Killington
Killington is the biggest ski area in Vermont, and eastern North America. You’ve heard the many nicknames, The Big K, The Beast of the East, K-Mart, call it what you will – Killington is big, bold and it boasts the longest ski season in Vermont. A few of Killington’s fall line accolades – two high-speed heated gondolas, 12 comfy quads and the world’s most extensive snowmaking system. Killington is the biggest ski area in the Northeast with 155 trails, and 22 lifts, and a beautiful Peak Lodge at the 4,142′ summit reached by the K-1 Gondola.
Killington and sister mountain Pico are now locally owned, sold by Powdr Corp. of Copper Mountain Colorado, Mt Bachelor in Oregon, and Las Vegas Ski Resort in 2024. Recent investment to the tune of $60 mill in upgrades are thanks to owners and ski enthusiasts Michael Ferry & Phil Gross.
Killington is renowned for super-sized snowmaking power, over 1,500 snow guns, so it is usually the first ski resort to open in the East. often in a tie with Sunday River in Maine, like 2024 and 2025.
You can ski six peaks, and six months here at Killington, October to May, on the man-made snow-piled Superstar trail. That’s where they come up with their Beast of the East slogan – big place, beastly snowmaking, long ski season! Killington Peak is where you find the most classic ski trails with the best views of Vermont, seeing Stratton, Magic and Okemo in the distance, plus there’s Bear Mountain for bumps skiers, and Rams Head for families and beginners.
Killington’s modern Peak Lodge is a fantastic window-lined summit lodge for lunch, atop the K-1 Gondola serving Vermont local fare in a fun casual cafe style enviro, a modern KBL Killington Base Lodge also debuted recently.
Ram’s Head Family Center has everything you need from daycare to ski camp to get your family skiing, and its walking distance to the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. Bear Mountain is home to Killington’s Terrain Parks, including the Dream Maker Terrain Park and a 22′ Superpipe which plays host to the annual Dew Tour among other big ski and snowboard events. Killington also has a Burton Stash -an all-natural wood-log feature terrain park located in the woods off Killington’s Bear Peak.
Family friendly ski lodging is plentiful in Killington, with some ski in ski out condos, and the Killington Grand Resort Hotel – which has a fantastic outdoor heated pool featuring a view of the slopes. Many inns, condos and hotels line the Killington Access Road. Find your Killington Vermont ski lodging here!
For dining and après ski, Killington is reputed for its après bars along the Access Road at the Foundry, Pickle Barrel, Wobbly Barn or Jax, and slopeside at the Umbrella Bars. Killington definitely makes our Top Apres Ski Resorts in the East list. If you are travelling with the kids to Killington, then Casey’s Caboose, Sushi Yoshi or Outback Pizza are good choices with more of a family-friendly après ski scene.
For a quieter on-mountain family lodging, stay at Pico Resort just down the street and ski their slopes as well, the resorts are sisters. Pico Mountain’s slopeside condos and the Sports Center are perfect for ski families.
Aside from lodging at Killington or Pico, there are several affordable chain hotels, motels, inns and bnbs in nearby Rutland. If its a romantic ski getaway, then hideaway at The Red Clover Inn – with a lovely suite and exceptional dining served in this beautiful Vermont inn, with an outdoor hot tub – and private with a view of Pico Peak.
Killington Stats:
Vertical Drop: 3,050’
Killington Peak Summit Elevation 4,241′
Skiable Terrain: 1,526 acres
22 Lifts inc. 3 gondolas and two 6-pack chairs,155 Trails (or 200 according to their pr)
60% snowmaking with 1,500+ snow guns
Founded in 1958
