Nicholas Baglio ‘29
Matthew Gavern ‘29
EE Staff Writers
From Maine to Vermont, New England offers some of the most well-developed and refined skiing conditions any area has to offer. Mountains with a variety of different skill-level trails like Mount Snow in South Vermont to smaller, more simple mountains like Butternut in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, are all within a 3 hour drive of Connecticut. However, by far in our opinion, the best mountain in all of the Northeast Coast is Killington Mountain.
Killington Mountain Overview
One of the most highly rated and top-notch ski resorts on the east coast is Mount Killington located in the central green mountains of Rutland, Vermont. Offering green, blue, and black-level terrain, Killington provides an impressive 155 trails. Bringing in about 1.1 million skiers a year and 30,000 visitors a day, Killington has become quite popular over the last couple of years. What started as 2 original peaks has turned into 5 major ski mountains which each have their own unique lodges, restaurants, and even new residential homes. The 5 Killington Summits include: Sunrise Mountain, Bear Mountain, Killington Peak, Ramshead Mountain, and Skye Peak/Snowdon Mountain.
Sunrise Peak
Sunrise Mountain is a great place for beginner skiers. 5 bunny slopes for kids in Killington’s ski school program are offered as well as different hotels such as the Sunrise Rental Condominiums. This peak is also where many children go for their ski school lessons and also has a new edition of a high speed quad called the Sundance Lift.
Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain, also known as “Daredevil Peak”, is home to many black diamond trails such as Devil’s Fiddle, Spacewalk, and Wildfire. This peak is for the much more advanced and dangerous skier. Bear Mountain also gives the après skier the opportunity for a nice break at the Bear Mountain Food Court.
Killington Peak (K1)
Killington Peak, the main peak of the resort, is home to most trails of Killington. Contributing 30 lifts and gondolas, Killington Peak is a fan favorite of many. By far, the best trail on the mountain to get some good skiing in is on Killington’s widest trail, Snowshed. Snowshed is a great way for skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts to get some great exercise in. Also some highly recommended trails on Killington Peak are the 4 mile long Great Eastern, the longest trail on the mountain, K1, and another widely-known trail, Dreammaker, a black diamond with excellent terrain for more advanced skiers and snowboarders. Also home to well-liked Jamaican cuisine, The Jerk is located at the mid-point of Killington peak. Killington has even built a restaurant on the highest point of the mountain called 4,241’s Lodge, a great place for a quick snack.
Ramshead Summit
Another summit, Ramshead Summit, offers most of the mountain’s terrain parks as well as many other popular trails. Providing skiers and snowboards many ramps, jumps, and rails, Ramshead has some of the best parks. Home to courses such as Little Stash, Easy Street, and Timberlane Parks, according to many expert skiers and snowboarders, Killington has some of the best terrain park trails and speed jumps the east coast has to offer.
Skye Peak/Snowdon Mountain
The last peak of Killington that will be noted today is Skye Peak. Skye Peak is the smallest peak of them all and is built off of Killington Main Peak. This mountain offers many thrilling trails, again, for the more advanced skier or snowboarder. However, this peak is a great place for blue-leveled skiers and snowboarders. Contributing to trails like Moose Run, Full House, and the infamous Kilinker Connecter Trail, Skye Peak is the perfect peak for intermediate skiers. Also, if you get hungry, skiers can take a break at Snowdon Lodge where you can get a great cup of hot cocoa.
In conclusion, Killington really stands out as one of the best mountains in Vermont because it has a little something for everyone. With its long season, tons of trails, and all-inclusive atmosphere, it’s a place where you can keep coming back to and never getting bored. In the end, Killington is not just a mountain but an experience that makes one’s trip feel worth it.