Killington Ski Area

First time visitors to Killington can be intimidated by the resort’s massive layout. The complex trail map can be as confusing as it is helpful at times, but the resort does a good job of providing signage to different base areas.

Twenty Six percent of the 200 trails are graded “easier” (53 beginner trails), 34 percent “more difficult” (67 intermediate trails), and 40 percent “most difficult’ (80 trails). But the ski trails are tightly packed into 1,215 acres (492 ha) so the ski area is quite complex -averaging only 5.9 acres (2.3 ha) and 0.4 miles (0.7km) per trail. All together the ski trails add up to 87 miles (140 km) with the longest trail (Juggernaut)  at 6.2 miles (10 km).

Killington is also home to the largest learning complex in eastern North America-this area is called Snowshed-and Rams Head is an ideal mountain area for families. Outer Limits, the steepest mogul slope in the East, covers 1,200 feet (365 m) of vertical in half a mile (0.8 km).

Of the seven mountains, nearby Pico is altogether much more low-key and deserves a detour for a few quiet trails and the quaint intimacy of old-time New England skiing on less-crowded slopes over 14 miles (22 km) of diverse terrain. This includes a 1,967-foot (600-m) vertical and 48 trails, plus a central base village and lodge complete with roaring log fire. Or, for a little of that 1960s-style, drop in at Suicide Six close to Woodstock.

Killington’s 19-vehicle Stealth Grooming fleet-one of the best around-is state-of-the-art and busy each night. Some trails are half-groomed, allowing bumps and terrain features to develop on the other side of the trail. Killington has thinned out some forest areas to create so-called “Fusion Zones” (the resort’s official glades) and although they get tracked quickly, they offer great rides for intermediates and above when covered in fresh powder.