Season Opener! Killington, Sunday, Oct. 18

Killington kicks off the ski season on October 18. Take that, Sunday River!

KILLINGTON, Vt. (October 16, 2015) – Killington Resort, the largest four-season resort in Eastern North America, will kick off its 2015-16 winter season at noon on Sunday, October 18, 2015 becoming the first North American 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 Monday, October 19, 2015 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.

On Sunday, the K-1 Express Gondola will provide uploading and downloading to open terrain for skiers and snowboarders from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and on the North Ridge Triple 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 will be available beginning on Sunday. No easier terrain will be available at this time.

The Snowshed Sales Center and K-1 Guest Services will be open one hour prior to lift opening on Sunday, 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 and Express Card holders are invited to an exclusive appreciation luncheon at K-1 Café on Sunday.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the Killington Mountain Bike Park, Beast Mountain Coaster, Skyeride and scenic gondola rides will still operate through Sunday as scheduled, offering multi-sport potential during peak foliage season from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tickets, rentals and additional information will be available at Snowshed Lodge.

Beginning on Monday, October 19, 2015, 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 $49 for adults (19-64), $38 for Youths (7-18) and $42 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 lift tickets, season passes and Express Cards now at www.killington.com and 1-800-621-MTNS (6867).

Lisa Lynn

Editor of VT SKI + RIDE and Vermont Sports.