Ski Resort Highlight: Killington, Vermont

Killington Ski Resort is huge. Its seven peaks include the 4,241-foot Killington Peak, 141 trails, 22 lifts, 2 gondolas, five terrain parks, and a 430-foot SuperPipe. Add more than 3,000 feet of vertical, five on-mountain lodges, and 250 inches of average annual snowfall, and it is easy to see why Killington is called “the Beast of the East”. Killington is known for its classic Northeast-style narrow runs and wide-open groomers, but has plenty of moguls, steeps, and trees as well. Opened in 1958, and recently expanded by adding the separate Pico Mountain, it is the largest ski area on the East Coast and has the East’s longest run as well, the 6.2-mile Juggernaut.

28% of Killington’s terrain is easy, with 33% more difficult, and 39% most difficult. So whether you are looking to learn to ski, to speed down groomed cruisers, challenge yourself on some soft bumps, or get fresh tracks in some the East’s best powder, Killington is the place to be. Devil’s Fiddle on Bear Mountain is Killington’s classic bump run and while you are over there, check out the rest of the soft, forgiving bumps on Outer Limits.  When you are looking for powder, head straight up the K1 Express Gondola and go to the challenging Anarchy and Julio, a 40-degree face off Cascade Mountain. If it is all skied out, check out Devil’s Den, Centerpiece and Growler for some leftover powder. Intermediates can head right over to Ram’s Head with plenty of high-speed quads and Squeeze Play, the a safe, controlled area to learn to ski trees. If you are a novice, don’t worry; Killington’s big beginner area called Snowshed has plenty of room for you to learn.

Killington is also home to one of Burton Snowboard’s five “stash parks”. This one, called The Stash, is the only one of Burton’s namesake snowboarding terrain parks on the East Coast. Housed completely in the trees, the features are all natural and if you are a snowboarder, is not to be missed.

Killington’s infamous nightlife is centered around Killington Road, where you can get pizzas, beers, chicken wings, and a taste of some the classic après-ski scene. The best lodging is the condos and the Grand Hotel at the base. And as if you needed another reason to visit The Beast, Killington is one of the nation’s most environmentally conscious resorts. This year the resort will offset 100% of their electric use through renewable energy credits.

You can buy Killington Lift Tickets, Killington 2-day lift tickets, and Killington 3-day lift tickets on Liftopia.com

By Katherine Matteson