According to SkiVermont.com, Vermont is the country's original "ski state," with more ski resorts topping 2,000 vertical feet than Maine, New Hampshire and New York combined. Those wishing to ski in Killington will find trails and experiences to meet every skill level at Killington Resort and may also find skiing at smaller local resorts or other resorts in the central region of the state.
The Region
The resorts in Vermont blanket the state, spreading across the northern, central and southern regions. In central Vermont, the major ski resorts are Killington, Mad River Glen, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Northeast Slopes, Pico Mountain, Sugarbush and Suicide Six. Of those, only Killington Resort is located in the immediate Killington area and it is the dominant presence in the area. Visitors may also find smaller resorts, such as Mountain Green Ski & Golf Resort, a short ride from Killington.
140-Plus Trails
Killington Resort offers 141 trails--28 percent of which are easy, 33 percent are intermediate and 39 percent are advanced. Visitors can access these trails via 22 lifts, including five high-speed units and two gondolas. The vertical drop at Killington is 3,050 feet. Each night, 50 to 80 percent of the terrain receives grooming. The rest is left untamed for the mountain's many mogul enthusiasts. In fact, Killington offers the longest, steepest mogul trail in the eastern United States. Killington also offers a superpipe with 18-foot walls for snowboarders, as well as several terrain parks.
Snow, Guaranteed
Killington offers something else every visitor longs for--a guarantee, allowing visitors to plan with confidence. Anybody who purchases a regular-price full-day or multiday lift ticket and isn't satisfied with the snow conditions can turn in the ticket for a return voucher before 10 a.m. that day. Such vouchers can be used any time during the remainder of the season but aren't transferable or redeemable for cash. That said, with 88 miles of pipe and 1,500 "snow guns" in its snowmaking arsenal, the odds are very good that you'll be pleased with the surface at Killington Resort.
Season and Weather
Killington generally opens in early November and remains open through early May. An average of 250 inches of snow falls each year, which is supplemented by man-made snow and grooming efforts. Low temperatures in Vermont average anywhere from the single-digits to 30 degrees F throughout the winter months, with highs for the same time period averaging 25 to 45 degrees. Due to the high, flat Canadian plains nearby, weather in Vermont may change quickly. Visitors should dress warmly and be prepared to take warm-up breaks as necessary.
Make it a Vacation
Beyond Killington, Vermont offers a wide variety of ski resorts throughout the state, as well as fun activities for non-skiers. These include Santa's Village, fireside dinners, sledding, ice skating, dog sled races and even carriage rides. Vermont offers accommodations ranging from rural cabins to high-class resorts, as well as hearty regional cuisine.
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