How to Plan a Ski Trip to Killington, Vermont

Killington Ski Resort in Vermont more than earns the nickname “Beast of the East.” After all, it’s home to the second-highest summit across the entire Green Mountain range. But that’s not its only superlative. It’s also the largest ski resort on the East Coast, with six mountain peaks, 19 lifts, 155 trails, a half-pipe, and the highest vertical drop in New England at 3,050 feet. Plus, it has some of the most sophisticated snowmaking in the state, allowing it to open earlier and close later than other ski areas in the region. But hang on, because there’s more. 

Killington is famous for its après-ski scene and boisterous nightclubs, making it a popular weekend destination for skiers from the tri-state area and beyond. As a native New Yorker, I’ve been to Killington numerous times over the years, and was eager to see how the resort had changed. During my visit in December 2023, I was glad to see lots of on-mountain improvements, including a rebuilt K-1 Lodge and faster gondolas. But I was also heartened to see that Killington still prides itself on its nightlife and that all the venerable clubs were still packed with snow pant-wearing revelers on weekends. 

Killington is about 150 miles from Boston and 260 miles from Manhattan—there are even day-trip buses that depart from Union Square before dawn. But if you stay longer than a day, you’ll have more time to explore the resort’s 1,509 skiable acres of diverse terrain, no shortage of places to grab a drink with family and friends, and access to a sibling mountain. That mountain, Pico, is just 10 minutes away by car, with an additional 58 trails to zip down. Here’s how you can plan a fantastic trip of your own.   

When to Go

Killington Ski Resort usually opens around mid-November and doesn’t close until May or June. The best snow conditions are typically late January through March, when nature and snowmaking machines combine to work their powder-producing magic.

Where to Stay

Killington Grand Resort Hotel

This is the only full-service hotel on the mountain, a quick walk across the ski bridge from the Snowshed Lodge. While not super luxurious, the Killington Grand Resort Hotel has a large heated outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a gym, and a spa. The 532 units (which are privately owned and rented out by Killington) are styled in a traditional mountain aesthetic and vary in size from two-person studios to a 10-person penthouse with an in-room sauna.  

Mountain Inn Killington

About one minute away by complimentary shuttle is the Mountain Inn Killington,  a modern rustic hotel with a liquor distillery, a cozy bar and restaurant, and a heated outdoor pool. The clean and functional rooms have shiplap headboards, bedside lamps with USB chargers, and, in some cases, mountain-view terraces. Continental breakfast is included, and pets are welcome. Depending on how much gear you have, it’s also close enough to walk to the base lift.   

Killington Mountain Lodge

If you want more breathing room, the Killington Mountain Lodge, part of the Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, is a mile away. The pet-friendly hotel has a handsome lobby with a stone fireplace, vintage ski decor, a 20-person outdoor hot tub, a well-equipped gym, and plush lounge areas for reading or playing board games. The 102 rooms are modern and bright. 

Where to Eat

There are dozens of restaurants in Killington, mainly serving American staples like burgers and meatloaf in a tavern-like space. Here are two standouts.

The Foundry at Summit Pond

This is arguably the best-looking restaurant in town, housed in an old post-and-beam structure that sits on a lake. The dining room is rustic and romantically lit, with wrought iron chandeliers and aged wood floors. The food at The Foundry at Summit Pond gets high marks, too, with elevated American fare like tuna tartare, lamb lollipops, and burrata caprese. There is an extensive wine list and an assortment of Vermont craft beers.  

The Garlic

The Garlic bills itself as a tapas and martini bar, but there’s nothing small about the portions at this upscale Tuscan-inspired tavern. The chicken parmigiano and pasta specials are enormous, and it’s not unusual to see diners leaving with doggie bags. The pub-like atmosphere is festive and warm, with garlic braids hanging everywhere.         

Where to Après-ski

It’s no secret that Killington likes to party. The après-ski-to-pub crawl is an honored tradition here, and with nightclubs closing as late as 2 a.m. on weekends, don’t expect huge lift lines on Sunday mornings.

Pickle Barrel

You haven’t experienced Killington nightlife without going to the Pickle Barrel. Spread out over three floors, four bars, and two stages, the party has been raging here since the 1960s. Expect a fun crowd, long lines, and spilled drinks. 

The Wobbly Barn

A short hop away is the town’s other nightclub mainstay: The Wobbly Barn. The venue draws crowds with bands and DJs on weekends. It also has a terrific steakhouse on the lower level that gets rowdier as the night progresses. 

Off-mountain Activities

Ride a snowmobile

Speed across snow without having to strap on skis. Snowmobile Vermont offers one-hour, two-hour, and kid-friendly tours around Killington with a fleet of high-tech Polaris models. Helmets are provided; boots and warm snowsuits are available for an extra fee. 

Go tubing

Who says tubing is only for kids? Race your friends at Killington Tubing Park, located across East Mountain Road from the base lodge and resort. Tubing sessions are one hour long and can be booked in advance.

Get a massage

Rejuvenate your sore muscles at Spa of the Woods, a full-service wellness center with a well-equipped gym, dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room, indoor pool, and hot tub. An assortment of treatments are available, including a Himalayan salt massage and acupuncture.

How to Ride

Tickets

Ikon passes are accepted (no reservations required), and a variety of season and day passes are available. Lift tickets range from one to seven days and must be purchased online—preferably in advance to get the best deal. Pricing for an adult lift ticket starts at about $70 for a single weekday at the end of the season.

Rentals

There are numerous ski and snowboard rental shops along Killington Road and on the mountain (though you’ll pay extra for that convenience). If you’re driving east along Route 4, the First Stop Board Barn stays open until midnight on Fridays, takes online reservations, and will even deliver the equipment to your hotel or condo. If you’re driving the other way, Killington Sports has an extensive selection of the latest brand-name goggles, helmets, and other top-notch accessories (but no gear).

Parking

Free parking is available at all the base lodges. On weekends and peak days, you can pay for preferred parking at K-1 and valet parking at Snowshed.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Killington has 19 lifts serving 155 trails spread across 1,509 skiable acres. Of these trails, 17 percent are marked for beginners (green), 40 percent are marked more difficult (blue), and 43 percent are most difficult (black diamond). There are also several terrain parks and an 18-foot modified half-pipe later in the season.

Programming

The resort offers lessons for all ages (children as young as three years old to adults) and skill levels, from first timers to advanced. Other programs include group ski sessions and specialty camps, such as learning how to master moguls.