By Lisa Marie Mercer
Killington
The Killington Ski
resort has two popular nicknames. One is "The Beast of the East," and the other is K-Mart. Some people use "beast of the east" in reference to Killington's gnarly terrain. Others use it to describe the general attitude that prevails in the resort. Because of its location, Killington attracts a large
New York and
Boston crowd. The resort tends to get very crowded. As a result, tempers will flare. The K-Mart reference has to do with the fact that Killington is probably one of the most commercialized
resorts in Vermont. In fact, on first approach, the area looks more like New Jersey than Vermont. That said, advanced skiers and riders love Killington for its secret stashes and party atmosphere.
Features
The Killington Ski resort is composed of six mountains. The resort boasts 141 trails. Killington has the distinction of being the largest ski area in the Eastern United States. Additionally, it has the highest gondola-serviced terrain in all of New England. The resort is affiliated with the neighboring Pico Mountain, which actually gives it seven mountains, which offer 88 miles of skiiable terrain. The trails are serviced by 29 lifts, which include three gondolas and seven express chairlifts. In December of 2008, Killington celebrated its 50th birthday by adding the new Sky peak Express lift and upgrading its snowmaking systems. The resort receives an annual average snowfall of 250 inches. Its award-winning terrain park, as well as its 430-foot half pipe, make it a popular venue for snowboarders. Killington is characterized by its narrow, winding classic New England trails.
Pros and Cons
If size matters, then Killington is the ideal New England ski resort. It boasts terrain choices for every level of skier or snowboarder, as well as extensive on-mountain lodging. Killington is also known as a single's bar on the snow. The resort is one big non-stop party, which is great if that's what you are looking for. Unfortunately, a party attitude, combined with a rude and inattentive staff, can make for an extremely negative experience at Killington. Additionally, while there is a good deal of terrain at Killington, most of the trails are connected by cat tracks, which are long, flat narrow trails. Skiers should be prepared to do a good deal of polling, and snowboarders may want to ask a skier to help pull them along. Killington is also extremely expensive. Lift tickets are almost the same price as those at the Colorado and Utah resorts. Although there is a massive amount of lodging, most of it is charmless and ugly. The on-mountain cafeteria food is overpriced and inedible.
Bottom Line
If you are an advanced skier or snowboarder who is looking for an active apres ski life and challenging terrain, then you will probably think that you have died and gone to heaven at Killington. Unfortunately, when you look at your wallet at the end of your vacation, you will feel as if you have gone in the opposite direction. The rude, or at best apathetic, staff is a constant complaint among many visitors to Killington. At these prices, you could at least expect a smile. Furthermore, the crowding makes Killington a dangerous experience. Collisions are commonplace, and, unlike other resorts, the ski patrol does not pull the lift tickets of skiers or riders who are out of control. Vermont offers many better options, which include Okemo, Stratton, Mount Snow, Sugarbush or Mad River Glen.
Resources
About the Author:
Lisa Marie Mercer is the author of "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness," "101 Fitness Tips for Women," "Breckenridge: A Guide to the Sights and Slopes of Summit County" and a novel, "Reflections in the Snow." She's been a fitness professional since the '70s, and has lived in New York City, Boston and Italy.
Photo Credits:
Joe Shlabotnik
