Killington snowmaking Tuesday morning October 16, 2018. Photo by Chandler Burgess
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Killington Resort has begun snowmaking in advance of the 2018 Audi FIS Ski World Cup on November 23-25, 2018. Killington Resort was the first Eastern American ski mountain to open its season to the general public in 2017 and last to close in 2018, in part because of the resort’s advanced snowmaking and grooming prowess. Killington Resort is the largest ski and snowboard resort in Eastern North America and part of the POWDR resort group.
While there is no confirmed window for Opening Day at this time, the resort announced Tuesday that snowmaking lit up on Killington and Skye Peaks just before dawn Tuesday, October 16. Snowmaking crews began building stockpiles on North Ridge trails which will be open to the public, and on the legendary Superstar trail which will host the approaching Killington Cup races.
Killington has dedicated a snowmaking team to specifically build the race venue 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.
“We’re home to the longest season in the East for a reason. Our snowmaking and grooming teams are the best in the business and work around the clock to prepare Killington for the winter season and World Cup on Thanksgiving weekend,” says Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort. “With this year’s capital investment of $25 million, we’re looking forward to giving our guests an even better experience both on and off the slopes this season. We’re driven by our passion for the adventure lifestyle and can’t wait for the lifts to spin and for Superstar to play host to top women alpine ski athletes from around the world.”
Mikaela Shiffrin blasts down the Killington course during last year's World Cup. Killington photo.
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 third year in a row. The free viewing areas will accommodate approximately 12,000 spectators and Killington will provide free parking and 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, Paul Oakenfold, Michael Franti, KT Tunstall and Guster will headline a robust music and entertainment lineup for World Cup spectators.
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, Express Cards and K-Tickets are all currently on sale, but early bird pricing ends at midnight this Thursday, October 18.This summer’s $25 million investment will make Killington easier to access, and provide more and higher-quality snow surfaces for skiers and riders to explore. Learn more at Killington.com/seasonofmore.
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.comfor more information and be social with #beast365, #beastworldcup and #beastwinter.
Source: KILLINGTON, Vt. (Oct. 16, 2018) – Killington Resort