Killington Ski Resort - Review 2023

Resort/Terrain

Killington clocks in at 1,509 skiable acres of terrain, making it the largest resort in the East. They receive an average of 250 inches of snow per year.

For western Americans and Europeans, these figures feel minuscule, and the moniker “The Beast From the East” seems inflated. Killington answers its doubters with an offering of 155 marked runs and a vertical drop of over 3,000 feet. By any measure, even for the Colorado and Utah resorts, that’s a lot of terrain. Moreover, the inclusion of Pico Mountain on the same lift ticket adds another 400 acres of skiable terrain, amassing almost 2,000 acres of skiable terrain.

The uninitiated approach east coast skiing with their share of preconceived notions. Many call it the “ice coast” or believe that east coast skiing happens on measly hills compared to the towering mountains of the west. This opinion isn’t wrong, nor is it entirely right.

Killington has 43% of its runs rated as advanced or expert — don’t be surprised if these runs catch you off guard! What Vermont lacks in dizzying tall peaks, Killington makes up for with tightly gladed steeps and moguls that demand the ability to turn on a dime. Experts can even access some hikeable terrain from the top of the K1 Gondola!

The remaining terrain is 17% beginner trails and 40% intermediate. Skiers of all calibers can find good terrain to cut their teeth on New England skiing at Killington.

Killington also shines in its freestyle riding capacity. There are multiple lines through the Woodward Mountain Park offering everything from beginner progression lines to large features recommended only for experts. At the season’s peak, park riders may have access to as many as 150 freestyle features.

The snow at Killington can be variable. The mountain has slopes at various aspects; meaning conditions can change wildly from one side of the mountain to the other — you can ski powder and scraped out ice on the same day.

Getting There

Killington Ski Resort is roughly six miles from the town of Killington. Killington, Vermont, is centrally located in Vermont.

The nearest major cities are Boston, 160 miles to the southeast; Montreal, 190 miles to the northwest; and New York City, which is approximately 5 hours by car. There are bus services that run from Boston and New York City to Killington Ski Resort, but Killington is spread out over several base areas, and there is no specific mountain village to stay in. Having a car to get around between the resort, lodging and bars is pretty useful.

Travel by air is possible, flights are available by Cape Air to the Rutland Regional Airport which is only 55 miles from Killington Ski Resort. Be sure to plan ahead and reserve either a rental car or shuttle service as these facilities are not provided onsite at the Rutland Airport.

For our readers with particularly deep pockets, you can charter a helicopter directly from New York City to Killington Resort.

Pro Tip: Killington is spread out over several base areas. If it’s your first time visiting Killington, you’ll want to shoot for the K1 Base Area off of Killington Road!

Accommodations

Killington has a fairly extensive list of lodging options. The only downside is that its slopeside options are limited, and there isn’t a centralized mountain village.

In the Sunrise base area, there are condos that offer ski-in and ski-out access. This area provides little in the way of bars or restaurants, however.

Most lodging options are located along the access road, Killington Road. Along this route, you’ll also find a variety of bars and restaurants. What this option lacks in immediate base area access, it makes up for in apres!

The best traditional slopeside lodging option is the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. This hotel is Killington’s only full-service slopeside hotel!

Facilities

Killington Ski Resort itself is relatively humble. The mountain has a standard offering of transportation services, dining options, a gondola, and some lodging options.

Killington has several different base areas, each with its own facilities. Not all base areas are created equal, though, and it’s essential to make sure you’re accessing the mountain from the right place. The K1 base area is where most people will want to head to start off.

Killington, relative to resorts like Vail, Aspen, or Jackson Hole, is lacking in facilities that some visitors may expect from a “resort.” There is very limited shopping, and you shouldn’t expect to find high-end boutiques or specialty stores at Killington.

Families and Kids

Killington is considered a very family and child-friendly resort!

There is a decent amount of beginner terrain that will suit young children and families that are skiing together well. The geography of the East lends itself to runs that are wider and flatter than the narrow and steep runs western skiers are used to. This allows for a lot of terrain that is accessible to the whole family!

If you’re visiting Killington with young kids that haven’t yet caught the skiing bug, Killington operates an onsite childcare facility. The daycare operates out of the Ramshead Base Lodge.

The Killington Childcare Program accepts children ages 2-12, but take care to reserve your spot online ahead of time, as space can be limited during peak dates!

For Beginners

Killington is a perfect resort for beginners. There is a good amount of beginner terrain, and the blues at Killington are not considered very difficult, meaning there’s a lot of terrain beginners can enjoy.

Additionally, there is a ski school at Killington that offers a variety of different lesson options. Options include group and private lessons for both children and adult learners. They also offer a variety of season-long programs like the Woodward program for kids and teens, a Women’s only program, mogul camps, and more!

For Snowboarders

Killington Ski Resort is open to and very welcoming of snowboarders! The wide runs are great for carving on your snowboard, really allowing you the space to get that surfy-feeling.

Killington is also known in the East for its diverse offering of terrain parks that freestyle snowboarders will feel right at home in!

The only downside to snowboarding at Killington is the icy and variable snow conditions, which snowboards are less adept at handling.

Apres-Ski

Killington is known for its notoriously lively apres scene. Many would say it’s the best apres on the East Coast!

There are two distinct flavors of apres on offer at Killington. The first can aptly be described by the Danish word – hygge. Hygge loosely translates to a feeling of cozy togetherness in the winter months.

Keeping in the fashion you’d expect from Vermont, there are various relaxed lodge-style apres atmospheres. The Ledgewood Yurt tucked away in the woods off of the Northbrook Trail is a favorite! Make sure to try out the Peak Lodge, at the summit of Killington, for an upscale on-mountain experience.

Killington is also known for its other flavor of apres: the wild party scene. Those looking for a rowdy time at Killington flock to spots like Moguls Sports Bar, the Wobbly Barn, or the Pickle Barrel Nightclub.

These spots bring together ski culture, live music, drinks, dancing, and more! There’s no shortage of ways to experience epic apres nights at Killington.

The Bottom Line

Killington has earned its reputation as “The Beast of the East” honestly. If you’re making a stop in New England this winter, your time is best spent at Killington.

While it’s true that the Beast’s 1,500 acres of terrain is a laughable number for Western skiers, it’s the best the East has to offer! They’ve managed to pack over 150 runs into the relatively small area, making for plenty of new trails to explore.

However, it has to be said that Killington doesn’t have a lot to offer in the way of hair-raising steeps. You’re not going to find gripping knife ridges or massive peak descents at Killington, so adjust your expectations accordingly.

The lack of a true mountain village at Killington is a detractor for some, but for others it keeps the focus of the ski resort on skiing. Many people will find the lack of boutiques and fur coats refreshing!

Some visitors feel that this lack of a central village and multiple mountain accommodations also creates some logistical difficulties. You’ll have to travel from your lodging to the mountain, and utilize transport services to access the apres options unless you have a car!

That being said, there are good public transport options available to Killington, making this a non-issue for most.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for a party, Killington is the place for you. Even without a mountain village to center on, the apres scene at Killington is great.

As is the norm for most resorts nowadays, Killington is on a mega-pass. Killington is partnered with Ikon, and while that can provide savings on ticket prices, it also brings massive crowds. This is compounded by its relative proximity to several major cities. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday ski trip, Killington probably isn’t the best bet, as it gets descended on heavily during peak season dates.

All things considered, Killington has its limitations, but it is the apex of skiing in the East. While it can’t be compared to Western resorts, if you find yourself with skis in hand on the East Coast, Killington is worth the trip!