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Killington Ski Resort
Seven mountain areas make up Killington Resort and its sister resort, Pico Mountain, forming the largest ski area on the USA’s eastern seaboard. And that’s just one of this trailblazing resort’s claims to fame. Involved in snow guns before most resorts knew they existed, it also today hosts the most impressive snowmaking systems in all of N America. Cannons line runs all the way to the 4,229ft Killington peak, meaning Killington is consistently one of the first resorts to open, usually in October.
It’s easy to see why it has garnered so many affectionate nicknames. “Kton” is also home to one of the largest single-mountain lift networks (by number of lifts), which include twelve quads, a further six triples and what was the world's fastest gondola with the world's first heated (and brightly painted) cabins. Innovation being something of a theme in these parts, this resort is also among the front-runners for eco-friendliness. Take the K1 gondola, for example, powered entirely by manure from local dairy farms.
Spread along the 5-mile Killington Access Road, the resort may lack a coherent centre, but the variety of its 200 or so hotels and restaurants fills this gap. These are divvied between 5 base stations dotted between of the 6 peaks. Some of the stations have their own specialties, like Ramshead (for families) and Snowshed (for adult learners), but with a variety of runs to each of the stations, skiers of all levels are encouraged to explore to the lot before the week is through.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Vermont, USA
Established: 1958
Open: October - May
Downhill: 73 miles
View our detailed Killington snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Killington snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
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| Top Altitude: | 1293m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 325m |
| Resort Altitude: | 325m |
| Longest run: | 6.2 miles |
| Slope Orientation: | N, E |
| Vertical Drop: | 957m |
| Skiable Vertical: | |
| Night Skiing: | No |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 73 miles |
| Beginner slopes: | 28% |
| Intermediate: | 33% |
| Advanced slopes: | 39% |
| Lift Pass Price: | $48-89 (adult per day) |
| Nearby resorts: Okemo | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Killington
Variety is the spice of life in Kton, where 6 peaks, and links to a 7th (at sister resort, Pico) add up to a considerable amount of mileage. There are green trails from the top of each of the Beast’s peaks, meaning a chance to ski to each of the resort’s base stations from almost day one. With everything from long green cruisers (check out Great Eastern and Juggernaut) to wide open slopes (like the Snowshed Slope and Yodeler), first timers can get a feel for a variety of different terrain and leave with a huge sense of accomplishment.
This resort is home to one of the largest learner complexes in the East, and one-of-a-kind for its focus on adult learners. The entire Snowshed base station is dedicated to learners who prefer not to have to dodge toddlers with the ski school while they’re finding their feet. From here, progression is steady, up the Ramshead Express Quad to the sweeping long-range views and a good variety of terrain. Going one further to provide for beginners, in the past local ski schools have offered lesson packages with free skis or boards.
The 6 peaks are also a boon for intermediates. Start off testing your mettle on Snowdon’s Bunny Blaster, before relaxing on cruisters like Great Eastern and Great Northern. While currently only served by a shuttle, a day trip to Pico is well worth the trip for over 22km of quiet, narrow, twisting trails full of knolls and bends.
For an advanced skier, there’s little in the East to compare to the world class bumps on Bear Mountain, the pick of which is the stuff of mogul legend, Outer Limits. Another large concentration of expert terrain can also be found in the Canyon (right below Killington Peak), but truly great steeps are dotted throughout the resort.
With a 6 month park season, and a series of freestyle competitions (like the lucrative Rails 2 Riches in December), the Beast also leads the East coast pack in its park scene. While the spotlight is trained on The Stash, one of Burton’s all-natural terrain parks, there are 5 other parks dotted throughout the ski area (and often extra offerings early and late in the season), including the Easy Street progression park for tentative first-timers.
Killington Apres Ski
This resort is a dizzying maze of restaurants, hotels and shops to sate all kinds of appetites, with everything from sushi to traditional American tuck. The Peak Lodge is one of the latest additions to the set, where cider cocktails go down nicely with breathtaking views of five different states (on a clear day, even Canada). For something a little more off-beat, take an evening snowcat to the Motor Room Bar, for hors-d’oeuvres and hardballs in the retired lift station of Killington’s first four-person lift.
Famed for its raucous night spots - for all-night, shots-from-skis après - the Beast simply cannot be tamed. The old, wooden Wobbly Barn is a 50 year-old local institution that shows no signs of slowing down. Likewise, the Pickle Barrel Nightclub, set over 3 floors, is known for its live bands and dance hits. With over 100 different bars and restaurants, there are also plenty of options for a quieter evening with a stiff drink by the fire (at say, Back Behind) or a slap up meal (got to be Hemingways).
Innovation is Kton’s middle name and families here are spoilt for choice when it comes to quirky activities. Between the Beast Mountain Coaster (4800ft of twists, turns and 360 degree corkscrews), the 600ft Skyeride zipline and “fat bike” rentals, there’s sure to be something to keep little adventurers entertained, while sleigh rides, snowmobile tours and a tubing hill offer up traditional fun.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Killington
Best time to visit & ski Killington
With about 250 inches of natural snow each winter, some would say that Kton was being overly cautious when it developed the world’s most extensive snowmaking system – we, for one, aren’t complaining. February and March annually see the most natural snow, but with over 1700 snow guns, covering 600 acres of the resort, there’s likely to be a good covering anytime you visit.
Killington can get pretty chilly in January (with lows of -12°C), so be sure to bundle up or wait till later in the season, when longer days offer up warmer temperatures, more sun and all the more après fun.
Peak Dates
With a variety of runs and restaurants that’s hard to beat, there’s plenty opportunity to make Christmas in Killington your own.
Whether you’re looking to dance till dawn or sip warm cider by the fire, you can't go wrong with New Year’s in Killington.
Half-term in Killington sees some of the season’s best snow, all the better to make the most of its varied terrain
If Easter in Killington this year is anything like the last, it’s not just the sprogs who’ll want to take part in the Easter Egg Hunt - treats left behind by the Easter Bunny have included lift tickets & season passes.
Families in Killington
Ramshead base station is the Kton HQ for children’s lessons and learner slopes, as well as the site for the Penguin child care centre. With the ski school here offering seasonal programs just for kids (aged 4-17), and the Easy Street Progression park for budding boarders – families of all shapes and sizes will have a cracking time here.
GroupsGroup Holidays Killington
There’s almost always a gentle way down from the top of a Kton lift, which makes skiing with groups of different abilities a breeze almost anywhere on the mountain. Split up at the top of any of them (Bear, Snowdon, Killington Peak, and Skye Peak) and meet at the bottom for a catch up in one of the many bars and restaurants.
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