Winter Thrills And Summer Adventures: 12 Things To Do In Killington, VT

1. Dare to reach Killington Peak

Make it a personal goal to climb the top of Killington’s mountains. One of the best summits to climb in town is Killington Peak which is the second-highest of its kind in the Green Mountains. This picturesque summit on the east of Rutland is one of the stops along Long Trail and is close to Killington Ski Resort where visitors can ride a gondola to the summit. There’s a nearby restaurant and bar with a view where you can enjoy a meal while being surrounded by Killington’s boundless beauty.

Killington Peak

Address: Green Mountains, Vermont

2. Enjoy a scenic ride with K-1 Express Gondola

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Perhaps the best way of enjoying all of the town’s best sceneries is by riding the K-1 Express Gondola at Killington Ski Resort. It sure is the easiest way to get to Killington Peak while staying warm and comfortable. The gondola ride is about 1.5 miles (2.41 km) long, and once you get to the top, there’s nothing but breathtaking views of the Green Mountains. Tickets may be bought for one way should you decide to hike the remainder of the trip, but really, a round-trip ride is where it’s at. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance that you shouldn’t pass up!

K-1 Express Gondola

Website: K-1 Express Gondola

3. Warm your stomach up at Liquid Art Eatery & Coffeehouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Winters in Killington could sometimes be unforgiving, but that’s exactly why it’s a top choice for skiing and other wintertime activities. If you want to take a step back from all that adventure sports, warm up your day by going for some premium coffee at Liquid Art Eatery & Coffeehouse. This coffee shop is a hip, family-owned spot with an art gallery. Aside from gourmet coffee, the store also offers handcrafted cocktails and light snacks. Why not try their award-winning chili, too, to fight off the cold?

Liquid Art Eatery & Coffeehouse

Address: 37 Miller Brook Rd, Killington, VT 05751, United States

Website: Liquid Art Eatery & Coffeehouse

Opening hours: Mon: 8am - 3pm; Fri - Sun: 8am - 9pm (closed on Tue - Thu)

4. Dance the night away at Pickle Barrel Nightclub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Killington is certainly not just about the winter activities. This town is home to a spirited nightlife, too, if you can believe it! If you’re looking for a place to hang out with friends, Killington’s very own Pickle Barrel Nightclub is at your service. This dance club also features a live music venue, multiple bars, and delicious grubs. Pickle Barrel wants you to enjoy the night to the fullest and not have to worry about how you can get home safe and sound. Make the club your designated driver as they offer Barrel Rider, a free shuttle service that gets you home without worries.

Pickle Barrel Nightclub

Address: 1741 Killington Rd, Killington, VT 05751, United States

Website: Pickle Barrel Nightclub

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 3pm - 10pm (closed on Sun - Thu)

5. Go for scenic dining at The Foundry at Summit Pond

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Looking for someplace to spend your date night or even a family dinner? Scenic dining has never been better at Killington when you take your loved ones to The Foundry at Summit Pond. This rustic restaurant lodge offers an American menu with a rack of lamb, salmon, pork tenderloin, and many more as the main courses. This upscale restaurant also serves various steak cuts for which you can choose your own sauce. Besides the delectable food, guests of The Foundry will be serenaded by regular live music and events.

The Foundry at Summit Pond

Address: 63 Summit Path, Killington, VT 05751, United States

Website: The Foundry at Summit Pond

Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 3pm - 10pm; Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 11pm (closed on Tue & Wed)

6. Enjoy varying activities at Killington Ski Resort

As the largest ski resort in the Eastern United States region, Killington lives up to its nickname as the “Beast of the East”. First opened in 1958, the resort has expanded to become a skiing mecca, with 155 trails, 22 ski lifts, and miles of seemingly endless breathtaking terrain. The resort is suitable for skiers of all skill levels, with terrains divided roughly into beginner, intermediate, and expert categories. For the absolute ski novice, private skiing lessons (for people aged 2 and above) are available from mid-November to mid-April to help get you on your feet. If you are skiing as a family, private family lessons are a good way to develop skills and explore the slopes together. Do note that private lessons do not include a lift ticket, rental equipment, or a snow sports helmet.

Night skiing is not available because local residents voted to ban it in view of the light pollution that would result from the resort, making the stars hard to see at night. But this makes Killington even more magical; when the slopes become sleepy, the night sky comes alive with the glimmer of the twinkling stars.

Besides hitting the ski slopes, a whole range of wintertime activities can be enjoyed at Killington Ski Resort. Up the thrill factor by taking a ride on the Beast Coaster, a 4,800-foot-long (1,463-metre-long) roller coaster that dips and dives through the woods. Explore the vast mountains on a snowmobile tour with Snowmobile Vermont, where you can choose from a 1-hour Mountain Tour on groomed ski trails, or a 2-hour Backcountry Tour through the Calvin Coolidge State Forest on the Vermont State Trail system. Both tours are inclusive of a guide, snowmobile, boots and helmets. Check out the full list of activities on the official website.

Standing tall at 4,241 feet (1,292 metres) is Killington Peak, the second-tallest peak in the USA’s state of Vermont. It can be reached by the K-1 Express Gondola in the winter, and hiking it up is one of the best Killington summer activities. Lunch is, after all, best served with a view! Enjoy the panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Peak Lodge on Killington Peak, while savouring the exquisite flavours of farm-fresh food cooked to perfection. You can also chill at the Peak Bar, which serves cocktails, wines and local beers.

Killington Resort

Address: Killington Resort, 4763 Killington Road, Killington, VT 05751

Opening Hours: 8 am - 4 pm (Base lodge). For a full list of schedules, click here

Contact: +1 800-621-6867

Website: Killington Resort

Peak Lodge

Address: Killington Peak

Opening Hours: Summer and fall: 11 am - 4 pm; Sat until 5 pm; Snowy season: 10 am - 3 pm and from 9 am on weekends and peak days

Access: Via the K-1 Express Gondola or mountain trails

Contact: 800-621-6867

Website: Peak Lodge

Beast Mountain Coaster

Address: Snowshed Lodge, Killington, VT 05751, United States

Price: From 20 USD

Opening Hours: 1 pm - 5 pm on weekends

Website: Beast Mountain Coaster

7. Hike to Thundering Falls

During spring, when the water levels are at their highest, you will understand why the falls are named Thundering Falls. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and be rejuvenated by the sight of nature’s power.

Thundering Falls Trail

Address: 2295 River Rd, Killington, VT 05751, United States

Website: Thundering Falls

8. Be pampered at Killington Grand Spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

After all the intense thigh-burning and heart-racing time spent in the great outdoors, tackling the slopes or hiking up mountain trails, soothe the tension in your muscles at Killington Grand Spa. This Killington, Vermont, attraction offers a full-service menu, including manicures, facials, and a range of massages. Choose from an array of spa treatments, like the warm maple sugar scrub, a signature body treatment that uses pure Vermont maple syrup to exfoliate your full body and that finishes off with a rich cream massaged into your skin. Another favourite is the warm stone massage, where long strokes using warm stones will help you descend into blissful relaxation. Avid athletes or skiers will benefit from the Black Diamond Sports Massage treatment, which helps to reduce swelling and calm sore muscles. Guests can also enjoy access to the fully-equipped fitness centre, sauna, and steam room.

Killington Grand Spa

Address: 228 E Mountain Rd, Killington, VT 05751, United States (Killington Grand Resort Hotel)

Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm. Appointments by reservation only

Contact: +1 802-422-5001

Website: Killington Grand Spa

9. Feel the burn with summer mountain biking

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The fun doesn’t need to stop when the snow melts. Summer repaints the landscape in lush shades of green and brown, revealing the mountain terrain that was hibernating beneath the winter snow. The ski slopes of the mountains transform into a mountain bike park featuring 45 miles (72 kilometres) of trails serviced by three lifts, a 1,700-foot (518-metre) vertical drop spread across five mountain areas, and a newly-added uphill mountain bike route, among many other things. Trails range from classic cross-country single track to challenging big-bike downhill and free-riding trails. Check out the different trails on the trail, available on the official website.

The Mountain Bike Shop, located at Snowshed Lodge, offers bike rental services, repairs, clothing, and accessories. You’ll be sure to find a bike suited to your needs and abilities among the new fleet of rental bikes, which include 70 adult cross-country and downhill mountain bikes from SCOTT, 24 full-suspension youth-sized mountain bikes from Norco, and new Strider Bikes for young riders. Bike rental prices for adults start from 60 USD for a 2-hour rental and go up to 150 USD for a full day’s rental with use of the lift and trail. Additional fees apply for the rental of helmets, shoes, and protective clothing.

Summer tourism is only just starting to grow, with the development of the still-expanding Mountain Bike Park and the recently-opened Adventure Centre. It is also quieter in the summer so it might feel as if you have the whole place to yourself at times.

Mountain Bike Park

Address: 4763 Killington Rd, Killington, VT 05751, United States

Price: From 39 USD

Opening Hours: Jun 18 - Sep 5 2016: Sun to Fri 10 am - 5.30 pm, Sat 10 am - 6.30 pm (Ramshead Quad open Saturday / Sunday only) Click here for the full operating Schedule

Contact: +1 802-422-6201

Website: Mountain Bike Park

10. Feel the adrenaline racing at Killington Adventure Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Killington Adventure Center is a recent addition to Killington Resort; it only started operations in the summer of 2015. Crank up the heat at this summertime play space located at Snowshed Base Lodge. Some of the rides are also in operation during the winter season, but instead of snow-covered trees and a grey wintery sky as your backdrop, marvel at the 360-degree change in scenery that each season brings about.

Hop on the Beast Mountain Coaster in the summer and you will be racing through verdant summery foliage. Rise 100 feet (30.5 metres) high above the town on the Skyeride, a 600-foot-long (182.9-metre-long), 2-seater zipline ride that glides at 30 miles (48.3 kilometres) per hour. It provides amazing aerial views of the lush green mountains in the summer and the dazzling fall foliage in autumn. The Skye Ropes Course is definitely for dare-devils at heart who are not afraid of heights. Standing 4 stories above the ground with 42 exciting obstacles to clear, this promises to be an exciting 2-hour activity that will stimulate the heart, body, and mind.

Other attractions include the Skyejump Tower, Terra Tubing, and the Skyebounce.

Individual tickets for each attraction are sold separately, but if you’re planning to spend a day there, purchasing the Adventure Center Day Pass is your best option. The day pass gives you unlimited use of most of the attractions in the Adventure Center. It costs 69 USD for adults, 59 USD for people aged between 7 and 13, and 35 USD for kids under the age of 7. A full price list is available on the official website.

Killington Adventure Center

Address: Snowshed Base Lodge

Price: Day Pass: Adults (14+) 69 USD, junior (7 - 13) 59 USD, child (6 and under) 35 USD

Opening Hours: Jun 18 - Sep 5 2016: Sun to Fri 10 am - 4.30 pm, Sat 10 am - 5.30 pm. Click here for details for other dates

Contact: +1 800-621-6867

Website: Adventure Center

11. Practice your swing at Green Mountain National Golf Course

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Green Mountain National Golf Course

Address: 476 Barrows Towne Rd, Killington, VT 05751, United States

Price: From 49 USD plus cart (green fee)

Opening Hours: May - Oct 7.30 am - 6 pm

Contact: +1 (802) 422-4653

Website: Green Mountain National Golf Course

12. Explore Gifford Woods State Park

Situated at the base of Pico Peak, Gifford Woods State Park is a popular destination for hikers and campers. The Appalachian Trail cuts through the state park, so many hikers pass through or camp the night in this beautiful wooded forest. Gifford Woods is home to one of the few old-growth hardwood tree stands remaining in Vermont, and you will find yourself enfolded within the shade of towering sugar maple, beech, yellow birch, white ash, and hemlock trees. Autumn is perhaps when the park is at its most ravishing, the trees and ground adorned with gold and crimson. Also within the park, Kent Pond is a lovely spot for fishing fanatics as it is stocked annually with brook and rainbow trout. The park provides good camping facilities, such as cabins, RV / tent sites, lean-to sites, and lovely picnicking spots. It is a picture-perfect getaway in nature for day visitors and campers of all ages.

Gifford Woods State Park

Address: 34 Gifford Woods Acc, Killington, VT 05751, United States

Contact: +1 802-775-5354

Website: Gifford Woods State Park

Beauty through the seasons

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter, Killington has treasures to offer no matter the season. Whether you are whizzing down the terrific slopes in the winter, getting adrenaline pumping through your body and your heart racing in the summer, hiking on the forested trails in spring, or camping under a rust-coloured and golden canopy in autumn, Killington promises to be a splendid getaway. Start planning your fabulous break now!