Looking for a ski hill that has snow all winter? Killington Mountain has some of the best vertical and snow in the East Coast area. 140 slopes, 22 lifts and 71 miles of terrain is enough to keep even the most avid skier or rider busy for a week.
Only four hours from New York City, the resort is perfect if you’re still looking for a great place to go for spring break or even for end-of-the-season skiing. It is one of our favorite mountains because it’s so family friendly and has options for those who like “em steep and deep”. We just love bombing down Super Star like we are Alberto Tomba “la Bomba” and the moguls at Bear Mountain can’t be beat.
At our recent visit, we had the pleasure of staying at the Big House in Killington. The big house sleeps 30 and is a massive building with four-star accommodations: beautiful bathrooms, sparkling kitchens and super comfortable beds. We were very well rested after long day of skiing. We also loved soaking our aching bones in the fantastic outdoor hot tub while watching the children go sledding in the backyard. There is also an outdoor fire pit for the kids to warm themselves after sledding or to make s’mores.
Lift tickets, ski rentals and ski school:
- Forerunner Ski Shop on the access road has great rentals. That said, it is probably less expensive to rent them in your hometown and haul ’em up yourself
- Lift ticket prices are pretty reasonable at $80 and you can save by buying in advance. Costco even has 3 day tickets for $189
- Parking is tough so be sure to get Mountain early to get a good spot at K1
- The kids programs at Ramshead are excellent and we’ve used many times for babysitting and ski school. They serve lunch and even make a craft!
Lodging and three no-nonsense family restaurants:
- The big house VBRO site: makes it easy to check out the wonderful accommodations
- VBRO or Dwellable.com: are easy options for rentals and B&Bs
- The Killington Grand Resort Hotel is the ski-in and out option but is bucks
- Casey’s caboose: the food is not gourmet cuisine but your kids will be excited to sit in a real train car and nobody will blink an eye if they yell
- Charity’s Tavern features yummy bar fare for a perfect family après ski
- Foundry serves American Bistro-Style dining with a cheery atmosphere
- Other slightly more pricey options: Sushi Yoshi, Wobbly Barn and The Garlic
Unique attractions
- Post March 1st snow fall is between 51” and 189” so Killington has been know to be open very late in the season
- Killington is accessible by train and bus which is unusual for ski resorts
- The Tubing park is located right at the heart of the resort and is open Thursday-Sunday. Enjoy the all-new Parkside Pizza Pub located at the tubing venue
- Snow Cat drawn sleigh rides: end your day with a sleigh ride that departs Snowshed Lodge at 5:00 p.m. They deliver to the Ledgewood Yurt restaurant and the Motor Room bar atop Devil’s Fiddle
- The resort also boasts an amazing ski racing academy called the Killington Mountain School
Ways to save cash
- Make bacon egg and cheese sandwiches at your Condo to jump-start the day
- Pack delicious roast beef and swiss cheese sandwiches (ingredients from the Killington market) then store your lunch in the lockers at the lodge (bring quarters)
- When you buy your three-day lift tickets at Costco, grab some quick easy meals and hand and feet warmers
- Trade off easy home cooked meals with nights on the town
Quick packing Tips:
- Try to pack 2-3 days before the trip so you have time to check the items several times. Lay out items in a pile for each person: long underwear, ski jacket, pants, neck warmers, hat, helmet, gloves, ski socks and boots
- Pack extra gloves & socks
- Be sure to take time to pack for Mom; we always forget something key like gloves
- Don’t forget your cell phone charger
Let’s pray to the snow gods for a great ski season!
Related articles
- Killington Ski Resort Set for Major Winter Fun in Snow (Video) (nesn.com)
- Ski Vermont Celebrates the Heart of Winter with Valentine and Presidential Events and Deals (prweb.com)
- Best Spring Skiing for Families (dwellable.com)
- Take out Time for Tubing (Braveskimom)
- Family Ski Trip Review of Berkshire East
- Thanks to Ben Arquit for the helpful tips!
Awesome tips! With snow making covering 80% of trails, there is good snow coverage at Killington even in low snowfall year and they are often open early season like October and November.