Where to Ski: Killington Vermont

When you’re in the ski and snowboard business people ask for a lot of recommendations. Things like: What should I wear? What kind of skis do I need? Where can I get the best après burgers? But the real big one is, where to ski?

Killington Mountain Resort in Killington, Vermont is an experience. If you have never been, I highly recommend you set aside a weekend and plan your trip. There is truly something for everyone, whether you’re a student in college, lost in your twenties, raising a family or enjoying the freedoms of retirement, Killington has multitude of activities and attractions to keep you coming back for more.

Let me start by discussing the size of Killington, it is comprised of six amazing peaks, each with its own unique offering. Usually one of the first in the east to open, Killington prides themselves on their elevation advantage and sheer snow making power. With six massive peaks Killington can be a bit intimidating and you may ask yourself, how do I ski this place?

How to ski: Killington

If you fancy yourself an expert level skier or rider,K1 is a great place to start. Steep, consistent pitches can be found right under the gondola, and not just one, bunches. If you need a quick warm up and don’t want to go all the way to the bottom to do so, take a run down Rime or Eastern Fall. Both are nice blue squares, medium in width but plenty wide to lay down some early morning trenches. These trails are some of the first to open in the early season so the snow usually has great consistency throughout the day here. Catch the North Ridge triple back to the top and you’ll have the ability to traverse all the way over to Bear Mountain if you please, but not before lapping Cascade and Double Dipper at least once. The trees fill in nicely to the left on Double Dipper; both trails are a true challenge.

If you’re into hot laps, hit up the Superstar Express Quad. The trail Superstar runs right under the lift and starts off with a hefty pitch, mellows out in the middle and then another steep pitch to wrap it all up. Ovation is another divine favorite when there is snow on it. If it’s really dumping out, venture skiers left just a bit farther past Ovation and drop into Julio glades. The last pitch in these woods will not disappoint.  Superstar quad is great for the intermediate skier as well. Skye Lark and Bittersweet are great alternatives to the black diamonds listed above. If you’re making a spring time/late season trip to Killington, expect these trails to be your primary options.Access to Bear Mountain is very easy from the top of the Superstar Quad.

Once on the Bear Mountain side of Killington Resort you are again provided with a vast array of options. The famous bump run, Outer Limits is a must for any expert who has not had the pleasure of battling their way through Volkswagens to get to the bottom of the hill. If you consider yourself new school, the Skye Peak Express quad will provide access to a ton of terrain park features including the Burton Stash, comprised of all “natural” features. Trails Skye Burst and Dream Maker, both found on Skye Peak,is the site of The Dew Tour's only East Coast stop. If you dare, take a run through the world class super pipe which opens up to the public when the competition is all said and done with, its twenty two foot high walls, lined with green dye are sure to…excite? Who says green trails aren’t fun? Once you’re done shredding all the steeps I’d say it’s time for the top to bottom green run Great Eastern, which starts at the top of Skye Peak and snakes its way down to the bottom of the Skye Ship Express Gondola which can be seen when driving down rt. 4. It’s especially fun when you have a big group who can keep up. Warning: it’s easy to lose your buddies on this one, if they’re not right behind you there is a strong chance they’ll take a wrong turn. Keep your cell on.

Not everyone heading to Killington has to be an expert. Killington offers two beginner areas, Snowshed and Ramshead which are complete with two lodges on each side of the access road, dedicated to beginner skiers and riders only!

How to Après Killington Resort, Killington V.T.

Killington’s après scene falls nothing short of the terrain. The access road is lined with hot spots I’ll tell you about shortly, but first you must stop into the all new Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar (Pictured Above). The new location of the bar faces up Superstar which should make for some great spring time views. Hang out on the deck and watch everyone navigate their way down the bumps.

The access road is loaded with après deals but one of my favorites is Sushi Yoshi. Not only does this restaurant offer free wings during happy hour, but the rest of their food is to die for as well. Sushi Yoshi is equipped with hibachi grills, regular dining and yes, lots of sushi. If you’re into the I-talian, stop into Outback Pizza, great place, loud tunes, fun bar and killer pizza.

For all the night owls out there, The Wobbly Barn and The Pickle Barrel are both saturated in a history of the best skier-rider parties to hit the eastern seaboard. The Pickle has regular headline acts come through with a super intimate setting. Last month Snoop Dogg came through town and put on two shows. The Wobbly Barn is very similar if you ask me, a rustic, intimate setting with ruthless partying. The covers can be steep until you make friends. Jax down the street is more affordable for a reason.

Killington has plenty to offer, from steeps to cruisers, hot tubs to hot parties, there is truly something for everyone at this mountain. Endless lodging and restaurant options can be found all up and down the access road. My parents came here when they where kids, and still make it a point to come up on a regular basis. There is a magnetic draw to this place, once you drink the Longtrail, there really is no turning back.