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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Vermont
- Ski Resorts
- Killington
Killington
With seven peaks and 87 miles (140km) of trails, Killington is
the biggest winter sports resort in the eastern United States,
earning it the nickname 'the Beast of the East'. Opened in 1958,
Killington has five base lodges (all colour coded for convenience)
and a huge variety of terrain. The resort boasts a wide range of
holiday accommodation, over 100 restaurants, plenty of nightlife
and lots of après-ski activity, and attracts locals and foreigners
alike.
If looking for charm and a personal touch, however, there is
little to be found. A sprawling enterprise, Killington is more
about skiing than architecture and is run like the huge tourist
operation it is. There is also no defined centre to the resort.
That said, the views are spectacular and the skiing offers
something for everyone. Some visitors prefer to stay at the nearby
town of Woodstock, about 20 miles (32km) away, which has more
atmosphere and some impressive buildings dating back over 200
years. With 1,209 acres (469 hectares) of skiable terrain, it is
easy to get lost on the various trails, and a free tour of the
mountain to get orientated is highly recommended.
Information & Facts
Activities
In winter, snow-mobiling and ice-skating, indoor rock climbing,
dog sledding, sleigh rides, spas, snow-shoeing and live music are
available. In summer, Killington is still a popular holiday resort
with two world-class golf courses, horseriding, mountain biking and
hiking available. Rates usually drop drastically in summer.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Negatives
The novice area at Snowshed base lodge can get crowded. The
terrain can be confusing, resulting in startled beginners ending up
on black diamond runs, and experts whizzing down beginner slopes.
Special attention should be paid to following trail signs, and
first-time visitors are advised to take the free Meet the Mountain
tour to get orientated. Killington resort is a popular holiday
destination and gets very crowded.
Night Life
The après-ski activities on offer are extensive and Killington's
nightlife falls in the top 10 of ski resorts. The Wobbly Barn is an
institution that has been running for over 40 years, offering live
music, dancing and a popular happy hour, resulting in a rowdy
crowd. The Pickle Barrel often hosts big name bands and has lots of
dancing, Casey's Caboose is a locals' hangout, and McGrath's Irish
Pub serves a decent Guinness. Killingtime Lounge is a laid-back bar
to relax at, as is the Bear Mountain Deli & Lounge. Superstar
Pub and Bullpen Sports Bar are popular with the guys, while the
Outback/Nightspot disco gets everyone going. Bars on the mountain
include the Long Trail Brew pub at the Snowshed base lodge, and the
Mahogany Ridge at Killington Base Lodge.
Restaurants
There are roughly 100 restaurants at Killington, ranging from
sushi to pizza. Try Johnny Boys Pancake House for breakfast, and
Pasta Pot Restaurant serves authentic Italian lunch and dinner. The
Lookout Bar and Grill is casual, serving drinks and good snacks,
while Hemingway's is sophisticated and elegant, serving three- or
four-course dinners and rating as one of New England's finest
restaurants. The romantic atmosphere at the Vermont Inn is great
for special occasions, and Pizza Jerks has pizzas even New Yorkers
will enjoy. Cascades Restaurant has a cosy lounge to relax in, and
Garlic is known for its tapas and martinis.
Shopping
There are a number of shops at Killington, including gift shops
and antique shops, and a host of ski equipment shops. The Shops at
the Shack complex houses a group of boutiques including North Face
and Nike, while Killington Sports has a wide range of sports
clothing and equipment for sale. There are also shops that sell
traditional Vermont specialities including maple syrup and local
cheeses. Villages and towns surrounding Killington are home to
country stores, antique shops and galleries, while the nearby town
of Rutland has a number of gift and clothing stores on Center
Street and Merchant's Row.