Where to Ski: Pico Mountain

Pico Mountain is such a great spot; located just to the west of Killington on route four it has a phenomenal location for accessibility, snowfall and killer views. When people ask me where to ski I recommend Pico Mountain.

Pico Ski Area is one of the first ski areas to exist in Vermont and this season they are celebrating their 75^th year of business. Pico never gets excessively busy which is so awesome for the days when is seems like Times Square and the Jersey Turnpike transported to Killington for the weekend. Chances are if you purchased a Killington lift ticket it’s going to be good over at Pico due to the merger that occurred in the late 90’s.

Pico has some serious pitch and is a ton of fun when the woods open up. The Golden Express Quad keeps all the beginners and families on the lower part of the mountain for the most part, leaving the top pretty wide open for fun. The Pico Summit is served by the appropriately named Summit Express Quad, which accesses intermediate and expert terrain only.

Forty Niner is the primary intermediate trail skiers and riders take from the summit. It starts off with a bunch of little tree islands to weave around and opens up into a killer wide, consistent pitch with a few varying fall lines. Upper Pike is the black diamond that runs right under the quad and is a ball when it gets all bumped up, especially on the skiers left side. Upper Giant Killer is a brutal double black diamond served by all natural snow only. It gets bumped up quick and is relentless from top to bottom… I’d easily include it in my top 5 for favorite ski trails. The Sunset Woods located just off Sunset Schuss are nothing but a mellow bouncy fun ride from the moment you drop in to the moment you pop out on Lower KA.

This place is a big time family spot; watch your mouth and no smoking butts, a small price to pay for killer terrain, quiet slopes and an affordable lift ticket if you ask me.

The Last Run Lounge is located on the top floor of the Pico Lodge, $2 drafts on Thursdays and 25% off food. I’d also recommend making your way up to the top of the pass on rt. 4 to one of the most authentic Irish pubs I have come across, the Inn at Long Trail. Owen pours a mean Guinness, if the luck be with you, you’ll find your name in the head of your helping.