Located in Central Vermont, Killington Resort is the largest ski area on the East Coast, about 3 hours from Boston. Back in 1954, state officials wanted to develop a ski resort on the second-tallest peak in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Killington Peak. Known as the Beast of the East, Killington boasts the longest season in the region, with operations running most years from mid-November until May. From its extensive web of long green runs to its variety of lodges, to on-site childcare, Killington offers extensive family-friendly offerings.
What I Liked about Killington Resort
The range of ski runs from long greens to double blacks keeps everyone happy.
The friendly atmosphere at the resort from both the long-time employees to the guests.
Lots of lodge space, including several areas to eat and gather.
What I Wanted from Killington Resort
Following its New England vibe, it is not a glamorous ski resort.
This resort hit all the highs for me.
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Killington Resort Overview
Opening in 1958, Killington Resort features 1,509 skiable acres, making it the largest ski area on the East Coast. It is served by 21 lifts, including three gondolas, and some lifts offer covers and windscreens.
The resort includes several peaks: Killington Peak at 4,241 feet, Sowndon Mountain at 3,592 feet, Ramshead Mountain at 3,610 feet, Skye Peak at 3,800 feet and Bear Mountain at 3,262 feet. The base lodge elevation is 2,200, providing a vertical drop of 3,050 feet.
This resort is terraced, serviced by lifts to mid-mountain and then lifts to the peaks. The exception is Ramshead Mountain, with a dedicated quad from the Ramshead Lodge (the base for kids’ lessons).
From the central Snowshead Lodge area, skiers and riders can traverse the resort all the way to the Skyship Gondola on U.S. Route 4. This is the fabled peak-to-creek route. Then you can head out, head up to Ramshead Mountain, and ski or board on green runs back to the main lodge.
After visiting mountain resorts in seven different states, this is the most extensive network of green runs I have found. I was truly impressed with the variety and amount of long green runs that could be used to explore this resort and the lodging around it.
Killington Resort by the Numbers
Beginner and Intermediate Runs at Killington
I am proud to say all my kids ski and ride better than me. After raising boys who like to push themselves and tackle the black runs, I won’t be following them. I ski to enjoy the scenery and time outside during the winter. For me, that means I stick to the green and easier blue runs.
As the largest resort on the East Coast, this resort is impossible to do in one day. After spending the weekend at the resort, we didn’t get to every peak. The resort is that extensive.
The easier runs are well dispersed across the skiable area. It is also possible to ski or board to many lodging areas in Killington. During my visit, I found the runs well-labeled, and it was easy to navigate the trail system. There are Easier Route labels to help beginners choose the best trail for them.
During our visit, we skied the runs at the Snowshed Slope area. Then we headed down the green runs to the Skyeship Gondola. One of the unique features at Killington Resort is the number of ski bridges and tunnels, adding to the overall terrain interest.
For the longest green run at Killington Resort, head to the Great Eastern, a 3.5-mile run that starts off the Superstar Lift. It terminates at the Skyeship Gondola.
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Advanced Runs at Killington Resort
When I visit a resort, I always bring one (or more of my kids). They learned to ski and ride much earlier than me, so they are naturally better.
My 20-year-old snowboarder loved Killington Resort. Now based in NYC, this is his second season at East Coast resorts.
During his visit, he stayed on Killington Peak since he wanted to stay on top of the mountain. He didn’t have to take the K-1 Gondola more than necessary, where he encountered a wait during the weekend.
His favorite run was the double-black Cascade because it had the best snow with the least amount of ice. According to him, the top 50 feet were rocky, so you have to take the part carefully. But then the snow is really good.
He also rode the East Fall since it leads right to two different lifts. Both sections are wide, so it doesn’t feel like someone is right on top of you.
According to my son, both Rime and Reason were wide. Not as many people ride them, so you don’t have to worry about catching an edge.
During his visit, the Double Dipper was a sheet of ice. It was fenced between blue and double black, so you knew you were going.
He also used the Snowdon Six Express with its blue bubble (for wind) and padded seats. This luxury was appreciated since it was windy during our visit.
Highline was being used for time trials. Superstar was on a wind hold.
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Killington Mountain Guides
During my visit, I shared a lift with a Killington Resort Mountain Guide. Dressed in green jackets, they are area residents who volunteer their time to help guests.
My guide lived in the community and spent part of the day positioned at the maps located at the top of the lifts. They offered advice from the easiest runs to the most scenic spots.
There is also a free daily Meet the Mountains Tour at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. This is a 75-90 minute tour that meets at Snowshed Base Lodge.
Learn to Ski or Ride at Killington
This resort excels at getting kids on the snow. During my visit, I saw several classes practicing on the slopes.
The instructors balanced the many hats of teaching kids with a fun, enthusiastic and caring approach. So I saw instructors wearing crazy hats and telling cringy Dad jokes.
The kids seemed happy and confident as they added to their skills. Killington Resort offers several areas dedicated to kids, the green trails at Snowshed offer a carpet lift, and the Learn to Ski and Ride Area is close by with its engineered obstacles that aid in turning.
In the Ramshead area, there are more carpet lifts for students. This area also features green runs, with some blue.
Private lessons start at 3 years old. Killington Resort’s Mini Stars program is open for skiers and riders from 4 to 6 years old. It is an all-day program and includes lunch and a lift ticket, but not rentals. There’s a maximum of five kids per instructor for Mini Stars.
For older kids aged 7 to 15 years old, all-day group lessons include lunch but not lift tickets or rentals. These groups are divided by skill level.
Killington Resort offers a licensed daycare that takes 12-week-old babies. For kids 2 to 4, it offers a snow play program that lets kids play outdoors without dedicated ski or snowboarding lessons.
Killington Resort can accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions, like vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, kosher and gluten-free options. The kids’ areas at Killington Resort are nut-free zones.
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Terrain Parks at Killington Resort
Killington Resort features terrain parks on most of its peaks. Ramshead Peak is home to three separate terrain areas: Lil Stash, Easy Street Park and Timberline Park.
Snowden Mountain features two top-of-the-mountain Terrain areas: Mouse Run Park and Full House Park. Reason Park is the first terrain park to open for the season and is located on Killington Peak.
Near Skye Peak, The Stash offers 65+ medium and large natural features. Nearby, the Dream Maker park appeals to advanced riders and skiers.
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Lodges at Killington Resort
After skiing with my kids for over 15 years, I have skied at ski resorts in seven U.S. states. I am always looking for family-friendly amenities to make skiing easier with families.
The amount of lodges at Killington Resort is impressive and that is convenient for families. At Killington, I had several options to meet my older kids for lunch. All offered food outlets, from waffle cabins with coffee drinks to classic options like bread bowl soups and burgers.
During my visit, I also found yurts and umbrella bars, like the Ledgewood Yurt and Snowshed Umbrella Bar. Some areas offer food trucks as well. Each food outlet offers its own days of operation and hours.
Snowshed
This centrally located lodge area offers rental and a retail shop. Adult lessons met in this area. Most first-time visitors enter through this area as it is closest to the main parking lots and shuttle stops.
During my visit, I left my gear at Snowshed. I also met my kids for lunch in this area. Some of the tables offer electrical outlets for mid-day charging.
There were lockers in this lodge. There was also open shelving for self-service storage (unsecured).
Ramshead
This is where the kids’ learning is based. The childcare facilities are located at Ramshead, too. I found Mother’s Rooms in Ramshead Lodge.
Ramshead offers a parking lot outside. This might be the place to park if you are hauling lots of kids gear.
During my visit, the resort set up a table for kids explaing the mountain safety, led by volunteers.
K-1 Lodge
The newest lodge area at Killington Resort, this lodge offers the most elevated experience at Killington. This area offers ticket windows, rentals and a retail shop.
K-1 Lodge also offers a parking lot. Since this is the closest parking lot to the K-1 gondola, there is preferred parking in this location.
Bear Mountain
This area offers the longest mogul runs on the East Coast. The lodge area offers a large deck with stunning views.
The Bear Mountain lodge is close to the Sunrise Village Condos. There is also a parking lot for this lodge.
Skyeship
This outpost is located on U.S. Route 4, with a gondola service up the mountain. Skiers and riders can do a peak-to-creek run at Killington, starting at Skye Peak.
This area also offers the Skye Bar and food. This is also the terminus for the 3.5-mile Great Eastern run.
Lift Tickets at Killington Resort
Following the industry standard, Killington Resort features demand pricing for life tickets. It also uses RFID lift tickets that you scan as you pass the lift gates.
Lift tickets should be reserved online in advance of your trip. On arrival, then proceed to the kiosks to print your lift tickets. It was very easy, and I didn’t encounter a line when I did this on a Saturday.
The lift ticket kiosks are located outside at Snowshed and Ramshead lodges and open 24 hours a day. The machines at K-1, Bear and Skyeship are located inside the buildings.
Killington Resort offers an add-on for lift tickets. You can upgrade to the Fast Lane to use the express lanes at 10 different lift lines.
Kids 6 and younger ski for free at Killington Resort. This is also true for those 80 years old. You must reserve those tickets online and then proceed to a ticket window for age verification.
For other guests, you can choose from youth lift tickets (7 to 17), adult (18 to 64) and senior (65 to 79). Killington Resort tickets are also valid at neighboring Pico Mountain.
Tubing Park at Killington Resort
Close to the Snowshed Lodge, Killington Resort opens a multi-lane tubing facility with life service. Each session is one hour and there is a cafe at the tubing park.
Located at the Clubhouse on East Mountain Road. Open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, school breaks and three-day weekends. Advance adult admission is $28 to $32 and kids (17 and younger) are $23 to $27. Same-day tickets are available.
Parking at Killington
I don’t like parking shuttles. I find they are a hassle. I also don’t like to pay for parking in a big open lot.
I found plenty of parking at Killington Resort. It was close to the lodges and we walked from our car.
During our visit, we parked in the free parking lot in front of Snowshed Lodge. There is a valet parking option in this area. It is best to reserve this option online in advance.
At the K1 Lodge, there is also a preferred parking. This area is best for those skiing and riding the upper mountain area.
Killington Resort operates a shuttle between all open base lodges and parking areas beginning 30 minutes before the lifts open until 5:00 p.m.
Disclosure: The writer was hosted by the resort.
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