Killington

Killington has the largest ski area in eastern North America and claims to be the planet's biggest snowmaker, with nearly 1,500 snow guns pointing at its slopes. This formidable arsenal, along with a healthy average of natural snowfall, helps make it one of the most snowsure resorts in the USA. 

The original resort is spread out over several miles along a three-lane highway up to the ski area, but the newest resort development has taken place at the base of the slopes. The ski area above extends for more than 16km (10 miles) and is within the dozen biggest in the USA for vertical drop. As another example of its size, it is also one of only three resorts in the country to operate more than 30 lifts - along with Vail and Squaw Valley.

Resort elevation: 318m (1,043ft).

Top elevation: 1,292m (4,215ft).

Base elevation: 318m (1,043ft).

Number of lifts: 32.

Number of runs: 200.

Average annual snowfall: 6.4m (21ft).

Killington is located at the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains in New England, northeastern USA.

The season runs from mid December to mid April.

Killington has a reputation for slope-grooming quality on a variety of trails from wide open cruisers such as Needle's Eye and Skyeburst, to steep carving terrain on Double Dipper and Cascade. Snowmaking blankets the resort's best known trails such as Outer Limits, the longest, steepest mogul run in the eastern USA. 

Killington's three heated gondolas deliver skiers and riders of all ability levels to not only groomed wide-open cruisers, but classic narrow New England trails, moguls, steeps, and 16 tree skiing areas. 

For freeskiers and riders, Killington offers multiple terrain features including Bear Mountain's terrain parks and 130m- (430ft-) long superpipe with 5m (18ft) walls.

Numerous off-mountain winter activities include dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating.

Killington's Friendly Penguin nursery accepts children aged five months and up at the base of the slopes. It has its own snow play area with conveyor-type lift so that children aged two and older can first try skis on in a safe and supervised environment.

On the slopes the Ramshead mountain is particularly geared up to families and the Family Centre at the base of the area houses ski school, children's equipment hire, family dining and a host of other facilities especially for families.

There's a moderate shopping selection, but you'll need a car to travel between most of them, spread along Killington Road. The largest retail area is at the base of Killington Road where it meets US Route 4, known as Killington Outfitters. Serious retail therapy is half an hour away in the town of Rutland or there's factory-outlet shopping in Manchester.

Killington has probably the best nightlife at an eastern North American ski resort, with more than 40 bars and other night spots to choose from.

When the lifts close you have a choice of seven après-ski bars at the base of the slopes, including the popular Long Trail Pub. Most famous of all is the historic Wobbly Barn (Killington Road) which was established in 1963. Hugely popular, it doesn't take table reservations but opens at 1600 on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are more than 100 places to eat around Killington, the vast majority unpretentious, high value and high quality establishments. Among the best known is Outback Pizza (Killington Road), which also delivers, and has a reputation for fantastic pizza made with unbleached flour, fresh mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil. Monday is pizza buffet night.

Ovations restaurant (Killington Grand Resort Hotel, 228 East Mountain Road) offers some of the finest dining in the resort, with tables overlooking the ski slopes.

A shuttle service up and down Killington Road means you can get around without your car, although your own hire vehicle is always handy.

Take a day off the slopes and book a Grand Spa Day at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel (see Accommodation below). Indulge in blissful relaxation with a green tea body glow treatment, aromatherapy massage, deep cleansing facial, and warm aroma paraffin manicure and pedicure.

Luxury

Killington Grand Resort Hotel, Spa & Conference Center
The best location in the resort, with 4-star quality slopeside.

228 East Mountain Road
Tel: (802) 422 5001 or 1 877 458 4637.
Website: www.killington.com

Moderate

Holiday Inn Rutland
Holiday Inn quality including swimming pool.

476 US Route 7 South
Tel: (802) 775 1911 or 1 800 462 4810.
Website: www.hivermont.com

Budget

Cedarbrook Motor Inn Suites
High-value lodging within walking distance of Sunrise base and Trail Creek.

Junction of Routes 4 and 100 South
Tel: (802) 422 9266.
Website: www.homestead.com/cedarbrookatkillington

Nearest airports: Boston (BOS); Montreal (YUL).

Distance to resort: 257km (161 miles); 319km (198 miles).

Driving time: 3 hours; 3 hours 40 minutes.

Snow reliability, Beginners, Snowboarders, Experts, Après ski, Intermediates