Ongoing investment tops $35 million at Killington Resort, Pico Mountain
Vermont’s own Killington Resort, the largest ski and snowboard destination in eastern North America, continues to invest in capital improvements.
Since Powdr Resorts purchased Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in 2007, infrastructure improvements have exceeded $35 million. Last year, as part of a $10 million investment, Killington debuted the Peak Lodge, a $7 million state-of-the-art-facility serving guests year-round.
“As we reflect on last season and the support and feedback from our guests, we are focused on improving operations on-mountain and behind the scenes,” stated Mike Solimano, president and general manager for Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “Not only did the 2013-14 season provide stellar skiing and riding conditions from October to late May, but we were able to post the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) in the history of the resort, a direct reflection of customer satisfaction. This year’s investments aren’t as sexy as last year’s, but guests will see improvements across the board, both in infrastructure and operations.”
The highly anticipated Peak Lodge facility opened its doors at the 4,100 foot level of Killington Peak on December 27, 2013, replacing the original structure from the late 1960’s. The new 15,000 square foot facility includes seating for 300 guests, a food venue featuring a selection of fresh local fare, a full bar, and lounge areas with couches and coffee tables. The versatile venue is available for weddings, meetings and conferences year-round and will support the K-1 Express Gondola, hiking and mountain biking this summer and fall.
Additionally, Killington continues to invest in essential infrastructure projects, including over $1 million in lift and snowmaking improvements and trail and glade maintenance.
“Crews will be upgrading a number of lift drives with new electronic controls and performing necessary maintenance on the snowmaking system this summer,” stated Jeff Temple, director of mountain operations for Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “We are also retrofitting the Snowshed Express Quad for mountain biking and have built two new progression trails in that area, beginning a dedicated multi-year mountain biking expansion.”
“We saw nearly identical skier visits this winter compared to the previous season, but enjoyed an uptick in revenue,” said Rob Megnin, director of sales and marketing at Killington Resort and Pico Mountain. “Lodging, retail and food and beverage all saw growth; we are very pleased with that performance.”
Killington Resort will continue to focus on improving the overall on-mountain guest experience by providing unparalleled access to the most extensive trail network in the northeast. During Winter 2014-15, Killington skiers and riders will enjoy over 200 trails and nearly 2,000 acres of skiable terrain on one ticket, plus 18 free days of skiing at six additional resorts including Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont and Powdr Resorts in Oregon, Nevada, California, Colorado and Utah. Conditions permitting, Killington snowmaking will resume in October once again, setting the stage for the longest season in the East.
