Industry News
Vermont’s Killington Resort, known as “The Beast of the East,” received its first snow of the 2024-25 season this morning, marking the unofficial start of winter in the Northeast. The light dusting, coupled with the resort’s snowmaking capabilities, sets the stage for another promising ski season.
Killington is historically the first to open in New England, thanks to its incredible snowmaking system and a team dedicated to being the first every year. Check out this list of previous early openings. Last season it opened on November 3. The resort starts with the North Ridge quad and two trails, Rime and Reason, and utilizes the K-1 Gondola alongside the peak walkway to cater to early-season skiers. Though some walking is required, making turns before anyone else on the East Coast is always worth it.
As Killington prepares for the upcoming winter, excitement builds for the annual Audi FIS Ski World Cup. Taking place November 29-December 1, the event will once again bring women’s giant slalom and slalom races to Vermont. The event is expected to attract Stifel U.S. Ski Team superstars, including seven-time Stifel Killington Cup slalom victor and winningest alpine skier in history, Mikaela Shiffrin, who may be going for her historic 100th victory. She’ll be joined by teammates, former University of Vermont skier Paula Moltzan, Olympian AJ Hurt , and Nina O’Brien, who is making her return from injury this season.
- Related: New Killington Resort, VT, Ownership Group to Invest $30 Million in On-Mountain Capital Improvements
This season holds particular significance as it marks the first under new ownership. POWDR, the resort’s longtime operator, recently finalized a deal to sell Killington and its sister resort, Pico Mountain, to a group of local investors. The new ownership group, led by Phill Gross and Michael Ferri, is committed to reinvesting all profits into capital improvements for the foreseeable future, with an initial $30 million injection being the first of many phases of capital improvements.
Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort, expressed optimism about the upcoming season. “We are all looking forward to a bright future of independence, which would not be possible without many successful years under the POWDR umbrella. POWDR’s investment and management set the tone for the great years to come.”
Killington has a history of extending its ski season well into spring, often being the last resort to close on the East Coast. Last season, the resort operated for 196 days, closing on June 1, 2024.
With the first snow now on the ground, Killington’s team is working diligently to prepare for opening day. While an official opening date has not been announced, the resort typically aims to welcome skiers by early November, weather permitting.
