17 graduates complete innovative three-year program combining academic excellence with immersive, on-mountain industry experience
Vermont Business Magazine At the base lodge of the East Coast's largest ski resort, seventeen graduates crossed the stage Saturday, marking the latest milestone for one of New England's most distinctive higher education partnerships between Killington Resort and Vermont State University (VTSU). The Resort & Hospitality Management (RHM) program class of 2026 received their diplomas on June 20, 2026, at Killington Resort's K-1 Lodge.
The 17 graduates completed the three-year program this spring, eleven of whom have already secured jobs at Killington Resort. Collectively, the class completed 680 courses, achieved an impressive 3.58 average GPA, gained extensive professional experience across 59 different job titles, and contributed 38,702 hours of work, all while skiing a combined 2,019 days.
"These graduates are the next generation of leaders in the resort and hospitality industries," said Kristel Killary, Assistant Professor and RHM Program Coordinator at Vermont State University. "What makes this program, and its graduates extraordinary is the depth of real-world, hands-on experience students gain alongside their academic coursework. By the time they graduate, they are prepared and proven."
Delivered entirely in-person at Killington, the VTSU RHM program offers a fast-track, three-year path to a Bachelor of Science that integrates classroom learning with at least three paid work experiences at the resort. Students live and learn in the heart of the industry, gaining hands-on exposure to resort operations, leadership development, financial management, marketing, and guest services. Many take on supervisory roles before graduation, furthering the experience they bring to the field following graduation.
"This program has been essential to building and sustaining Killington's workforce," said Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort. "It serves as a critical pipeline for developing highly skilled and motivated professionals who are ready to contribute from day one. Many of our current team members and leaders have come through this program, including two members of my own leadership team, and its impact on our resort community can be seen every day through the people it brings to our team."
Close mentorship from university faculty and resort leadership ensures graduates leave with robust professional networks and a deep understanding of the evolving hospitality landscape. They are all well positioned to advance quickly within the industry.
"There truly is no classroom like Killington," Killary added. "Our students graduate with both the confidence and competence to lead — whether on a mountain, in a hotel, or anywhere in the global hospitality sector."
To learn more about Vermont State University’s Resort & Hospitality Management program, please visit: https://vermontstate.edu/academic-programs/resort-hospitality-management-bs/
About Vermont State University
Vermont State University, Vermont’s statewide public university, provides transformative, future‑ready education that empowers learners to shape their own course – professionally, personally, and within their communities. Rooted in Vermont values, Vermont State delivers hands‑on, career‑connected learning through in‑person, fully online, and blended programs built for real lives and real goals. Built in Vermont. Made for Everywhere. Learn more at VermontState.edu.
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 killington.com for more information and be social with #bethebeast.
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