Massachusetts DCR announces new partnership with Geoff Homer to run Blue Hills

One of the two new groomers Blue Hills being delivered in November. (Molly Gilleece)

Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton started its 75th season in operation on Dec. 14 with its earliest opening in the past 15 years when it welcomed skiers and riders to its beginner terrain.

While the state-owned slope is celebrating a significant milestone this winter, the day-to-day operations received a shot in the arm with Boston resident and former Shawnee Peak (now Pleasant Mountain) operator Geoff Homer being granted a five-year lease over the summer with Blue Hills Ski Recreation LLC.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Blue Hills Ski Recreation LLC and Geoff Homer,” said Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation commissioner Brian Arrigo said in a Dec. 19 statement formally announcing the new partnership. “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.”

Homer made a significant investment in the ski area, including upgrading the snowmaking system with new energy-efficient HKD snow guns, increasing water supply and adding two PistenBully groomers. Additionally, Blue Hills purchased new 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.

“We are excited to see new energy and enthusiasm for the ski hill. It’s how many people in our community first get connected to the Blue Hills,” Friends of the Blue Hills executive director Jen Klein told the New England Ski Journal. “I’m especially excited for the tubing and the vision to make it a hub for families and building community.”

As part of this transition, general manager Molly Gilleece and operations manager Iwan Fuchs remained with the ski area under the new ownership, ensuring a smooth continuation of operations.

“I am humbled and excited to be the next operator of Blue Hills Ski Area,” Homer said in the statement. “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!”

Last year, Blue Hills logged more than 51,000 skier visits.

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, and collaborates with Ski Butternut, the manager of Butternut Ski Area in Great Barrington.

DCR also works with Charles River Recreation, Inc. to operate Leo J. Martin Ski Track, which is open for the season, in Weston and oversees Great Brook Ski Touring Center in Carlisle, managed by Stuart Johnstone, who has operated the ski concession at Great Brook Farm State Park since 1988.