Worldwide Ski Resorts • USA • Killington
Overview
Compare this resort to anything in Europe and there is nothing in common here. No central ski village or town but a 5 mile stretch of hotels, condos and restaurants, a place well worth a visit if driving nearby. In fact a car is almost essential and makes it popular with skiers from the east coast area that drive over to visit at the weekend. There is a project to develop a village style resort and refurbishment is ongoing. A free shuttle bus is available to get to the lifts if not staying near the base. Not having a central point there is ski-in ski-out accommodation. A Killington pass covers all the ski lifts and good discounts if booking on line and includes skis and lessons.
Profile
Not noted for its beauty but does have the biggest mountain in the east. It is hoped to have a link with Ram’s Head Mountain one day. The runs are all quite close together spread over wooded peaks and gives rise to claiming seven mountains if Pico is also included. Be prepared for signposts that are not always clear but this also is being improved and should make navigation simpler. Killington certainly is good for snow reliability and is proud of its snowmaking claiming to be one of the biggest in the world. It also opens early to attract the early skiers sometimes in October. A choice of hotels, condos and some chalets and most are a drive or bus ride to the lifts.
Mountain Information
The resort claims to have 6 mountains and if Pico is included makes 7. There are over 30 lifts located in a fairly contained area which is quite impressive. There are 38% Black runs, 36% Blue and 26% Green. It also boasts to having the biggest snowmaking installation in the world and covers around 780 acres. The record for snow, however, is good in Killington and conditions are good if the weather is cold. The expert skiers usually go to Killington Peak where there are some genuine double diamond fall-lines under Bear Mountain and the lifts. Snowdon and Skye has some challenging Black runs.
For the intermediates there is plenty of Green and Blue runs over the slopes. Snowdon is a good choice for those looking for a mix of runs and Skye has a Blue Fusion Zone. Newcomers to the sport are very well looked after with good tuition and a Discovery Centre with videos and refreshments plus a good introduction to ski equipment. Terrain Parks suit all levels of skill with the new super pipe with rope tow, and plenty of rails and jumps in the main park. There is a park with pipe classes for the children.
Apres Ski
If you are still hungry even after trying the mountain eateries Killington is very lively at night down the 5 mile long road. After 3 pm the drinks are cheap, the early Happy Hour, and come with free nibbles. The food is highly rated with everything from Pizzas to lip smacking chicken wings. Some may have an admission charge but this is usually to cover the live music and party atmosphere.
The young set go to the Pickle Barrel where the music is trendy and theme evenings and loud music are legendary. A vibrant place at night and with a car a trip out provides plenty of variety. If a good breakfast to build up energy is needed Sugar and Spice is highly rated and Peppers serves up good burgers followed by dreamy desserts.
USA Resort Guide
Resort Information • Killington
 |
Resort Height | 323m |
 |
Top Station | 1278m |
 |
Bottom Station | 318m |
|
Vertical Descent | 960m |
 |
Drag Lifts | 9 |
 |
Chair Lifts | 20 |
 |
High Capacity | 2 |
 |
Opening Dates | Oct - June |
 |
Rating Expert | 7 |
 |
Rating Intermediate | 8 |
 |
Rating Beginner | 8 |
 |
Apres Ski Rating | 8 |
 |
Snow Reliability | 9 |
