Killington Resort Ski Resort

Killington Ski Resort Overview

Nicknamed "The Beast of the East" for its 1,509 skiable acres and expansive network of distinct base areas, Killington Ski Resort is heralded as one of the East Coast’s best ski destinations. So, exactly how big is Killington? Killington Peak summit sits at 4,241 feet with a base elevation of 1,165 feet, giving it the largest vertical drop in New England. The mountain is home to an extensive trail system that spans six mountains, plus sister resort, Pico Mountain, that's just a 5-mile shuttle ride away. 

Killington's terrain is extremely diverse, ranging from gentle groomers and learning areas to steep mogul runs and gladed trails as well as some of the best terrain parks in the Northeast. Non-skiing guests can also enjoy a wide variety of winter adventures, including snowmobile tours, the Beast Coaster, bike rentals, scenic gondola rides, sleigh rides, snowshoe tours and a tubing park. 

Founded in 1958, Killington averages 250 inches of natrual snowfall a year and is complemented by a vast snowmaking system covering 600 acres. With 17 snowcats in action every night, you can find more than 40 miles of runs groomed on a nightly basis. 

Killington Ski Area

Alpine ski area

The mountain has five base areas, all of which work to start your day on the mountain.

- Bear Mountain is the furthest south base area and has the most varied terrain of any base area. If you are traveling north on VT-100, this is the quickest way to get your day started, but is usually less crowded than Ramshead and Showshed. 

- Ramshead Lodge and Snowshed Lodge are both near each other on the north side of the area. If you are driving south on US-4, these will be the first base areas you'll hit. This is where you'll find all ski schools; the snowshed double and showshed express quad will take you to the largest set of runs devoted to beginners. If you want to hit the terrain park, Ramshead is where you'll find the Woodward Mountain Park. 

- Skyeship Lodge is a unique opportunity to avoid crowds. Located right on Route 4, it is a great place to park if you have all your gear ready to go. There are no rentals here, just a ticket window and a food court. Take the 3-mile Skyeship Express Gondola Stage I and then take Stage II, Needles or Northbrook Quad to your first runs. You'll save 10-15 minutes driving using this base. 

- Advanced skiers may want to start the day at K-1 Lodge. The K-1 express gondola takes you to Killington Peak, the summit of the ski area, where you can immediately find multiple double-black diamond runs. 

Tubing

The Killington Tubing Park is located at the Clubhouse on East Mountain Road across from the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and offers a multi-lane, lift-serviced good time for everyone. Note that the tubing park is normally only open Friday through Sunday. 

Things to Do in Killington

Killington Essentials

Often one of the first slopes to open in the country, the main attraction of Killington is obviously the great skiing and boarding. Killington, however, has much more to offer. Killington Village is home to a wide selection of restaurants, bars and lodging options, along with some great nightlife and après possibilities. Many hotels near Killington Ski Resort like The Killington Grand Hotel offers on-site activities, including a lounge by a firepit and different on-site restaurants.

Non-skiing activities

The ski resort is also host to multiple activities other than skiing and snowboarding.

The Beast Mountain Coaster is a 4,800-foot long alpine coaster that may seem tame at first with a long straight start, but once you start down it is full of great corskrew turns and amazing views. Note it is open only on Saturdays and Sundays in the winter.

Who needs horses when you can jump on a Snowcat-drawn Sleigh? See the mountains in a unique light as you are drawn by a snowcat through the trails of Killington.

Killington is also home to Snowmobile Vermont, the state's oldest and largest snowmobile tour company. Experienced or new riders will enjoy the 1-2 hour rides through the forest.