Most day one terrain ever highlights record snowmaking efficiency and continued reinvestment under independent ownership
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, opened for the 2025/26 winter season today at 9 a.m.
This marks the resort’s second winter under independent ownership, following two years of significant reinvestment totaling more than $60 million in completed and ongoing mountain improvements. Once again, Killington will be the first resort in the Eastern United States to open for skiing and riding, reaffirming its leadership as “The Beast of the East.”
Opening Day Details
Opening Day (Wednesday, November 12) was reserved exclusively for Killington Winter 25/26, Beast 365, and Ikon Pass holders. The resort opens to the general public on Thursday, November 13 at 9:00 a.m., operating seven days a week.
The K-1 Express Gondola and North Ridge Quad will provide access to Great Northern and Downdraft Headwall from the summit, along with Rime, Reason, and Upper East Fall in the North Ridge area, marking a record number of trails for Opening Day at Killington and offering advanced and expert skiers and riders the first turns of the 2025/26 winter season.
Snowmaking crews are already preparing Upper Double Dipper and Great Northern to Lower Ridge Run, with a push for top-to-bottom skiing later this week as cold temperatures return.
Early-season conditions will exist, and there will be no beginner terrain available at this time. Access to the open runs will be available directly from the lifts, but walking will be required for the next couple of days via the Peak Walkway to return to the base. The Killington Parks crew will have a few features set up for Day One park laps on Reason and will continue to expand the park as the early season progresses.
Snowmaking Leadership and Efficiency
This year’s opening follows a record start to snowmaking, with 175 snowguns firing during the first cold window, the most ever for the beginning of a season at Killington. Later in the week, snowmaking scaled up to 225 guns, demonstrating the power and flexibility of the resort’s upgraded system.
Running entirely on electric air compressors during the first window, the team produced more snow than ever while using over 40% less air and saving thousands of gallons of diesel fuel compared to prior years. These improvements are the direct result of the resort’s recent $38 million in completed upgrades and $22 million more underway, including the installation of 1,044 new low-energy snowguns and major snowmaking infrastructure enhancements.
“Opening for the season is always an incredible milestone,” said Mike Solimano, President & CEO of Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “Our team faced tough weather windows, pushed hard, and delivered. It’s that same grit, teamwork, and commitment to excellence that fuels our goal of offering the longest, and best season in the East.”
Supporting Our Communities: Upward & Outward
In celebration of Opening Day, Killington & Pico are donating $10,000 to BROC Community Action to help expand local food-assistance programs serving families across Rutland County. Guests and community members wishing to contribute can make additional donations directly by donating here.
In addition, through Upward & Outward, Killington & Pico are providing $100,000 in direct financial assistance to support Jamaican employees impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Those who wish to help further can contribute through Killington’s official GoFundMe campaign at killington.com/jamaicanrelief.
Guest Information
Food and beverage options will be available at the K-1 Lodge, Peak Lodge, and Subie Shack at the base of North Ridge. As a long-standing Killington tradition, passholders are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch on Opening Day, November 12, as a thank-you for their continued support. In honor of the resort’s Jamaican staff, Jamaican food specials will be featured at K-1 Lodge and Peak Lodge throughout Opening Week.
Guest Services, including pass assistance, will be available on the first floor of the K-1 Lodge during lift hours, with the service desk opening Tuesday, November 11, to assist guests ahead of Opening Day. Lift tickets for Thursday and beyond are available for purchase online at Killington.com/tickets.
Guests can stay up to date on operations and snowmaking progress through the Killington Conditions Page and the Killington App, which offers real-time lift and trail status, wait times, and GPS tracking.
Guests are encouraged to verify that their One Pass RFID card is active before arriving to ensure seamless lift access and avoid delays at the ticket windows. Check your pass status quickly and easily here.
High resolution images are linked here. Please bookmark this link, we will be updating it throughout the week with fresh content of Day One.
About Killington Resort
Located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Killington Resort has earned its moniker “The Beast of the East” with four seasons of adventure spread across six peaks, plus Pico Mountain. With the most expansive snowmaking and lift system in Eastern North America, Killington offers more than 200 trails and 92 miles of diverse snow sports terrain, including a world-class terrain park network and the longest season in the East. During the summer, Killington features a destination bike park with 30 miles of mountain biking trails, an 18-hole championship golf course, the family-friendly Snowshed Adventure Center, plus 15 miles of hiking trails. With elevated on-mountain dining, a plethora of après options and a commitment to investment, quality, and the environment, Killington is a can’t-miss destination for the whole family. Killington is locally and independently owned and looking forward to a bright future including the forthcoming Great Gulf Village and more. Visit www.killington.com for more information and be social with #beast365.
KILLINGTON, Vt. (November 10, 2025) Vermont’s Killington Resort
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