J. Martin Ski Track in Weston. DCR also collaborates with Ski Butternut, the manager of Butternut Ski Area, and oversees Great Brook Ski in Carlisle, managed by Stuart Johnstone, who has operated the ski concession at Great Brook Farm State Park since 1988. 

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