CHARLEMONT, Mass. - Berkshire East is welcoming visitors back to the mountain resort in Charlemont just in time for the holiday weekend.

They are among the many popular mountain resorts in New England who have had to periodically close due to higher-than average temperatures.

What You Need To Know

  • Mountain resorts are working this winter to stay open despite higher than average temperatures

  • Berkshire East Ski Resort is a medium-sized alpine ski area in Charlemont

  • Their mountain will be open for night skiing this weekend

  • Berkshire East says they are the first ski area in the world to generate 100% of their electricity from on-site renewable energy

Groups of skiers and snowboarders took advantage of the fresh snow on Thursday. The mountain resort has been run by the Schaefer family for nearly 50 years. Skiers on the slopes Thursday said they appreciate the friendly atmosphere they grew up with.

“I adore this mountain," said Wesley Janssen. "It has the best terrain. It’s got a good family vibe. Now, as an adult, I bring my three children here and we just have the most fun because we know everybody. And even if you don’t know everybody, you start to know everybody.”

Janssen enjoys watching new generations of skiers and snowboarders find a love for their sport.

“I’m actually here with my kids’ school because they do winter enrichment," Janssen said. "And so, one day a week we come and we ski. I’ve been able to help a little girl who just moved here from Texas ski. It’s pretty awesome to get somebody out on the snow who, this is her second time seeing snow and skiing and she’s going down the bunny slope and she’s loving it.”

Berkshire East said despite some recent warm weather, Thursday’s snowfall added to the work they’ve put in to get their trails ready.

“We’ve been making snow all week, so our base is building up," marketing director Nathan Marr said. "Today we’ve got 17 trails open and we’re hoping to have some more open for the holiday weekend.”

Marr said on a clear day, you can also see the work the mountain does year-round

“What’s unique about Berkshire East is we actually make 100% of our electricity on site from renewables," Marr said. "So, we have a wind turbine and a solar array at the top of the mountain as well. The first ski resort in the world to make 100% of our electricity on site. So, we are very proud of that.

Berkshire East said their green energy source will be working a little extra in the coming nights with extended hours for the holiday weekend.