KILLINGTON

📍Killington, Vermont, USA

🏔️ Expert Paradise 🍺 Après Capital 🎿 Park Rat 7 Days on Ikon ☀️ Year-round destination

Photo: Doodybutch · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo details

Vertical drop: 3,050 ft
Skiable terrain: 1,509 acres
Avg snowfall: 250 in
Lifts: 19

Another season up here

BEYOND WINTER

Lift-access bike park, scenic gondola rides, hiking, golf and summer Adventure Center.

Before you go: Summer mountain operations typically late May to mid-October.

Explore summer activities ↗Make a mountain escape →

CENTRAL VERMONT

Central Vermont is the heart of New England skiing, and Killington sits at its apex—literally and figuratively. The region around Route 4 and Route 10...

THE REGION

Central Vermont is the heart of New England skiing, and Killington sits at its apex—literally and figuratively. The region around Route 4 and Route 100 represents Vermont at its most accessible: close enough to major cities for weekend trips, developed enough for every amenity, yet still surrounded by the Green Mountains' rugged character.

Killington itself is less a town than a phenomenon. The "Beast of the East" earned its nickname through sheer scale—more terrain, more lifts, and a longer season than anywhere else on the East Coast. The access road climbs from the valley through a gauntlet of lodges, restaurants, and bars that make up one of the most developed ski areas east of the Rockies. It's not subtle, but it delivers.

The region's real character emerges in the surrounding communities. Woodstock, twenty minutes east, is one of America's most photographed villages—covered bridges, a town green, and the kind of New England charm that travel magazines love. Rutland, the regional hub to the west, offers more practical services and a working-class authenticity that balances Woodstock's postcard perfection.

Killington's scale and development mean you're never wanting for options. Multiple base areas, countless lodging choices from budget to luxury, and an après scene that rivals anything in North America give the area a resort-town energy that's rare in Vermont. Whether that's appealing or overwhelming depends on what you're seeking—but for those who want the biggest, liveliest, and longest-running show in the East, this is where you come.

THE LOCAL SCENE

Killington has a party reputation earned over decades of college ski trips and aggressive marketing. The Wobbly Barn and Pickle Barrel are legendary for a reason. But there's more depth here than the party scene suggests. The resort has hosted World Cup skiing, produces serious racers, and its terrain genuinely challenges expert skiers. The surrounding area offers authentic Vermont experiences—Woodstock's village, Long Trail Brewing, and the Green Mountain National Forest. Locals include serious skiers who moved here for the access, and the vibe becomes more refined as you move away from the access road.

GETTING THERE

Choose the base before entering the resort address. K-1, Snowshed and Ramshead are on Killington Road. Skyeship has its own entrance on Route 4, and Bear Mountain has a separate approach. For a lesson or equipment pickup, use the base on the reservation. A group whose members start at different lodges should agree where to meet for the ride home.

WHEN TO GO

Killington opens terrain in stages. Early and late in the season, choose lodging for the base that will serve your ski day. A midwinter visit gives a mixed group more flexibility to spread out across the mountain. Check the mountain report for open connections before setting out from a different base.

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🎭

Woodstock Village Visit

Culture

One of Vermont's most beautiful villages with covered bridges, galleries, and the Billings Farm & Museum. Worth a half-day away from slopes.

🍽️

Long Trail Brewing Company

Dining

Vermont's second-oldest craft brewery offers tours and a tasting room in Bridgewater Corners. The Long Trail Ale is a local classic.

🏔️

Pico Mountain

Outdoor

Killington's smaller sibling offers a mellower experience with no crowds. Same ownership, connected by shuttle, different vibe entirely.

🧘

KILLINGTON Spa

Wellness

Full-service spa at the Grand Resort Hotel for recovery after big ski days. Massages, treatments, and fitness facilities.

🏔️

Snowmobile Tours

Outdoor

Multiple operators offer guided snowmobile tours through the Green Mountain National Forest. A different way to experience Vermont winter.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Tubing at Killington

Family

Snow tubing park at the resort is great for families and non-skiers looking for winter fun without the learning curve.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Ice Skating at the Spa

Family

Outdoor skating rink at the base area provides a break from skiing and a quintessential winter activity.

WHERE TO STAY

Killington Grand Resort Hotel offers rooms and suites near the mountain, with ski-bridge access when snow conditions permit. Cascades Lodge is a separate walk or seasonal shuttle ride from Snowshed. Both offer a pool and hot tub.

Along the access-road corridor, Killington Mountain Lodge has on-site dining and a hot tub. Summit Lodge offers a traditional setting, breakfast and a heated outdoor pool. The Snowed Inn combines breakfast with ski storage and boot drying, while Killington Motel offers simple rooms near Route 4 with breakfast included. Compare the route to your chosen base and check any shuttle service for your dates.

A condo can suit groups who want a kitchen and several bedrooms. Confirm the specific building, walking route and facility access before reserving. Woodstock is a separate town base for travelers planning time away from the resort.

THE FOOD SCENE

During ski-season service, the K-1 Express Gondola reaches Peak Lodge for a summit meal. Down on the access road, JAX Food & Games at 1667 Killington Road serves pub food beside its arcade.

Liquid Art on Miller Brook Road combines coffee, breakfast and local art. For a leisurely evening, The Foundry at Summit Pond takes dinner reservations at 63 Summit Path.

APRÈS & NIGHTLIFE

Wobbly Barn pairs a steakhouse with a nightclub at 2229 Killington Road. Choose JAX for pub food and arcade games, with an earlier visit for families and a 21-and-over policy after 9 p.m. Lookout Tavern at 2910 Killington Road offers a walk-in alternative for wings, burgers and Vermont beer.

INSIDER TIPS

💡For bumps, look for Outer Limits on the Bear Mountain side when it is open.
💡Treat Pico as a separate ski day. Check its calendar and plan the trip back to your lodging.
💡Woodstock makes a change of scene for dinner. Allow extra driving time in winter.

DESTINATION FACTS

Nearest Town

Killington / Woodstock

Population

800 / 3,000

Elevation

1,165 ft (base)

Timezone

Eastern Time (EST/EDT)

LIVE WEATHER

Real-time conditions for planning your Killington trip

❄️Snow Depth 🌨️Precipitation 💨Wind 🌡️Temperature ☁️Visibility

Learn to read ski weather maps →

GETTING THERE

✈️

BTV

Burlington International

About 1–2 hours

✈️

ALB

Albany International

About 1.5–2.5 hours

Approximate planning ranges; allow extra time for winter conditions.

OVERNIGHT STAYS & CAMPERVANS

For Killington, compare a booked room or rental around Killington with a designated campsite that accepts your vehicle and winter dates. Choose your base around the daily mountain journey and the power, water and indoor facilities you need.

Compare lodging options ↗

Book a designated overnight place for your vehicle and dates. Day parking does not provide permission to camp.

Sources & planning context

Other names · Killington Resort, Killington-Pico

Local recommendations are editorial guidance. Travel times are approximate and depend on your route and conditions.

Typically mid November to early June

A broad planning range from the historical guide, conditions permitting. Use the operator’s schedule for your travel dates.

Official schedules & conditions ↗

Schedule source ↗Official resort ↗

Summer and winter destination: Yes; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Beyond winter: Lift-access bike park, scenic gondola rides, hiking, golf and summer Adventure Center.; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Summer visit planning: Summer mountain operations typically late May to mid-October.; Source ↗ · Oct 25, 2026
Official website: https://killington.com; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Vertical drop (ft): 3050; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Skiable area (acres): 1509; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Lifts: 19; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Runs: 155; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Reported average snowfall (in): 250; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Base elevation (ft): 1165; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026
Summit elevation (ft): 4241; Source ↗ · Oct 27, 2026

Individual listings retain their own sources and check dates. A source check covers only the named details; it does not confirm availability. Snowfall averages describe climate, not a forecast.

Killington base lodges and parking ↗The operator distinguishes the five winter base areas, their approach roads, terrain, rental desks and lesson meeting areas. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Killington operating calendar ↗Base lodges have different winter operating windows. The mountain report carries current openings. Pets are excluded from lifts. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge results ↗The race organizer identifies Outer Limits as the mogul competition course. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Killington Cup race venue ↗The operator locates the Cup race on Superstar. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Killington Mountain Lodge, Tapestry Collection by Hilton ↗Hotel at 2617 Killington Road alongside the golf course. Operator describes standard hotel rooms, on-site restaurant, coffee shop and bar, fitness center, hot tub and pet-friendly rooms. No particular ski shuttle or equipment storage is confirmed by this property page. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Summit Lodge & Resort ↗Traditional lodge at 200 Summit Road on a knoll in Killington, with en-suite rooms, hand-hewn beams, stone fireplaces, seasonal pub dining, outdoor saltwater pools and a hot tub. One pool is heated year-round. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Summit Lodge amenities ↗Breakfast is included. Format varies by day, so confirm the arrangements for your stay. Operator also lists an indoor saltwater whirlpool. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Cascades Lodge — winter lodging ↗The hotel at 58 Old Mill Road publishes a winter 2026–27 Snowshed shuttle and walking access to the Snowshed lifts, indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, in-room continental breakfast and Wooden Nickel Lounge. Snowshed food court is separate from the hotel. Operator takes telephone enquiries and routes online bookings through Booking.com. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Killington Grand Hotel ↗Killington Grand Resort Hotel. Address: 228 E Mountain Rd, Killington, VT 05751. Full-service mountainside hotel. From December through March, a pedestrian ski bridge provides direct slope access when snow conditions permit. Hotel Rooms, 1 Bedroom Suites, 2 Bedroom Suite and 3 Bedroom Suite. Year-round heated outdoor pool, Grand Spa and hot tubs. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Killington Vermont Bed & Breakfast Inn — The Snowed Inn ↗The Snowed Inn identifies itself in Killington and publishes individually appointed rooms and suites, included breakfast, a reservation-based year-round outdoor hot tub, ski storage and boot-and-mitten drying. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Killington Online Reservations - Killington Motel - Supplier Details ↗Killington Motel, 1946 Route 4 East, Killington, Vermont. Twenty non-smoking rooms have private baths, cable TV, phone, a small refrigerator and WiFi. Rates include breakfast. The motel is located 200 yards west of Killington Road. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Killington Mountain Sports School ↗The school requires online advance reservations. Adult and youth first-timer packages include instruction, equipment and lift access. Returning skiers and riders can choose private or group lessons or seasonal programs such as Beast Kids. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Killington youth group lesson ↗Youth groups meet at the slopeside Drop Zone yurt at Ramshead Lodge. This program requires a separate lift-access product and equipment. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

First Stop Board Barn ski rentals and test center ↗First Stop offers adult and child seasonal ski rental and lease packages and a test center for demo skis. Guests can use their own boots for a consistent demo fitting. The shop gives 8474 US Route 4 and 802-422-9050. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Forerunner Ski Shop in Killington ↗Forerunner identifies itself as a family-run ski rental, fitting and tuning shop at 2324 Killington Road, 802-422-3950. It advertises its child rental offer with an adult rental. Its team has competitive mogul and boot-fitting experience. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Aspen East ski and snowboard rentals ↗Route 4 equipment rentals and performance demos serve Killington and Pico. The shop offers advance reservations and prior-day pickup. The reviewed Bronze package excludes helmets. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Peak Lodge Dining Experience: Scenic Views & Gondola Access ↗Peak Lodge sits at Killington Peak’s summit and is reached by the K-1 Express Gondola, with farm-fresh food, specials, beer and cocktails during ski season. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Wobbly Barn | Dine & Dance at this Killington Tradition ↗The Wobbly Barn operates a steakhouse and nightclub under one roof on Killington Road. · Checked Oct 27, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Liquid Art — operator ↗At 37 Miller Brook Road the post-and-beam coffeehouse and gallery serves breakfast, espresso and later dinner and cocktails. Local artwork is displayed. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

The Foundry at Summit Pond — operator ↗The supper club at 63 Summit Path describes dinner and cocktails and links to reservations. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

JAX Food & Games — operator ↗The sports bar and arcade at 1667 Killington Road offers burgers, sandwiches, tacos, beer and cocktails. Families may visit earlier. The operator limits entry to ages 21 and over after 9 p.m. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Lookout Tavern — operator ↗The walk-in tavern at 2910 Killington Road offers burgers, wings and Vermont beer. Service is first come, first served. · Checked Oct 31, 2026. This check covers these details only.

Ikon Pass opening dates — September 29, 2026 ↗
The official 2026–27 table lists opening as TBA; no closing date is provided.
Summer Visits ↗
Lift-access bike park, scenic gondola rides, hiking, golf and summer Adventure Center.
Killington 2026/27 mountain report ↗
The operator says it has no scheduled 2026/27 opening date at this time.
Killington Resort — official mountain stats ↗
The operator lists 1,509 Killington skiable acres, 155 trails, 19 lifts, 250 inches of natural snowfall, a 1,165-foot base, 4,241-foot summit, and 3,050-foot vertical.

THE REGION

THE LOCAL SCENE

GETTING THERE

WHEN TO GO

BEYOND THE SLOPES

The region offers much more than skiing. Here's what else to explore:

🎭

Woodstock Village Visit

Culture

One of Vermont's most beautiful villages with covered bridges, galleries, and the Billings Farm & Museum. Worth a half-day away from slopes.

🍽️

Long Trail Brewing Company

Dining

Vermont's second-oldest craft brewery offers tours and a tasting room in Bridgewater Corners. The Long Trail Ale is a local classic.

🏔️

Pico Mountain

Outdoor

Killington's smaller sibling offers a mellower experience with no crowds. Same ownership, connected by shuttle, different vibe entirely.

🧘

KILLINGTON Spa

Wellness

Full-service spa at the Grand Resort Hotel for recovery after big ski days. Massages, treatments, and fitness facilities.

🏔️

Snowmobile Tours

Outdoor

Multiple operators offer guided snowmobile tours through the Green Mountain National Forest. A different way to experience Vermont winter.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Tubing at Killington

Family

Snow tubing park at the resort is great for families and non-skiers looking for winter fun without the learning curve.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Ice Skating at the Spa

Family

Outdoor skating rink at the base area provides a break from skiing and a quintessential winter activity.

WHERE TO STAY

THE FOOD SCENE

During ski-season service, the K-1 Express Gondola reaches Peak Lodge for a summit meal. Down on the access road, JAX Food & Games at 1667 Killington Road serves pub food beside its arcade.

Liquid Art on Miller Brook Road combines coffee, breakfast and local art. For a leisurely evening, The Foundry at Summit Pond takes dinner reservations at 63 Summit Path.