Snowmaking and natural snow set the stage for the Longest Season
in the East and Thanksgiving Weekend’s Audi FIS Ski World Cup Races
Killington, VT – Killington Resort, the largest four-season resort in Eastern North America, is scheduled to kick off its 2016-17 winter season at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 25, becoming the first Eastern resort to open for skiing and snowboarding.
The first turns of the season will be dedicated exclusively to Season Pass and Express Card holders, and the resort will open to the general public on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Killington’s operating schedule for the remainder of the week will be updated in real time at www.killington.com/conditions.
Snowmaking began in earnest on October 10, with production both on North Ridge ski trails Rime and Reason for public use, and upper Superstar trail where the Audi FIS World Cup will take place November 26-27. Over five inches of natural snow blanketed Killington on Sunday morning, providing snowmakers with an excellent base which they began adding to in the early hours of Sunday as snowfall tapered off and temperatures continued to drop.
“With the World Cup coming up next month, we have been anxiously waiting for cold temperatures here at Killington, and now that we have a favorable window of snowmaking weather, our mountain operations team is running full steam ahead to make sure we’re once again the first ski area in the East to open for the season while also beginning production on the Superstar World Cup race course,” says Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “After last season we are not taking anything for granted and will continue to make snow at every possible opportunity, at every elevation with the necessary temperature and humidity conditions.”
During the World Cup races in November, public access to the expo village, adjacent to the finish area, is completely free, offering unparalleled access to the watch the fastest female alpine ski racers in the world compete in slalom and giant slalom events during World Cup ski racing’s return to New England for the first time in 25 years. Additional World Cup events include a free concert by O.A.R. in the K-1 Base Area on Saturday, November 26, movie premiers and athlete autograph signings. A full schedule of Killington World Cup events can be found at www.killington.com/worldcup.
On Tuesday, October 25, the K-1 Express Gondola will provide uploading and downloading to open terrain for skiers and snowboarders from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and the North Ridge Triple will allow uploading until 3:45 p.m. Skiers and snowboarders will use the Peak Walkway to access open terrain and return to the K-1 Express Gondola for the trip down to the base area when finished for the day.
Early season conditions will exist, and snowmaking and other on-mountain operations may be in progress throughout the day on open terrain. Skiing and snowboarding will be on advanced terrain only, providing roughly 600 vertical feet of open trails. Terrain park features are expected to be available beginning on Tuesday. No easier terrain will be available at this time.
The Snowshed Sales Center and K-1 Guest Services will be open 30 minutes prior to lift opening on Tuesday, selling Season Passes and Express Cards for same-day access to the slopes. Express Card holders will only be charged $25 for all ages on Opening Day, and children ages 6 and under will receive a Kids Ski Free ticket if accompanied by a season pass holder. No other passes, tickets, vouchers or reciprocal discounts will be accepted on this day.
Season Pass holders are invited to enjoy free lunch on Tuesday at the K-1 Café, North Ridge Dog Sled or Peak Lodge as a show of gratitude for their commitment to Killington Resort.
Beginning on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, K-1 Express Gondola lift hours will be 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (for uphill loading). The North Ridge Triple will allow uploading until 3:45 p.m. Lift ticket rates will be $55 for adults (19-64), $42 for Youth (7-18) and $47 for Seniors (65-79). Express Card holders will receive 50% off window rate for midweek, and 25% off weekend rates.
Killington will remain open to the public for skiing and snowboarding as conditions permit. Skiers and riders can prepare for opening day by purchasing Season Passes and Express Cards now at www.killington.com and 1-800-621-MTNS (6867).
###
About Killington Resort
Killington Resort is a four season destination sitting on 3,000 acres in the heart of Central Vermont’s Green Mountains. Killington boasts 92 miles of diverse snow sports terrain spread across six peaks including Pico Mountain, and served by the most expansive lift network and snowmaking system in Eastern North America. After the snow melts, Killington features an 18-hole championship golf course, the family-friendly Snowshed Adventure Center, 35 miles of mountain biking trails and 15 miles of hiking trails. The seemingly infinite après, dining, and lodging options have made Killington a world-class destination for East Coast skiers and riders for over 55 years. Visit www.killington.com for more information and be social with #beast365 and #beastworldcup as Killington prepares to host the fastest female alpine ski racers in the world on November 26-27 for the 2016 Audi FIS Ski World Cup.
