Killington, Vermont

Perry H Merrill, well known for his work promoting state parks for Vermont, realized that the north facing slopes of Killington Peak, the second highest mountain in Vermont, were ideal skiing territory. He persuaded a commercial organization to purchase the land and begin the development of skiing facilities. Killington Ski Resort opened for the first time in the winter of 1958. The resort grew at a phenomenal pace, thanks in part to the inspired decision in the mid 1960s to install snow-making equipment. Today Killington has become the largest skiing center in the eastern US, typically hosting over 15000 skiers a day at the weekend.

There are over a 1000 skiable acres at Killington, making the resort huge by eastern standards. The skiing is spread across 5 peaks served by 5 base areas. (A separate mountain, Pico, makes a sixth). Three of the base areas are located on Killington Road - Snowshed and Rams Head sit across the road from each other, Killington Base (or K1 Lodge) is just a little further up the hill. The other two bases, Skyeship and Bear Mountain, lie on Rte 4 nearby. The layout of the resort can be confusing for new arrivals – careful study of the trail map is recommended. And when 4pm (lift-closing time) starts to loom, make sure you’re well positioned vis-à-vis your parking spot. Also note the Great Eastern and Great Northern trails, these provide relatively easy connections between the different ski areas on the hill.

Advanced Skiers The canyons area, between Snowdon Mountain and Killington Peak provides exciting steep skiing. Pick between the double-blacks Cascade, Double Dipper, and Downdraft. Skye Peak is another popular area - Superstar and Ovation are perennial favorites, but many rate the eastern facing lines Vertigo and Needles Eye more highly. Finish off your day by swishing down the infamous Outer Limits run which closes out at the Bear Mountain base. It’s supposedly the steepest mogul run in New England. If you show any flair or finesse you should have the crowd at the bottom whooping with encouragement!

Intermediates It takes the best part of a week to ski all the blues. Recommended are the fabulous runs under Snowdon Mountain. Chute is not too testing, a moderately angled line down the hill. Bunny Buster and Mouse Run are more challenging, with some unexpected changes of slope.

Beginners are well catered for at Snowshed. Four lifts and a big open easy-angled expanse of snow give a large area for novice skiers. When you improve, you’ll be able to head for the summits to experience the great views and mountain atmosphere first-hand, as all peaks have a green run option from the top.

If you’re into tricks and jumps be sure to visit The Stash, a new and innovative park, which has just opened at Killington. And check out the 425 ft long superpipe with 18ft walls.

There’s lots of accommodation at the ski resort, but none is ski-in ski-out, though some is ski-in walk-out! The resort does not have a village center as such – this is a downside, since everything’s not as compact and easy to get to as you might like. You can pick from quality hotels – like the Killington Grand Resort, beautiful but expensive, and the Inn at Six Mountains, friendly and spacious, or alternatively pick from a huge range of condos. Apres-ski is brilliant - Killington is known as the après-ski capital of the east, and it certainly lives up to its reputation. There are over a hundred restaurants and bars, many of the latter providing live entertainment. Free shuttles cart you around all night long!

Killington is easy to get to. Driving time is 3 hrs from Boston, and 5 hrs from NYC. An alternative is to take the daily Amtrak train from NYC Pennsylvania station to Rutland (6 hours), and the bus to Killington (45 mins).