Moving Winterfest from a Tuesday in February to a Friday in January really brought out the Blue Hills lovers this year! About 300 people from all over the Blue Hills area arrived at the Blue Hills Ski Area between 4 and 8 pm to enjoy what is probably the snowiest Winterfest we’ve seen in a while. Past favorites such as the chili cookoff, discounted skiing, and live music were part of this year’s event once again, but new attractions like tubing and the activities hosted by several community partners really ramped up the fun factor. Even with the chilly temps, attendees enjoyed the seasonal fun.
Vying for the Title of “Best Chili in the Blue Hills”
A very special thank you goes to this year’s talented chili cookoff contestants Abby Park (Milton), Fowler House Cafe (Quincy), Northern Spy (Canton), Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor (Dorchester), and Orchard Cove (Canton). The competition could not have been closer, but at the end of the night Northern Spy took home the Judges’ Choice award and Orchard Cove won the Popular Vote.
FBH Board President Matt Panucci presents Northern Spy with the Judges’ Vote trophy and certificate.
Chef Weiss and Cook Mike Fraser of Orchard Cove hold up their awards for winning the people’s vote.
Music and Many Community Partners Made It Extra Special
Talented local band Lynn Jolicoeur and the Pulse played for most of the night, even spurring some dancing in the crowd. They set just the right vibe inside the lodge while community partners from around the Blue Hills came together slopeside with activities and displays to entertain everyone; thank you Arc’Teryx, Blue Hill Observatory, Brookwood Community Farm, Mass Audubon, Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition, New England Base Camp, and The Run House–Walpole with HOKA.
Volunteers Make It All Happen
A special mention goes to the many community members and Friends of the Blue Hills members who volunteered their time and energy to ensure that Winterfest happened. Their dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to help where needed (sometimes at short notice) were instrumental in making the event a success. You may have seen them prepping the space, shepherding people through check in, managing raffle ticket sales, serving up chili, and having a hand in clean up. Volunteers truly do make a difference!
Volunteers Susan Doherty and Ruth Bigio managed the many raffle items. Congratulations to raffle winners Gene A., Paul F., Chris M., and Meg S. Your ticket purchases put funds right back into caring for the park.
At the end of the night, Winterfest at Blue Hills Ski Area was fun because of everyone’s love of the Blue Hills. When this community comes together to celebrate the joys of winter, you can be sure that people will find the fun and embrace it. We look forward to bringing you Winterfest 2026 with even more enhancements and opportunities to enjoy yourself slopeside in the park you love.Â
A special shout out to our supporters! Free community events like this wouldn’t be possible without generous support from our members and this year’s event sponsors Bank of Canton and Orchard Cove.
