Killington & Pico

The Beast of the east.

Killington is the largest ski area in the eastern United States with the most vertical drop in New England. 155 trails and six peaks with high speed lifts and beginner terrain as great as the double black diamonds less than five hours from New York City. At 4,229 feet Killington is 2nd only in Vermont elevation to Mount Mansfield at Stowe.

If you’re looking for the big time and don’t mind long lift lines, here’s your spot. For faster access to the top of the Mountain ascend via the Skyeship Gondola on Route 4, east of the main base lodge, an insider scoop. Easy parking after an artful cupcake at Dream Maker Bakers about two miles north of the Skyeship Base Lodge.

Killington Peak features the architectural marvel K-1 Lodge, designed by the Breadloaf Corporation in Middlebury, with fantastic apres and live music.

Ramshead, Sunrise for beginners, Snowdon, and Bear Mountain with the steepest mogul run in the east and one of the largest snowboarder half pipes. Try the epic five mile descent back to the Skyeship Base Lodge after the last lift.

Killington offers the longest ski season opening earliest and closing latest with an average 250″ each winter and the ambitious Six Peaks Village plan which, once completed, will lift this resort high. $30 million in capital improvements are planned after selling in 2024 to 16 investors’ Killington Independence Group.

Pico has 57 trails, seven lifts and a base area of restaurants, hotel, condos and fitness center a few miles west of Killington, connected by car or bus. There have been plans to link Killington and Pico but trails haven’t been cut. Your Killington pass should cover Pico lifts too and if you spring for the amazing Ikon Pass you can ski all over the world as well as a week at Killington.

Ski and ride, hike the Long Trail, head east to Woodstock, or south to Ludlow and Okemo, so much to do. Restaurants in every direction, especially along the Access Road. Have breakfast at the Back Country Cafe then lunch at the Peak Lodge high atop the mountain with breathtakingly beautiful views through the walls of glass. The massive bowls of ramen will satisfy the hungriest. Eateries are everywhere. Choices, the Foundry at Summit Pond, i Pie Pizzeria and Masala Corner are just the tip of the iceburg. Need an adventure? Road trip into Rutland and check out Roots.

Rent at ATV Vermont, race the Mountain Bike Trails, pick apples at Mendon Mountain Orchards or hike the Appalachian Trail before a pint of guiness at the McGrath’s Irish Pub. Go nordic at Mountain Top Resort Cross Country Skiing or have faster fun via Snowmobile Vermont. At the end of the day, treat yourself to something soothing at the Spa at the Woods.

Whatever adventure you’re after, the Beast will take you by the horns for an unforgettable stay.