Mother Nature gets a boost from expert snowmaking and grooming techniques ahead of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Nov. 24-26

 KILLINGTON, Vt. – Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard resort in Eastern North America and part of the POWDR adventure lifestyle company, has begun snowmaking in advance of the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup on November 24-26, 2017. Killington Resort was the first North American ski mountain to open its season to the general public in 2016 and last to close in 2017 for Eastern North America, in part because of the resort’s advanced snowmaking and grooming prowess.

Killington typically begins the longest season in the East with exclusive access for season pass holders, rewarding commitment to the resort with the first turns of the winter. Season Passes and Express Cards are still available to purchase for the 2017/18 season. While there is no confirmed window for Opening Day at this time, snowmaking lit up on Killington and Skye Peaks just before 11:00 p.m. Monday for testing prior to the season and the approaching Audi Ski World Cup races.

Killington has dedicated a snowmaking team to specifically build the race venue on Superstar where the women’s slalom and giant slalom races will take place. Killington’s powerful snowmaking system has the ability to pump more than 720,000 gallons of water into 240 snow guns, covering 80 acres with 12 inches of fresh snow in a matter of hours. Killington’s snowmaking capacity and grooming allow the mountain to maintain a dependable and consistent snow surface regardless of weather conditions.

“When it comes to snowmaking and grooming, we have the best team and tools in the industry to prepare Killington for the winter season and World Cup on Thanksgiving weekend,” said Mike Solimano, President and General Manager of Killington Resort. “Last year, we were able to put on a spectacular World Cup weekend and operate our lifts for more than 200 days before closing on June 1 because of our snowmaking team. Our snowmakers are ready to work with Mother Nature for another monumental World Cup and winter season.”

The general public is invited to view the women’s giant slalom and slalom races from free general admission areas or from the grandstands as a limited number of premium grandstand tickets remain available when Killington hosts the Alpine World Cup event for the second year in a row. The free viewing areas will accommodate approximately 12,000 spectators and Killington will provide free parking and an enhanced shuttle system for event spectators during the weekend. Appropriate attire for winter weather is recommended for the outdoor venue, including sturdy waterproof shoes and multiple layers. No pets, lawn chairs or coolers will be permitted in the Expo Village. In addition, Dispatch will headline a robust music and entertainment lineup for World Cup spectators.

For more information about the 2017 Audi FIS Ski World Cup at Killington Resort, including the schedule of events, please visit www.killington.com/worldcup for details and updates.

About Killington Resort

Killington Resort is a four season destination sitting on 3,000 acres in the heart of Central Vermont’s Green Mountains. The Beast of the East boasts 92 miles of diverse snow sports terrain spread across six peaks including Pico Mountain, 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 with expansion underway with Gravity Logic, plus 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. Killington is part of the POWDR portfolio. Visit www.killington.com for more information and be social with #beast365, #beastworldcup and #beastwinter.

Contact:                 Kristel Fillmore, Killington Resort: 802-422-6115 or kfillmore@killington.com                                                Kevin Flight, Elevate Communications: 781-439-7140 or kflight@elevatecom.com

 

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