Killington Resort

Closed
Heather Burke
SnowPak Local Insider
Heather Burke
Pros
  • Beyond skiing, Killington offers other activities such as snowmobile tours and tubing
  • Great for intermediate and advanced skiers who seek challenging glades and mogul trails
  • One of the best ski resort in Vermont for nightlife
Cons
  • Difficult to navigate the mountain’s trail and lift layout

Overall

4.5

Nicknamed the Beast of the East, Killington is not only the biggest in Vermont but also eastern North America. A wide variety of terrain spreads across seven peaks and extensive snowmaking makes it a great option for skiers and snowboarders. Being big isn't its only drawcard, the resort also has the longest ski season in Vermont, often from October to May!

Best month to go

Mid-January to Mid-March

Killington in January is generally colder while February and early March serve up the best chance of the great snow.

FLY TO

Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport

DRIVE TO

Killington Resort (30 minutes)

Killington (1-5 mi)

  • Most accommodation along Killington Road
  • Most convenient location to slopes and dining and nightlife options
  • Some lodging close to slopes but most a short bus ride away

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Pico Mountain (Walk)

  • Condos and hotels close to Pico Mountain lifts
  • Cheaper lodging than Killington
  • A bus ride away from Killington slopes

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Rutland (10-15 mi)

  • Affordable lodging compared to Killington and Pico Mountain
  • 25 minute drive to Killington Resort
  • Variety of grocery stores and shopping

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Woodstock (15-20 mi)

  • 35 minutes drive away
  • Range of local shops and charming atmosphere
  • Ideal for couples

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For beginners

Beginners will have plenty to choose from with green trails across the whole resort. For never-evers, the Snowshed and Ramshead are beginner areas are perfect for learning on. Our favorite for beginners though is Great Eastern. It has the most vertical here (2,552 ft) winding from the top of Skye Peak all the way down to the Skyeship base!

For intermediates

With blue trails running everywhere, intermediates are quite spoilt for choice at Killington. Snowdon Mountain has quite a few good intermediate runs while Skyelark to High Road and onto Bittersweet is our top run! Our ultimate ski area for intermediates though is at Pico Mountain. There are less crowds, longer trails and the terrain is more suitable for intermediates.

For experts

Advanced and Experts won't have any problems finding fun and challenging runs here! Head up to Killington Peak and the top of K-1 Express for some of the best expert terrain including steep bowl which has trees. Our favorite trails though include The Jug, Jug Handle and Breakway. These black diamonds see less traffic as it's in a relatively secluded section of the mountain, plus the snow here is better!

Find freshies

As the saying in the East goes "The goods are in the woods". Freshies are usually found in glades such as Big Dipper and Julio where the wind blows the powder into the trees. Glades are usually rated for advanced and experts so they don't get tracked out as quickly, plus the snow usually stays fresh even days after a storm.

Ditch the crowds

Unless it's very early or very late it's best to avoid the long lift queues at the K-1 Express and the Ramshead Express Quad on busy weekends. Instead of the K-1 Express, take the Snowdon Triple, ski down Killink and then hop aboard the North Ridge Triple, It'll get you close to the slopes off K-1 Express.

Non skiers

The Beast of the East is well known for its fantastic skiing but other than that, non-skiers might find themselves quite bored here. Besides the few winter activities here (snowshoeing, tubing, snowmobiling etc), there isn't much for non-skiers to do at Killington.

Families

The beginner terrain at the connected Snowshed and Ramshead base areas are the best spots for families. Ramshead is also the base for ski lessons and child care. There are also fun winter activities for the whole family to enjoy such as tubing and riding the Beast Mountain Coaster.

Save up to 38% when you book a Killington Resort package!

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Killington Resort Reviews

Very Good 4.2 / 5
based on 77 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Good!3.8 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Killington Resort ReviewsYashashwi S.
intermediate snowboarder
Best and biggest resort that is closest to NYC. East coast snowboarding for anyone living in NYC is painful the closest ones are Hunter and Camelback and unless you are a beginner they are very small and not to mention crowded as hell. Killington is huge I think biggest in the east coast and about 4-5 hours from NYC so it doesn't get as crowded.... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Oct 15, 2021
Killington Resort ReviewsHans G.
intermediate snowboarder
Freaking huge mt, this place earns its nickname beast on the east, as they are the first to open and the last to close each season. ( on the east coast). Many trails, and long lift lines.... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Oct 15, 2021
WSWeiguang S.
intermediate skier
First choice in east area! Everything is ok in this pandemic winter, and it would be better if more food choice is available in the lodge. Midweek will be suggested.... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Feb 20, 2020
Killington Resort ReviewsEddie L.
advanced skier
Killington is simply awesome. As an East Coaster who transplanted to and skied in many places in Colorado I can confidently say that Killington is one of the best mountains in the country. Conditions can be cold and icy like everywhere else in the Northeast, but the terrain is excellent. If one could pick up Killington and place it in the Rockies,... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Feb 20, 2020
KKKris K.
advanced skier
We enjoyed the resort, arrived the week before Christmas and had a great time. Stay stayed 4night and skied 3 days. No lift lines to speak of during the midweek. We are planning to head back there next Christmas with the whole family.... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Jan 05, 2020
Killington Resort ReviewsJim O.
advanced snowboarder
The Beast is one of the best places to ride on the planet. Supreme variety of terrain, if you can't find what you want here you're just looking to complain.... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Dec 27, 2019
Killington Resort ReviewsAlex I
intermediate skier
Great variety of trails, and lots of them! All the areas could be confusing for some, for sure, but once you learn the place it is awesome! Each area has its own unique identity... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 19, 2019
Killington Resort ReviewsSteve F.
advanced snowboarder
By far the best resort on the east coast. The terrain is varied, there is something for everyone. The nightlife on the access road cant be beat by any other resort in the US. Ski and snowboard schools are incredible... More
Good!3.8 / 5Nov 19, 2019
Killington Resort ReviewsMarina S.
intermediate skier
Great for any level from beginners to experts. Too many people on the holidays but other than that there’s no complains. Many options for lodging nearby. Highly recommended for family vacation spot!... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Nov 13, 2019
Killington Resort ReviewsZada H.
advanced skier
Such a great resort for all levels of riding! I always start my day at Bear mt working over to sky peak to get the first tracks on my favorite warm up run, cruise control! Then working my way through each peak and of course taking great eastern far too many times! The terrain parks offer features for all riders and the glades are a must! I love... More