Killington To Build New $70 Million Bear Mountain Complex

KILLINGTON, Vt. (April 4, 2017) – Killington had plenty of big news yesterday. In addition to announcing that it will be hosting the 2017 and 2018 FIS Women’s World Cup races in November, it shared news about one of the biggest development projects in recent years.

Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in the East, has partnered with Killington, Vermont-based Ottauquechee Realty Advisors, LLC to revitalize the resort’s Bear Mountain base area and South Ridge through a two year development plan. Total project costs for the Bear Mountain Revitalization Plan are estimated at $60-70 million with a resulting retail value of $110 million once construction is complete.

Phase 1 of the Bear Mountain Revitalization Plan, called “Base Camp at Bear Mountain” is expected to begin in summer 2018 with the construction of 6-7 multi-family buildings estimated to cost $45 million, plus a major remodeling of Bear Mountain Base Lodge (keeping the original footprint), the installation of a fixed grip quad chair lift on Killington’s South Ridge, and on-mountain improvements for skier flow including bridge and tunnel work. On-mountain improvements are expected to cost approximately $8 million total.

“This Bear Mountain Revitalization Plan is especially exciting for me because I know that our core group of season pass holders has wanted a new South Ridge lift since the day we removed the old one,” says Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort. “With the trail work our team has planned, this layout should greatly enhance the Killington experience by improving connectivity between the north and south sides of the resort, and I’m glad to have a local Vermont company planning and executing this important project.”

Phase 1’s on-mountain trail improvements include reestablishing the Snowshed Crossover trail with the construction of a ski bridge and tunnel to enhance the on-snow experience for lower ability levels, while at the same time maintaining uninterrupted top to bottom flow on the more advanced terrain in the Bear Mountain area

The new South Ridge Quad chair lift will carry skiers and snowboarders from the top of Bear Mountain and bottom of the South Ridge trails to the top of Killington’s South Ridge area, just below the Killington Peak Lodge. Constructing the new lift along the previous South Ridge lift’s return line eliminates the need for any significant trail clearing or rerouting of trails.

“From the top of the Bear Mountain Quad, the long-awaited replacement of the South Ridge lift will give skiers and snowboarders easy access the resort’s north side terrain including the Canyon and Snowdon areas, or easy access to the many trails in the sunny South Ridge area,” says Jeff Temple, director of mountain operations for Killington Resort. “We’re also excited to offer a bridge and tunnel solution that provides a more quality ‘tour’ experience for beginner and intermediate skiers riding the south side trails off the K-1 Gondola while at the same time maintaining the quality top to bottom skiing and riding experience in the Bear and Needle’s Eye areas.”

Phase 2 of the Bear Mountain Revitalization features construction of 18 duplex buildings near the foot of the Devil’s Fiddle ski trail with an estimated cost of $25 million, and is expected to begin during summer 2020.

The principals of Ottauquechee Realty Advisors, LLC, Steve Malone and Richard Saunders, have an extensive background in ski resort development in the New England ski resort environment, and more details are available at www.ora-bearmtn.biz.

Additional project details will be made public at www.killington.com as they become available. ###

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 Adventure Lifestyle Co. portfolio. Visit www.killington.com for more information and be social with #beast365 and #beastwinter.