Killington Ski Resort

Killington Ski Resort is a major four-season destination located within the Green Mountains of central Vermont. Operated by Powdr, it boasts the largest ski area in the Northeast and is renowned for its extensive terrain, long season, and substantial snowmaking system. The resort complex spans six interconnected mountains, offering a vast array of trails, lifts, and amenities that cater to all ability levels, from novice to expert.

History

The resort's development began in the late 1950s under the vision of Preston Smith and Joseph Sargent, who secured financing from a group of Connecticut investors. The first lift, a double chairlift on Snowdon Mountain, opened for the 1958-59 season, marking the birth of the area. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the resort expanded rapidly, adding the Killington Peak summit lift, the Bear Mountain area, and pioneering one of the world's most extensive snowmaking systems. Ownership shifted in the 1990s when it was acquired by American Skiing Company, before being purchased by its current owner, Powdr Corporation, in 2007.

Geography and climate

Situated within the Rutland municipality of Killington, the resort's terrain is spread across the eastern slopes of the Green Mountains. Its six primary peaks include Killington Peak, the second-highest summit in Vermont after Mount Mansfield, along with Snowdon, Ramshead, Skye Peak, Bear Mountain, and Sunrise Mountain. The region experiences a humid continental climate, with natural snowfall averaging around 250 inches annually, supplemented heavily by snowmaking. The resort's high base elevation and northern latitude contribute to a reliably long winter season, often stretching from late October into May.

Ski terrain and facilities

The resort's 1,509 skiable acres are serviced by a network of 21 lifts, including a high-speed gondola and several high-speed detachable quad chairlifts. Its 155 trails are rated 29% beginner, 33% intermediate, and 38% advanced/expert, with the most challenging terrain concentrated on the steep faces of Bear Mountain and the Canyon Area. Notable features include the Superstar trail, famous for its prolonged spring skiing, and the Outer Limits trail, one of the steepest mogul runs in the East. The resort also contains multiple terrain parks, a world-class superpipe, and extensive cross-country trail networks operated in partnership with the Mountain Meadows Ski Touring Center.

Events and operations

Killington has a long history of hosting major competitions, most notably as a regular stop on the FIS World Cup circuit, where it features women's slalom and giant slalom events on the "Superstar" trail. The resort also hosts the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge and various US Ski Team training camps. Summer operations transform the area into an activity hub, featuring the Killington Mountain Bike Park, hiking via the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, and hosting major festivals like the Killington Wine Festival and the Killington Classic car show. The adjacent Killington Grand Resort Hotel and numerous condominium properties provide substantial lodging.

In popular culture

The resort's expansive scale and challenging terrain have made it a frequent subject in skiing media, featured in numerous films by Warren Miller Entertainment and publications like *Skiing* magazine. It served as a filming location for the 2015 comedy film *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel*, standing in for a Colorado ski resort. The resort's iconic "Killington" logo and its association with the extended winter season are well-recognized symbols within New England culture and the broader North American skiing community.

Category:Ski areas and resorts in Vermont Category:Buildings and structures in Rutland County, Vermont Category:Tourist attractions in Rutland County, Vermont