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ThunderFest is the name of a winter festival in Adams, MA. It was born in 2012 as a downtown activity after the Thunderbolt Ski Race on Mount Greylock. Although the race hasn’t happened in a few years, this annual mid-winter celebration still continues!
ThunderFest features live music and tons of winter activities for adults, children, and families. Read more about ThunderFest and ThunderBolt below!
Make a cross-country ski vacation out of it! Ski the trail and join the winter festivities near you!
The Thunderbolt Ski Trail is a Class A backcountry ski trail that runs from the highest point in Massachusetts, the summit of Mount Greylock, to Greylock Glen.
Constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corp, this challenging trail used to host international downhill races. The official record of 2′ 8.6″ set by Norwegian Olympian, Per Klippgen in 1948, still stands.
The trail fell into disuse after rope tows and ski lifts became common. However, a group of intrepid volunteers called the Thunderbolt Ski Runners have restored and maintain the trail. It is now a favorite with backcountry skiers and boarders.
In modern times, the Thunderbolt Ski Race took place every year for a while, weather permitting, before being put on hold during the COVID pandemic.
If you’re interested in backcountry cross-country skiing, nordic skiing, skate skiing, or snowshoeing, one of the best backcountry ski trails in New England is waiting for you in Adams, MA!
Join our awesome outdoor winter festival with activities for local families and visitors alike. Even after the Ski Race was put on hold due to the COVID pandemic, ThunderFest has been going strong every year! This annual winter outing has fun activities for everyone from pre-k kids to adults.
If you’re into live music festivals, winter fairs with local food and beverages, and/or family winter activities in general, ThunderFest is one of the best things to do in the Berkshires in the winter.
Held outdoors at the Adams Visitor Center at 3 Hoosac Street, admission is free to a festival full of music, food and fun in celebration of winter in the Berkshires. There will be live musical acts, local craft beer and local wine, great food, outdoor recreation, and craft exhibitors. Activities include a toasty campfire with marshmallows and other fun winter activities for families with pre-k and preschool kids. Leashed pets are welcome, so it’s fun for the whole family! The winter fair runs from noon to 5.
Enjoy some of your favorite songs performed by the band Midnite:30, with opening solo artist Greg Caproni.
This year’s hot food vendors include Tres Ninos and the Lions Club.
From our very first event, ProAdams has always featured local craft brewers and vintners. This year’s ThunderBrews will include favorites from Berkshire Brewing Company, Shire Breu-Hous, Sam Adams, Long Trail, and Truly, plus wine from Balderdash Cellars.
In addition, non-alcoholic beverages will be offered by many vendors, and the Poseidon Coffee kiosk will be open!
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum will be offering train rides with the Easter Bunny on its Hoosac Valley Service vintage rail cars. Their station is directly across Hoosac Street from ThunderFest.
For more info and access to tickets and scheduling information, please check out our Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum page.
This wouldn’t happen without our sponsors: Adams Community Bank, Aladco, Berkshire Gas, Chee’s Chinese Cuisine, and SBM Insurance!
Also, thanks to the in-kind support of Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, Bounti-Fare Restaurant & Catering, Broadlawn Farm, the Town of Adams, Youth Center Inc., and the many volunteers that donate their time and efforts.
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