Featured Image: Courtesy of Killington Resort
Killington Resort, fondly known as The Beast of the East, has been in the news a lot lately and for all the right reasons. During the summer of 2024, POWDR Corp. announced that they would be selling the iconic Vermont ski hill to local investors, making Killington independently owned for the first time in decades. Since then, it seems as though the press releases haven’t stopped flowing.
The sale sent a shockwave around the ski industry, as few had expected POWDR to relinquish control over an asset as valuable as Killington. Nevertheless, feedback was generally positive, but change always comes with suspicion. By no means had POWDR ran the mountain poorly, as the resort’s reputation precedes itself. But if any doubts were there before, they’ve slowly withered away.
Killington has announced major changes from lift renovations and discounted tickets for Vermont and New Hampshire residents to dining and everything in between. Here are five of FREESKIER’s top announcements from The Beast we think you should know about.
1. Installation of 1,000 New Energy Efficient Snow Guns
Snowmaking is a huge part of Killington’s claim to fame, with the mountain harnessing the proper infrastructure, allowing them to maintain steep trails like Superstar well into spring. The resort typically makes around 30-40 feet of snow in order to keep Superstar skiable until June, which points to the massive undertaking of the project.
To keep The Beast skiing well for years to come, the mountain has announced the installation of 1,000 new energy-efficient snow guns. This will impact not only Superstar but also enable snowmaking efforts on runs such as Vertigo and Devil’s Fiddle for the first time in a decade.
Snowmaking has been churning away on Devil’s Fiddle this winter
2. Superstar Quad to be Replaced by a High-Speed Six-Pack Lift During Summer 2025
The beloved Superstar quad lift has shuttled skiers up Killington for years, operating well into the spring and delivering the longest season on the East by servicing the Superstar trail. But all good things must end, or in this case, be improved. Killi announced that the Superstar lift will be replaced this summer, with infrastructure removal beginning after the chairs spin for the final time on Sunday, April 13. The new lift is scheduled to debut in December of 2025. There will be a special sendoff party that Sunday celebrating the 38-year run of this influential piece of machinery.
Despite Superstar closing early, Killington is still planning on having the longest season in the East. Extra snowmaking efforts will be moved from Superstar to Double Dipper, Downdraft, Rime, Reason and Lower East Fall (Canyon area) trails. Skyelark, Bittersweet and Ovation will stay open as long as conditions allow.
3. All 116 Skyeship Gondola Cabins to be Replaced
Another big development to Killington’s lift infrastructure involves the famous Skyeship Gondola, which runs from the Skyeship Base and shuttles skiers in two stages up over a mile and a quarter to Skye Peak. All 116 gondola cabins will be replaced, enhancing visitors’ experience with a needed upgrade.
The Skyeship Gondola is not to be confused with the K-1 Gondola, which sits at the K-1 base area. The K-1 Gondola will still be operational until May 11, providing access to North Ridge and the Canyon quad lifts.
4. Upcoming Events – Tell A Friend Tour, Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge & Dazed and Defrosted
Killington is never one to slack on the events, and despite the change in ownership, this year is no different. The full event calendar is features a stacked lineup, but our top picks are:
- Tell A Friend Tour – 3/2
Join Andy Parry and several members of the LINE Skis team as they bring the party to Killington. Pizza and laps with the pros are guaranteed, and you’re more than likely to walk away from the event with a handful of free gear… and maybe even free skis. By bringing together skiers of all abilities and showcasing the immense passion in the freeski community, TAFT is a great time, whether you’re doing K-Feds with ease or if it’s your first time hitting a box.
The Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge has been pulling in skiers since 1981. The event is held on Outer Limits, the longest and steepest mogul run on the East Coast. Spectators and tailgaters gather in the early hours of the morning to kick off the day and welcome in competitors from all over. The top 32 men and 16 women compete for a panel of judges who reward both speed and style. Bragging rights and prizes are given, with only eight names being etched into history on the three-tier mogul trophy. Now is your chance to be cemented in freeski glory!
- Dazed & Defrosted – 4/19
It’s the annual spring fest at Killington. You’ll probably come for the skiing and stay for the party. Live music, soft snow, hot laps and cold beers will all be in high supply. Dazed & Defrosted is an epic way to welcome in spring from the slopes. Plus, season pass holders will be treated to a free BBQ lunch at K-1. Quite frankly, that sounds like the best day of all time.
5. Unrivaled On-Hill Food – Jerk Jamaican Mountain Grill, Ledgewood Yurt & K-1 Raw Oyster Bar
Yes, you read that title correctly. Killington is serving up on-hill eats that are rivaled by few other ski areas, if any. The Jerk Jamaican Mountain Grill sits at the base of the second stage of the Skyeship Gondola, near the Northbrook and Needles Eye quad chairlifts. Open Thursday through Monday, the shack offers up an incredible array of food that will have you lounging under the sun with a smile on your face.
The Ledgewood Yurt and K-1 Raw Oyster Bar are the two other spots on the mountain where you’d likely find the FREESKIER crew. The ski in/ski out yurt is open on the weekends and serves up a mean drink and lunch menu to those who make the trek. Of course, if you’re on the East Coast, you might as well indulge in the seafood offerings, and the K-1 Raw Oyster Bar is the ideal spot to take advantage of nature’s offerings.
