Featured Image: Courtesy of Killington Resort
The East Coast of America is home to many things; superb bagels, a music scene that could power the globe and some of the most passionate skiers you’ll ever find. In our humble opinion, Killington, Vermont doesn’t get thrown into the “ski mecca” conversation often enough. While the region might not get the same staggering snowfall as Mount Baker, or boast the majestic peaks that one can find in Jackson Hole, it’s home to die-hard rippers and demanding terrain that will test any skier. But it’s the passion alone that puts it on the list of ski sanctuaries in our book. For further proof, one only needs to take a look at Killington’s closing day on June 1st, 2024.
Killington, or The Beast as it’s fondly known, has long been known to host some of the longest-running resort seasons in North America. This year was no different, as the resort was one of the few to bring its winter season into June. By our accounts, only Arapahoe Basin in Colorado and Timberline at Mount Hood, Oregon are still spinning lifts. That puts Killington alongside some highly respected company. This year, to close out the 23/24 ski season, locals were treated to blue skies, 80 degree weather and a stellar white ribbon curated by Killington’s skilled mountain ops and grooming team.
After opening for skiing during Memorial Day Weekend, it was up in the air whether or not Killington would open again in June. But hope was high, as Communications Manager Kristel Killary claimed, “The goal is always to make it to June. This year we really weren’t sure if it was going to happen. But thanks to our snowmaking and grooming teams we were able to pull it together on the very same trail that we use for the Killington Cup, which is scheduled to take place again this year on Thanksgiving weekend.”
Locals at The Beast had to work a little harder to get their turns in, as can be the case on the East Coast. After departing the Superstar Express Lift, the intrepid skiers had to make their way over grass and rock alike, down a treacherous face (complete with a rope dangling from snow cats perched above to help aid on the descent). Treacherous might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s exactly this kind of dedication we love to see in the wide world of skiing. It was only fitting that the resort had merch made to commemorate the illustrious tradition. Patrol handed out t-shirts that read, “Killington – The Endless Winter – Superstar Glacier, June 1 2024.”
This closing party was the stuff of legends; the blue bird summer shred that every fanatic skier comes to love. Sure, it’s a massive party, but it’s also a showing of why skiing has absolutely nothing to do with the conditions, and everything to do with community. The extra effort, the tired legs, the sun burn and perhaps ensuing hangover, it’s all worth it because the people around you agree, it’s worth it. Getting up there might seem like a lot of work, but if we can take anything away from the Superstar Glacier it’s that it is always the right choice. Take a look through the photo gallery of Killington’s note worthy celebration and you’ll find a stunning example of why that extra effort goes a long way. Cheers to all of the hungry skiers out East skiing ’till there’s nothing left to ski.
Photo Gallery
Images Courtesy of Killington Resort
