Killington Ski Resort Guide — Simon Jack Burgess

Aptly named the ‘Beast of the East’, Killington ski resort is spread across 7 mountain areas. One area, Killington Peak reaches 4,241 ft making it the second highest point in the state. This all alludes to the fact that Killington has masses of terrain which will keep the family happy not just all week, but all season. New England’s largest ski resort, Killington, also opens earlier and closes later than all other East Coast ski resorts.

KILLINGTON FIRST IMPRESSIONS

One of my first experiences at Killington was sitting on the Snowshed Express Quad whilst it had broken down, luckily this was the only set back to my trip. Killington impressed as a resort, with extensive infrastructure, good grooming and a really good ski school. Killington is renowned for is après ski and nightlife which make the area around the base lively.

KILLINGTON SKI AREA

If you are looking for more terrain than any other East Coast ski area, well Bingo, Killington is that mountain. Looking at the stats Killington ski area is huge. Spread across 7 peaks, with Killington Peak (1293m) the highest point, there is 929m of vertical drop. A Killington lift pass allows skiing and snowboarding at both Killington and Pico Mountains. Combined these ski areas offer 1,977 acres of skiable terrain across 213 trails. There are 155 trails at Killington resort with the majority being either intermediate (40%) or advanced (43% terrain).

Killington is located just seven miles from Pico Mountain, a locals favourite, which is included with your Killington lift tickets.

KILLINGTON SKI AREA BY ABILITY

BEGINNERS TERRAIN KILLINGTON

There are two obvious learning zones at Killington; Sunrise Mountain and Snowshed. Snowshed has two lifts; Snowshed Express Quad and Snowshed Double, that access a few green slopes. Snowshed slope is wide but can become busy during peak times. The area at Sunrise mountain is serviced by the Sunrise Village Triple Chair. This area has a few gentle greens that lead back to the chair.

INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN KILLINGTON

From Killington Peak, intermediates will love taking the long Solitude blue run around the boundary of Killington ski resort. There are plenty of blues at Skye Peak and also on Snowdon Mountain that will keep intermediates interested. If you feel the need to push yourself further, my first black diamond was Superstar.

ADVANCED TERRAIN KILLINGTON

Killington has plenty to offer challenge to the advanced skiers and snowboarders who visit the 7 peaks. The glades at Devil’s Den and Growler on Bear Mountain offer plenty of fun. Killington Peak comes into its own with some aptly named Double Blacks; Flume, Double Dipper and Flume.

FREESTYLE TERRAIN KILLINGTON

Killington ski area has partnered with Woodward to produce some of the best freestyle terrain on the East Coast. The Stash offers features made out of natural materials, whereas Bear Mountain is also home to the Half-Pipe. Ramshead Mountain is where you will find the majority of freestyle terrain with everything from the Family Cross adventure zone to the Olympic Athlete (Red Gerard) inspired Red’s Backyard.

LIFTS AT KILLINGTON

Killington has an excellent lift infrastructure with 21 lifts in total. Three gondolas cover the largest journeys in the resort, with the K-1 Express heading up to Killington Peak and accessing some of the double black diamond terrain. Furthermore, there is a collection of Quads, Triples, Doubles, and even a six person chair.

KILLINGTON SNOW RECORD

Despite being on the East Coast of the USA, often known for having more ice then fresh snow, Killington averages 250 inches of snowfall every winter. Thats 6.35m of natural snowfall, more than resorts like Verbier in Europe. Further to the natural stuff, Killington has extensive snowmaking that ensures the 250 snow guns can blast out 12 inches of snow in a 24 hour period. If you are looking to visit Killington when the conditions are at their best, the most snow tends to fall in February and March with 55in and 57in averages respectively.

KILLINGTON PISTE MAP

SEASON DATES

Killington not only has one of the longest ski seasons on the East Coast but one of the longest in the whole of North America. Killington will open, snow dependent, in late October or early November and run well into May. Some really good snow years have ensured the lifts have been able to turn on Superstar into June.

KILLINGTON LIFT TICKETS

Killington charge $165 for a daily ticket if bought at full-price on the day. Luckily for all of us reading this, we are not that silly and like to plan a little in advance. Advanced tickets will always get you the lowest price and further discounts are available when purchasing a multi-day ticket.

An adult season pass will set you back $1479 but again booking early could save you over $400! You can also ski and ride at Killington and nearby Pico mountain on the IKON Pass with 7 days access.

TRAVEL TO KILLINGTON

WHERE IS KILLINGTON?

Killngton ski resort has been popular with the weekend crowds travelling up from New York or Boston a 4/5 or 3 hour drive respectively. Killington’s location in the South of Vermont has made it a mainstay of the two cities with substantial visitors making use of the good transport links.

DRIVING TO KILLINGTON

Killington is ideally located close to both I-89 and I-91.

PARKING AT KILLINGTON

Killington has three base areas at which is possible to park; K-1 Lodge, Snowshed Lodge and Ramshead Lodge. All of the base areas offer free-parking so choose the one that best suits your needs. For all relevant parking information check here.

INTERNATIONAL

International visitors will most likely arrive into either New York or Boston and then need to make their way to Killington. Car rental is advised as Greyhound or Megabus journeys are long!

KILLINGTON PROS

Killington has more terrain than other East Coast Ski Resorts
Killington ski area is spread out across 7 peaks so you can find a space away from the crowds.
Killington has good lift infrastructure
Killington gets a decent amount of natural snowfall, over 6m!
Killington ski resort lift tickets also allow access at nearby Pico Mountain Resort.
The freestyle terrain at Killington is quality!
KILLINGTON CONS
$165 for a Killington day ticket seems steep!
The East Coast can serve up some icy and cold conditions.
Killington ski area is a good 3/4 hour drive from international airports!

KILLINGTON GALLERY

KILLINGTON FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS KILLINGTON A GOOD SKI RESORT?

Killington has terrain to suit all abilities making it a great option for everyone. As a large ski resort Killington has lots to offer both on and off the snow with a renowned Après scene. East Coast resorts can get icy but Killington has a better snow record than other East Coast ski resorts. The infrastructure at Killington, including the snow-making is modern and can help during lean periods without snowfall.

IS KILLINGTON GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?

My first ever week skiing was at Killington and I had a great time. With no prior experience I started in the designated beginners area at Snowshed but soon progressed across the whole mountain. With a number of lifts that just service the beginners terrain and some magic carpets, beginners have plenty to get them started. My experience of the ski school at Killngton was very positive.

CAN YOU SKI FROM KILLINGTON TO PICO?

There are no interconnecting trails between Killington and Pico. You can however take a shuttle or self-drive between the two resorts.

IS KILLINGTON GOOD FOR KIDS?

Killington ski resort has plenty to offer away from the trails. Obviously, skiing and snowboarding is the main reason to visit but if your kids fancy a break why not head to the tubing park? There is also dogsledding, ice-skating and a cinema to keep the family occupied.

IS KILLINGTON ON THE IKON PASS?

At Killington you receive 7 days of skiing with an IKON PASS. These days are shared between Killington and Pico mountains.

GET IN TOUCH

Thanks for reading this Killington ski resort guide and I hope it has answered many of your questions. I’ve given my opinion but I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via the socials. Have you been to Killington ski resort? What were your opinions? Are there better ski resorts on the East Coast?