Filed under: skiing, snow, top-feature, winter sports
Skiing and Snowboarding in Killington, Vermont
Killington Peak is the second highest peak in Vermont, measuring 4215 feet, and it is located in the state’s Green Mountain range, which is part of the greater Appalachian Mountain range. The mountain’s namesake town of Killington is one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States. Skiers and snowboarders from all over the country travel to Vermont each year to take advantage of the extensive trails system and world-class downhill ski slopes. With an average winter snowfall of 250 inches, and the biggest and best snow making capacity in the country, Killington is a mecca for skiers and snowboarders.
Ski Season and Trip Preparation
The ski season at Killington is one of the longest in the country, which contributes to its popularity with skiers. Typically skiers can begin hitting the slopes in October and enjoy quality conditions through the month of May. On average Killington gets the most snow in February and March (55-57 inches, respectively). Average temperatures in Killington vary: October’s average high is 60 °F and the average low is 36 °F, while average high/low temperatures in February and March are 44/34 °F and 22/12 °F, respectively. Packing the right gear is essential, but don’t rely too much on the weather report; being prepared for colder-than-expected temperatures is important and layering will help you stay as warm or cool as the weather necessitates.
The author's friends, skiing Killington on 16 October 2010, after a Nor'easter dropped several feet of early season snow.
A Nor’easter that blew through Killington in October of 2010 (during the writing of this article) resulted in an impromptu ski trip for two of my friends who had traveled from New York to Vermont to pick up their equipment for the upcoming season. According to longtime Killington skier Mark Boehnke, “We’d only planned on heading up there to pick up our skis (which were having bindings mounted on them), and that Nor’easter came in Friday night. The conditions weren’t anything spectacular, but there was 2-3′ of snow at the summit — enough to get us down the mountain with big grins on our faces.” The lesson? Be prepared for anything!
Information for Visitors
A stop at the Killington Chamber of Commerce Information Center is a good way to start your trip, especially for first-time visitors. Located at 2046 Route 4 the center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM – 4:30 PM. If you like to plan ahead, you can order an information packet online to further help you plan your stay.
Transportation
Killington is easily accessible by car, train or air. Air travelers can fly directly into Rutland Airport, which is only a 30 minute drive from Killington Resort, at 4763 Killington Road; there are daily direct flights out of Boston’s Logan International Airport to Rutland. For those who wish to drive, Killington is located where US Route 4 and Vermont Route 100 merge (11 miles east of the city of Rutland). If you’re driving from the southwest, take the Adirondack Northway, or I-87; travelers from the southeast can use I-91 or I-93 via I-89. Getting to Killington by car only takes about three hours from Boston, 5-6 hours from Rochester or Syracuse, NY, and nine hours from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Train travel is also simple via Amtrak, which makes daily trips to Rutland from Manhattan.
On the Slopes
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Killington, North Ridge.
The Trails: Killington’s ski area consists of seven mountains: Killington Peak, Snowdon, Rams Head, Sunrise Mountain, Bear Mountain and Skye Peak, plus the separate but nearby Pico area, also at 4763 Killington Road. Most mountains have a variety of trails to suit all skill levels, but some are more difficult than others. Intermediate and experienced skiers will want the challenge and variety provided by the black and double black runs at Killington, Skye and Bear Mountain. Beginners and lower-level intermediates will find easier runs at Rams Head; more confident intermediates may also want to try some of the trails at Bear Mountain. Beginners who require lessons can check in at Snowshed, which has an entire section reserved for beginners learning how to ski and snowboard.
- The Lifts: The system at Killington is extensive, featuring 33 total lifts, including three, eight-person heated express gondolas that reach Killington Peak in an astonishing six-minute ride. The lift system is also comprehensive, with the ability to complete over 43,000 rides per hour. On weekdays (Monday-Friday) the lifts operate from 9 AM – 4 PM and on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) from 8 AM – 4 PM. Lift tickets can be purchased online, providing both convenience and savings. Unlimited passes give unlimited access to Killington and Pico, and is geared toward skiers who plan on spending 13 or more days at Killington during the year; Blackout Passes are designed for skiers who will visit Killington and Pico ten or fewer times, and is valid all season long except for 18 periods of blackout dates during peak periods. Day passes, mid-week passes and college passes are also available. There is also an Express card option that is perfect for those skiers who will visit Killington between four and ten times during the ski season. Skiers who wish to limit their skiing to Pico can purchase separate lift passes for that area as well.
A view of Bear Mountain, Killington, VT.
A view of Bear Mountain, Killington, VT.
Off the Slopes
When you aren’t skiing or snowboarding there are many other activities to keep you entertained. If you want to take a break but you are still looking for fun in the snow, try one of these cold-weather excursions:
- Snowmobiling: If you want to take a day off from the slopes try a snowmobiling tour at Calvin Coolidge State Forest (c). Short, fast rides and family-friendly tours are available.
- Ice Climbing: If you’ve always wondered what a “crampon” was, you can find out by spending a few hours climbing on, up and around ice on an ice climbing outing. If you’re visiting Killington during the summer, rock climbing is also an option.
If you need to take a break from the cold, visit the Chaffee Arts Center at 16 South Main Street (travel guide) in nearby Rutland. Spend the afternoon visiting shops and exhibits featuring local artisans. The Chaffee Arts Center is open Wednesday-Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM and Sunday Noon – 4 PM (closed Monday & Tuesday).
Apres-ski Nightlife
The vibrant night life at Killington will keep you entertained long after the last run. At the end of your day on the slopes you will find a wide variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to suit your tastes. Lifelong skier and lover of Killington Erik von Bergen says, “The best place to party is, of course, The Wobbly (Barn) or Pickle Barrel; the nicest place is Hemingway’s. The coolest place is Inn at Long Trail and best pizza is Ramuntos or the Pizza Jerks (they have a way cooler name).”
- The Wobbly Barn, 4763 Killington Road (travel guide): In addition to great food, drinks and entertainment you can purchase lift tickets at the Wobbly Barn, too. Wine lovers should peek at their small but well-crafted wine list.
- Pickle Barrel, 1741 Killington Road (travel guide): Do you like the nightlife? Do you like to party? If so, the Pickle Barrel will keep you up and dancing the night away with live music, DJs and plenty of drink specials. A stop at the Pickle Barrel might keep you from that early run you were hoping for.
- Hemingways, 4988 US Route 4 (travel guide): Featured in Conde Nast, Food & Wine, and the New York Times Travel Guide, Hemingway’s is a “Vermont classic”.
- Inn at Long Trail, 709 US Route 4 (travel guide): Tip a pint at McGrath’s Irish Pub or enjoy an Irish whiskey from their extensive collection. Travelers who are looking for pet-friendly rooms will find the Inn at Long Trail accommodating.
- Ramuntos, 102 Strongs Ave., Rutland (travel guide): Thick-crust, Sicilian-style pizza baked in brick ovens. Ramuntos delivers in a 10-mile radius-great if you’ve had a tough day on the slopes!
- Pizza Jerks, 1307 Killington Road (travel guide): Thin-crust, New York-style pizza plus appetizers, salads, calzone and more. The Pizza Jerks also have Glens Falls and Lake George, NY locations.
Photo credits: “NHRHS2010″ (Killington Grand Hotel & Bear Mountain); photo 2 courtesy Mark Boehnke; Mark Clapper (Killington North Ridge);
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