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Great après-ski
Reliable snow resort
Best amenitiesGreat après-skiReliable snow resortBest amenitiesGreat après-skiReliable snow resortBest amenitiesGreat après-skiReliable snow resortBest amenitiesLocated in southern Vermont, Killington combines vast ski terrain with a dynamic village atmosphere. The resort features multiple base areas, each with its own facilities, and is home to the only Woodward Mountain Park in the East. With high capacity lifts, extensive snowmaking, and terrain that spans cruisers, glades, steeps, and parks, it's designed for both serious skiers and families alike. The village offers accommodations, ski shops, and après-ski venues, along with over 100 restaurants and bars in the wider Killington region.
Located in southern Vermont, Killington combines vast ski terrain with a dynamic village atmosphere. The resort features multiple base areas, each with its own facilities, and is home to the only Woodward Mountain Park in the East. With high capacity lifts, extensive snowmaking, and terrain that spans cruisers, glades, steeps, and parks, it's designed for both serious skiers and families alike. The village offers accommodations, ski shops, and après-ski venues, along with over 100 restaurants and bars in the wider Killington region.
We mean this in the best way - skiing and snowboarding at Killington is different from a manicured mountain experience. There's a rugged, no-frills character to the mountain that truly rewards exploration. Killington's layout across seven peaks means you're constantly moving through different terrain, and each one has its own personality. Snowdon, Ramshead, and Sunrise offer gentle grades, while Killington Peak and Bear Mountain deliver the steeper stuff that earned the resort its "Beast" nickname.
It's important for European and UK visitors to know that North America uses a different trail rating system. Green circles mark beginner runs (similar to European greens), blue squares indicate intermediate terrain (but covering a wider range than European blues), black diamonds are advanced, and double black diamonds are expert-only. There's no direct equivalent to European red runs, and US blue squares span everything from gentle cruisers to genuinely challenging terrain.
WeSki insider tip: Download the Killington app before you arrive. It includes a real-time trail map showing grooming status and lift wait times, making it easier to navigate to the quieter beginner areas.
Killington's size can feel daunting at first glance, but beginners are well looked after and there's plenty of dedicated learning terrain. The Snowshed area provides a gentle introduction to the mountains, with wide green circle runs and its own base lodge. You can spend an entire day here building confidence without needing to venture further. Ramshead is another excellent beginner's spot with mellow terrain that's designed specifically with families and learners in mind.
Once you've found your feet, progressing is natural at Killington. The Great Eastern trail offers nearly five kilometres of gentle cruising from the Killington Peak area, while Bunny Buster and Chute on Snowdon let you experience different parts of the mountain without ramping up difficulty too much. The resort's excellent snowmaking keeps these learning runs groomed and well-maintained throughout the season.
The majority of Killington's intermediate terrain sits in the blue square category, and the interconnected nature of the seven peaks means you can ski all day without repeating yourself. Skye Peak and Needles Eye offer flowing groomers with consistent pitch, while trails like Bittersweet and Double Dipper provide enough variety to keep things interesting. The K-1 Express Gondola opens up the summit, where you'll find longer, more engaging runs with real altitude.
What makes Killington particularly rewarding for intermediates is the chance to push your boundaries. When you're ready, Bear Mountain's upper slopes and some of the natural snow trails on Killington Peak let you flirt with more challenging terrain. The Skyeship gondola provides access to Skye Peak's excellent cruisers, and the South Ridge area offers quieter runs when the main areas get busy. Be aware that East Coast blues can vary largely, and some will feel easy while others will truly test you.
WeSki insider tip: The trails off the Needles Eye and Bear Mountain quads tend to be quieter mid-week. Head there after 11am when the crowds are focused on the main Killington Peak area.
"The Beast" earns its name on the steep terrain of Bear Mountain and the Killington Peak area. Double black diamonds like Outer Limits (one of the steepest mogul runs in the East) and the sustained pitch of Ovation will get your attention. Bear Mountain is true expert terrain, with tight tree shots, natural snow glades, and bump runs. For those who want a unique kind of riding experience, The Stash - an all-natural terrain park built into the woods - is a signature feature of Killington.
For variable snow hunting, the North Ridge and Killington Peak's natural snow trails hold conditions longer after storms. The glades throughout Bear Mountain and Snowdon reward those willing to explore, with difficulty ranging from manageable tree shots to genuine expert-only terrain. When conditions align, the upper Superstar trail provides a sustained pitch that's become legendary among East Coast skiers and is often used for late-season skiing.
WeSki insider tip: After fresh snow, head straight to Bear Mountain's Wildfire or Devil's Fiddle glades before they get tracked out. The North Ridge triple also gives access to excellent tree skiing that many visitors overlook.
Killington has always welcomed snowboarders, and the terrain suits riding well. The resort maintains several terrain parks throughout the season, including progression parks for those learning tricks and more advanced setups with rails, jumps, and features. The Stash on Snowdon is Killington's signature all-natural terrain park, with log slides, rock features, and wooden hits built into the woods. For freeriders, the glades and natural features across Bear Mountain provide endless opportunities.
What we call off-piste skiing in Europe is different from East Coast off-piste. Here, you're skiing glades and tree lines rather than open bowls. Killington's extensive gladed terrain offers proper tree skiing when conditions allow. The steeper shots on Bear Mountain and the North Ridge provide the most challenging lines, while Snowdon's woods suit those building tree confidence. You should always respect closures and check conditions, especially because the East Coast woods can hide rocks and stumps that need good coverage.
Killington operates its own ski and ride school with a full range of programmes. Group lessons, private instruction, and multi-day packages are available for all levels, with dedicated children's programmes running from the Ramshead and Snowshed base areas. Women's clinics and other speciality programmes run throughout the season. English is the primary language, but it's recommended to contact the Snow Sports School in advance to inquire about instructors who are fluent in other languages, such as Spanish or French.
Killington maintains multiple terrain parks catering to different abilities. The progression park near Snowshed lets beginners try their first boxes and small jumps, while the main park features rails, kickers, and features that build through the season.
The Stash remains a standout Killington experience. This is a truly creative natural terrain park, built in collaboration with Burton, winding through the woods. With log features, bonks, and natural transitions, it feels more like a backcountry adventure than a constructed park.
Killington works well for families, particularly those with children ready to explore beyond the nursery slopes. The village base area has enough variety that you can walk to restaurants, and several properties offer convenient ski-in/ski-out access. Ramshead base area functions as a self-contained family zone, with its own lodge, gentle terrain, and children's ski school - its contained nature means parents can let confident children have independence while staying within sight.
The Friendly Penguin programme takes children from age two, while older kids can join group lessons that progress them through the colour-coded learning system. Teenagers won't get bored here, whether they're skiing or snowboarding. The terrain parks, glades, and sheer variety across seven peaks give them freedom to explore and progress, and The Stash in particular appeals to young riders looking for something different from standard runs.
For parents, Killington delivers on practical needs, from food to activities off the mountains. When the snow stops falling, the Adventure Center at Killington Grand offers an indoor climbing wall and activities, while nearby Pico Mountain provides a quieter alternative. Non-skiing days can include the resort's tubing park, snowshoe trails, or trips to explore charming Vermont towns like Woodstock. Dining options range from quick service at the base lodges to proper restaurants along Killington Road.
Killington has grown beyond a ski-only destination, providing enough activity to fill rest days and keep non-skiers entertained. The setting in the Green Mountains means you're surrounded by Vermont's particular brand of charm, with craft breweries, farm-to-table dining, and historic villages all within reach.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Killington and the surrounding area offer plenty of ways to enjoy the winter landscape:
When you want options for what to do off the slopes, Vermont's culture of craft and quality means you'll find genuine character in the local activities available:
Killington's restaurant scene reflects Vermont's farm-to-table culture alongside classic American comfort food. You won't find Michelin stars here, but you'll certainly find genuine hospitality and locally-sourced ingredients. The Killington Road strip and base village area offer a variety of quality dining, from quick bites to proper sit-down meals.
WeSki insider tip: Try a Vermont cheddar cheese board paired with local craft cider or beer. The state's dairy culture and brewing traditions come together beautifully.
Killington takes its après-ski seriously, and it's one of the few East Coast resorts with genuine nightlife that extends well beyond a quiet beer. The scene starts at the mountain's base lodges and carries on along Killington Road into the evening. Expect a mix of slope-side umbrella bars, roadhouse pubs, and a handful of spots that keep going into the early hours. The vibe is decidedly American, with loud music, cold beers, and a crowd that's come to party after a day on the mountain.
Whatever your speed, Killington has options. The legendary Pickle Barrel and Wobbly Barn have anchored Killington's nightlife for decades, drawing crowds who come specifically for the party atmosphere. If that sounds like too much, quieter options exist, with several restaurants transitioning into relaxed bar settings as evening progresses. Last but not least, the craft beer scene means you can explore Vermont's brewing culture in a more civilised setting.
Après-ski spots to know:
Accommodation in Killington spreads along Killington Road and around the base village area. Expect American-style accommodation that's functional and comfortable rather than Alpine charm. You'll find full-service hotels, slope-side condominiums, lodges, and vacation rentals.
Lodges and hotels near the Snowshed and Ramshead base areas offer the most convenient ski-in/ski-out access. Properties along the Access Road provide a balance of convenience and value, though you'll likely need transport to the mountain. The base village area is developing with newer properties that put you closer to lifts and dining.
Killington's standard ski pass covers all seven peaks and 22 lifts. Pico Mountain, owned by the same company and located nearby, is included, effectively adding another mountain to explore. Multi-day tickets reduce the per-day cost, and the resort uses dynamic pricing meaning that booking in advance typically saves money.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Killington ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Killington's rental facilities operate from several base locations, with the main shops at Snowshed and Ramshead. You'll find a full range of equipment from beginner packages to high-performance demos, and demo packages are often available to let you try different skis throughout your stay. Several independent shops along Killington Road also offer competitive rates and often newer equipment. Booking in advance speeds up collection on arrival. Without a reservation, American rental processes can sometimes be time-consuming.
Killington operates a shuttle bus service that connects the main accommodation areas with base lodges throughout the day, into the evening. This system covers the Killington Road corridor and key base areas, running regularly during ski hours. The base village area is also walkable once you're there.
A car provides the most flexibility. American mountain resorts are designed around driving, but it's possible to manage without one if you choose accommodation near the base village or on the shuttle routes. Taxi services and ride-shares operate in the area, useful for evening trips to restaurants further afield.
Killington sits in central Vermont, accessible from several regional airports. Burlington International Airport (BTV) is approximately 150km north, while Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) lies around 260km south, both offer direct UK flights or easy connections.
Albany International Airport in New York is roughly 200km away. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport provides another option. The drive from Boston takes around three hours on well-maintained roads, passing through classic New England scenery.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport - add one to your Killington ski holiday package for flexibility on the ground.
US resorts use a different colour system: green circles for beginners, blue squares for intermediates, black diamonds for advanced, and double black diamonds for expert-only terrain. The key difference is that American blue squares cover a much wider range than European blues - there's no red equivalent. A confident European intermediate might find some US blues quite easy and others quite demanding, so approach them with an open mind.
Killington works well for beginners despite its "Beast" reputation. The Ramshead and Snowshed areas provide dedicated learning terrain separate from the main mountain traffic, with gentle green runs and progression routes that let you build confidence at your own pace. The ski school has a strong reputation, and once you advance, there's plenty of easy blue square terrain to explore without venturing onto anything too challenging.
Killington's extensive snowmaking means good skiing conditions throughout its long season, which typically runs from late October through May, and sometimes into June. Mid-winter brings the most reliable natural snow, while spring skiing offers warmer temperatures and softer snow. The resort's high-capacity snowmaking covers 70% of trails, so even in lean snow years, the main runs stay well-covered.
Think of it as a different style of mountain experience rather than a direct comparison. Killington's vertical drop and altitude are modest by Alpine standards, but the varied terrain across seven peaks, extensive gladed skiing, and reliable conditions create a rewarding ski holiday. The American service culture, lively après-ski, and Vermont's craft food and drink scene add character.
Killington handles families well. The Ramshead base area functions as a dedicated family zone with its own lodge, children's ski school, and gentle terrain. Teenagers have access to terrain parks, glades, and varied runs that keep things interesting. Practical amenities like on-mountain dining, the tubing park, and indoor activities at the Adventure Center provide options for non-ski time. Accommodation ranges from family-friendly lodges to self-catering condos.
Killington's snowmaking system is among the most extensive in North America, covering 70% of skiable terrain. This means consistent conditions regardless of natural snowfall, and the resort regularly opens before other Eastern resorts and stays open later. Natural snow averaging around 250 inches per season supplements the machine-made base. East Coast snow tends toward firmer, icier conditions than Alpine powder, but proper snowmaking keeps the trails skiable.
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