#28 in Best Ski Resorts in the USA
With 1,509 skiable acres of glades, moguls, groomed cruisers and six terrain parks, Killington Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in the eastern United States.
The resort encompasses seven mountain areas, most notably Killington Peak, the second highest peak in Vermont at 4,241 feet. Killington Ski Area is notable for its 3,050-foot vertical drop – earning the resort a “Beast of the East” nickname – and is also famous for The Stash, an all-natural terrain park with 50 features. What’s more, a pass to Killington Ski Resort also includes the nearby Pico Mountain Ski Area.
Killington sees an average of 250 inches of snow per year, and snow-making covers about 600 acres of the resort’s terrain. There is no night skiing at Killington, however there is a tubing park, snowmobiling tours, snowshoe tours, ski bike rentals and “The Beast” mountain coaster.
Killington has a ski and snowboard school that offers private and group lessons, as well as an innovative “Ministar” lesson program for first-timers ages four to six. Rentals are available from any of the four base lodge rental locations and are also available at several rental shops in the Killington area. Killington is an Ikon Pass destination. There are several on-mountain dining options at Killington, as well as slope-side lodging.
Killington’s season can start as early as mid-October and last all the way to June 1, though in general, the resort opens in early November and closes mid-May. In planning a trip to Killington, keep in mind that March has the highest snowfall average for the season at 55 inches and also has warmer temperatures, with an average high of 44 degrees, compared to 31 in January.
Tickets start at $119 for adults and $92 for kids but can be . Definitely purchases tickets online 24-hours ahead for the best pricing. Half-day tickets and stay-and-ski packages are also available. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 800-621-MTNS.
Also, while a lift pass to Killington is also good for the Pico Mountain Ski Area, a lift pass from Pico is not valid at Killington.
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Killington Ski Resort runs are marked at 28 percent beginner, 33 percent intermediate and 39 percent advanced. The longest run is the 6.2 mile Juggernaut. According to Killington’s social media manager Courtney DiFiore, these are some of the best trails for beginners, intermediates and experts:
Start your day at Snowshed Lodge, if you’re a beginner. This entire area is beginner terrain only with easy to use lifts and gentle sloping trails.
Those in search of intermediate cruisers should take the quick trip up our new Snowdon Express Bubble Chair and hit Bunny Buster, Chute and Mouse Run.
Experts love the Canyon area. You’ll find steep terrain and our popular double diamond glade – Big Dipper.
Where to stayHotel and lodging options around Killington cater to different budgets, however one option is booking a vacation package through Killington Central Reservations , which could help you save money.
For close access to the slopes, the Killington Grand Resort is a full-service mountainside hotel with a ski bridge from the hotel to the lifts. The hotel has an on-site restaurant and cafe, a game room, a spa and health club, and a complimentary ski shuttle that runs until mid-April. For more room, the Killington Resort-managed Fall Line Condos offer deluxe lodging in a private village with views of the mountains and shuttle service to the slopes. Stays include access to an indoor pool, fitness center, hot tub and sauna. Within walking distance to restaurants and shops is The Snowed Inn , a bed and breakfast in a rustic forest setting.
Where to eatKillington has a number of on-mountain restaurant options. For a unique winter dining experience, the Ledgewood Yurt has a snowcat-drawn sleigh ride to a remote trailside yurt, where guests are treated to a five-course dinner with local ingredients. Stunning views are offered along with farm-to-table cuisine at the Peak Lodge – accessible via the K-1 Express Gondola. The Jerk Jamaican Mountain Grill offers island flavor at the bottom of Needle’s Eye, where skiers can stay for sandwiches and beer on the deck, or take a bite to go to make the most of their day on the slopes.
Après-ski ActivitiesFor a Moscow mule with a view, try the Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar at the K-1 Base, where skiers can have a slope-side beer and light snacks before wrapping up a day on the mountain. The Brat Haus has beer, wine and spirits, along with Bavarian-style sausages, just trailside on the Great Eastern run. But a trip to Killington wouldn’t be complete without a drink at the aptly named Wobbly Bar. Built with pieces of wood from barns around the Northeast, the Wobbly Bar has been an après-ski institution since 1963 and is famous for its steaks.
How to get thereThe closest airports to Killington is the Rutland Regional Airport in Rutland, Vermont, about 35 minutes from Killington, or the Burlington International Airport, about one hour and 45 minutes away. The closest hub airport would be Logan International Airport in Boston – about three hours away.
Visitors to Killington from New York City often opt to take the Ovrride bus; the round-trip ticket is part of a lift-and-transportation package (about a five-hour ride). From Boston, the New England Snow Bus offers a similar package.
Once at Killington, there is a free resort shuttle that transports guests between the five base areas. There are also two taxi companies and Gramps Shuttles for those arriving in Killington without a vehicle. Some hotels also offer complimentary shuttles.
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Pico Mountain
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Suicide Six |
Okemo Mountain
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Middlebury College Snow Bowl
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Bromley Mountain
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| Vertical Drop (ft) | 1,967 | 650 | 2,200 | 1,000 | 1,334 |
| Skiable Area (ac) | 250 | 110 | 200 | 150 | 145 |
| Number of Trails | 58 | 23 | 122 | 17 | 47 |
| READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE | READ MORE |
