Winter
WINTER AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS LODGE
Killington, Vermont, the ultimate WINTER WONDERLAND
Winter is such a special time to be in Vermont. And, with average December temperatures just below
freezing, Killington is the perfect place in which to enjoy all it has to offer. Vermont boasts 20 alpine
ski resorts, 30 cross-country touring centers and 7,300 acres of alpine terrain: skiing heaven.
And if you don’t ski there’s quaint inns, historic downtowns, craft-beer, wineries, cheesemakers, great
shopping and delicious farm-to-table dining experiences. Steeped in New England tradition, Vermont is
also the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and New year in the good-old-fashioned way.
We’ve got the snow covered
Killington averages 250 inches of natural snow each winter. It also has its own snow-making system covering 71% of the trails and thus providing Killington with the longest skiing season in eastern North America, which typically spans from late October to late May but can extend well into the preceding and subsequent months.
Winter wonderland
Celebrated for the glory of its panoramas, the Killington mountain resort and ski area is the largest ski area in the eastern United States. It also features the infamous ‘Beast of the East’, a 3,050-foot ski drop that is the longest vertical drop in New England.
Pico Mountain Ski Resort
The Pico Mountain Ski Resort promises first class skiing and snowboarding on more than fifty trails, along with the Triple Slope Terrain Park, which are serviced by seven ski lifts.
Off mountain activities
Off-mountain activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, fat-bike riding, kayaking, ice-fishing, fishing, rock-climbing, sleigh-riding, snow-tubing and dog-sledding.
Winter rides
This area is ideal for horse-back riding and showcases numerous riding schools and equestrian centres and events.
Hit the Killington Adventure Centre
An Adventure Center Day Pass includes unlimited use of the Woodward WreckTangle, Beast Mountain Coaster, Zip Line Racer, Jump Tower, Skye Ropes Course, Soaring Eagle, Trampoline Jump, Alpine Tubing and Amaze'n Maze.
Go river and lake fishing
For the fisherman, Kent Pond promises abundant largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish and trout. Nearby Colton Pond offers largemouth bass, yellow perch and brook trout.
Discover the regions’ hand-made beer
Take a tour of one of the many breweries where traditional methods are used to make a wide range of signature beers. The Long Trail Brewery, which is nearby, is famed for its line-up of captivating brews.
Do the snowshoe shuffle
This is a great area for snowshoe tours which use the hiking trails. There’s a variety of tours ranging from the 2.5 mile classic Killington Tour to the Moonlight in Vermont Tour and the Top of the Snowshed Tour.
Sample a snow mobile tour
It’s the ultimate adrenaline rush: an hour-long ride through the mountain forests and all you have to do is show up, the tour company provided guides, snowmobile, boots and helmets. Alternatively, you could take the backcountry tour which lasts 2 hours and takes you 25 miles through the Calvin Coolidge State Forest.
Culture, music and winter spas
Add some warmth to your winter with music, theatre and dance performances. Or treat yourself at one of Vermont’s award-winning spas.
Hike the Hump
Hike the Camel’s Hump, Vermont’s third-highest mountain which offers spectacular views from the summit.
Take off on a ski bike
Hire a ski bike for half a day or a full day – helmet included.
Vermont Winter Holiday Festival
The Vermont Holiday Festival is held each year at the Killington Resort and includes sleigh rides, the Festival of Trees and Jack Frost Marketplace as well as Santa’s Workshop.
Meet Santa on the Polar Express
Less than an hour away from Killington in Hartford, Vermont, the Polar Express features Santa, sing-alongs and hot cocoa.
Christmas and Holiday Lights Tour
In nearby Rutland, only 20 minutes from Killington there’s a Christmas holiday lights tour.
Wassail Weekend
Half an hour from Killington, Woodstock Village hosts an annual holiday parade, Christmas carols, and tours of the Woodstock History Center.
Fireworks for New Year
The Foundry at Summit Pond hosts the ultimate New Year’s party with food, drink, live music and fireworks.
Winter wildlife
Walk the forests and track coyote, fox, deer and porcupine.
The Wobbly Barn New Year’s Eve party
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the famous Wobbly Barn which has been pieced together from 10 old barns across New England – enjoy fine dining and dancing.
Billings Farm and Museum
Visit the farm animals of Billings Farm and Museum which was originally built in 1871. In winter there’s also horse drawn wagon rides and sleigh rides.
It’s never too cold for icecream
So why not take the 30-minute guided tour of Ben & Jerry’s Vermont ice-cream factory.
Winter biking
The Killington Valley area is home to some of New England’s finest mountain biking terrain and road cycling tours.