Summary
Vermont’s Killington Resort boasts the most ski trails and terrain parks of any resort in New England, with a remarkable reputation for opening earlier and closing later than other ski areas. This mountain is undeniably called “The Beast of the East.”
For many years, Killington has been a popular weekend ski getaway for travelers from the Tri-State area and New England. With a legendary après-ski scene, extensive dining, and nightlife options, it stands out in the East, potentially surpassed only by Stowe, which is located 90 minutes to the north. Situated in southwestern Vermont, The Beast is conveniently positioned near the intersections of I-91 and I-89, about 4-1/2 hours from New York City and under 3 hours from Boston.
This proximity makes it feasible for a long day trip; however, due to the size and allure of Killington, it is recommended to stay for at least one night if possible. There are numerous activities to keep friends and family entertained for a week, enabling you to experience a different peak each day.
Terrain
The mountain presents impressive statistics: seven peaks (including Vermont’s second-highest), 3,050 feet of vertical drop, being the highest lift-serviced mountain in the state, and 212 ski trails. With 22 lifts, Killington can transport over 38,000 skiers up the mountain every hour. Additionally, the nearby Pico Mountain features seven additional ski lifts, providing manageable terrain for beginners and intermediates.
Overall, Killington has 1,509 skiable acres (on- and off-piste) and 73 miles of trails. Pico offers another 468 acres of skiable terrain with nearly 20 more miles of trails. Skiers can utilize their Killington lift tickets at Pico; however, the two mountains are not directly connected by trails.
The variety of terrain available includes numerous green cruisers like Great Eastern (accessible from the summit of Skye Peak via the Superstar lift) and Great Northwestern, alongside beginner-friendly bunny slopes at Snowshed. Enthusiastic skiers can find solid blues on Ram’s Head, including open glades on Squeeze Play, and serious challenges await advanced skiers on the steep and bumpy Outer Limits on Bear Mountain, as well as multiple black-diamond runs in The Canyon.
Snowboarders and adventurous skiers can enjoy six terrain parks with over 150 jumps, rails, halfpipes, and natural features.
Lift Tickets
Lift ticket prices at Killington are as substantial as the resort itself. The undiscounted full-day adult passes are priced at $119 on non-peak days ($92 for children aged 7 to 18) as of 2019, with opportunities for savings by purchasing online in advance. During peak holiday dates, ticket prices increase to $124 for adults and $95 for children. Season passes start at $1,219 for adults over 30, along with discounts available for seniors, youths ages 7-18, and kids 6 and under, among others. Tickets are valid at both Killington and Pico Mountains, and purchasing season tickets in the summer or fall before the upcoming winter season can lead to substantial savings.
Food & Drinks
The Grand Hotel features upscale dining options at Preston’s Restaurant and the casual atmosphere of Grand Cafe, among the resort’s various dining options, including:
- The Motor Room Bar, a 21-and-up venue located in the original drive room of Killington’s first four-passenger ski lift, offering a memorable snowcat ride experience;
- The Ledgewood Yurt, which serves ski-in lunches and romantic five-course dinners with guests arriving by sleigh;
- The legendary steaks and après-ski scene at the Wobbly Barn.
Additionally, local favorites include the Pickle Barrel Nightclub, Mogul’s Sports Pub, Choices, and The Foundry for sit-down dinners, along with Domenic’s for thin-crust pizza and calzones.
Rentals & Gear
Ski and snowboard equipment package rentals are offered at various lodges on the mountain including Snowshed Lodge, Bear Mountain Lodge, Ramshead Lodge, and K-1 Lodge. Adult rentals are priced at $58 per day, with costs for skiers aged 18 and under at $42 (adding $5 for upgraded “performance” equipment). Helmet rentals are available for $16 daily.
Additionally, rentals from the affiliated Killington Sports Store, located at the corner of Killington Road and Route 4, and local outfitters such as Black Dog Sports, Peak Performance Ski Shop, and Basin Sports are also accessible.
Lessons & Clinics
The Killington Snow Sports School provides skiing and snowboarding lessons for both children and adults. Private lessons begin at $150 per hour and can be tailored to meet individual needs, such as mastering freestyle or mogul skiing or learning to navigate glades safely. Group classes are arranged by ability level at a cost of $79 for a two-hour session for adults, with options for half- and full-day lessons available for children. The resort also hosts ski camps tailored to women, mogul skiers, telemark skiers, adventure skiers, and racers.
Skiing Alternatives and Summer Activities
If you’re visiting Vermont with non-skiers, Killington offers many activities beyond just lounging with a drink at the lodge.
- The Killington K-1 gondola accommodates riders in enclosed cars to the summit for stunning views and meals at the Peak Lodge. Gondola rides are popular for leaf-peeping in summer and fall as well.
- Killington’s Beast Mountain Coaster operates year-round, providing exhilarating rides through twists and turns over 4,800 feet.
- Snowcat, snowmobile, and snowshoe tours are available.
- The Killington Tubing Park features multiple lanes with lift service for maximum fun during your 60-minute session.
Killington’s extensive snowmaking capability allows the mountain to remain open from late October until June 1, regardless of New England’s unpredictable winters. The summer doesn’t halt the fun, as the Beast Coaster, golf, and a mountain bike park with 29 trails await visitors, along with other exciting activities at the Snowshed Adventure Center, which includes ziplining, a ropes course, trampoline jumping, and a challenging maze. Segway and ATV tours, as well as kayak and paddleboard rentals, offer additional thrilling options.
Lodging
A day spent engaging in skiing or adrenaline-fueled activities will leave you fatigued, making an overnight stay at Killington a wise choice instead of driving home. The resort provides diverse lodging options, from the luxurious Killington Grand Resort Hotel to the rustic charm of the Killington Mountain Lodge, along with various inns and condos.
Staying at the Grand Hotel offers many advantages, including ski-bridge access to the slopes during winter and easy access to the adventure park and golf course in summer. Comprehensive resort amenities encompass a luxury spa, a fitness center, an outdoor heated pool, and two hot tubs—ideal for relaxing sore ski muscles while enjoying the snowfall.
Numerous hotels, motels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals are located nearby, with favorites such as the Mountain Green Resort, the Mountain Sports Inn, and The Mountain Inn, all available for reservation through Killington Central Reservations at 800-621-6867.
