Top 10 Resorts in the East For Quick Getaways
When time is short, getting there fast is everything. These 10 Eastern resorts are the easiest to get to according to 2022 Resort Survey.
3. Killington Resort, Vermont
Killington will always be what many hard-charging city-dwellers from the New York metro area consider to be the closest, best destination. Back in the day, when it was hosting more than a million skier visits a year, the Beast rightly earned a bad rap for being crowded. And worse: mobbed with joeys.
These days the resort handles a more manageable number, and frankly, a higher percentage of real skiers, giving it a more soulful feel despite its size. And nowhere in the East beats the Access Road for after-hours action. That’s partly a tribute to its wealth of fine drinking and dining establishments, but also to the party-hearty attitude of many of the passholders. Some still complain of too many out-of-control skiers, and others find it difficult to navigate from peak to peak—the flip side of the mountain’s sheer massiveness. But even the hardest-to-please of Killington regulars have to admit that management has made some great decisions in recent years. Among them: the brilliant stroke of hosting the Women’s World Cup, and a returned commitment to opening in October and closing in late May or even early June. – Joe Cutts
No. 2 in the East: Killington Resort, Vt.
Killington Resort Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 250″ | 1,509 | 22 | 155 |
Killington Resort Pass Info
Killington is on the Ikon Pass. Pass holders get 7 days at the resort. Ikon Base Pass holders get 5 blackout-restricted days.
Trip Planning
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Killington, Vt.
Mandatory Run
The trees between Outer Limits and Devil’s Fiddle on Bear Mountain are some of the best glades anywhere east of the Mississippi. With more creative lines than you could count, this pod was made for powder days.
Après Spot
If it’s après-ski at Killington, it’s got to be the Wobbly Barn. This iconic steakhouse-cum-nightclub has been cheffing up and throwing down for 57 years.
Local Tip
Headed back down to the Tri-State Area? Take Route 100 to 103 for a scenic ride through the Vermont countryside. Stop by the humorously named Smokin’ Bowls shack for a killer bowl of soup before you hop on the highway.
Lunch Spot
The Bear Mountain Lodge gets reader raves for its flatbread pizza and French onion soup.
Après Spot
Nearby Bridgewater Corners was an early hotbed of the Vermont beer scene, thanks to Long Trail Ale, which is still brewed there. The restaurant and brewery are about seven miles from the Skyship base lot.
Challenge
Satisfy your bump cravings on Bear Mountain or go for sustained vert on Devil’s Fiddle.
Inside Intel
Hit Worthy Kitchen, in Woodstock, for fried-chicken sandwiches, poutine, and a rotating list of local craft brews.
The 10 Best Resorts in the East for Overall Satisfaction
These are the Eastern resorts with that certain je ne se quoi that makes skiers want to come back for more.
These 10 Resorts Have the Best Beds in the East
From service-oriented hotels to roomy condos and everything in between, these are the resorts with the best lodging options in the East.
The 10 Best Resorts in the East for Grooming
According to the 2022 SKI Reader Resort Survey, these resorts are getting it right when it comes to snow maintenance.
The 10 Best Eastern Resorts for Challenge
If you're looking to test yourself on Eastern slopes, make a beeline for these resorts.
Is This New Express Lane Service the Solution to Long Lift Lines?
A Fast Tracks pass will allow skiers to skip long lines via an express lane at four ski resorts this season.
Ski Towns Brew Great Beer—Here Are 5 of Our Favorites
Don't even think about ordering a Bud when there are locally inspired brews to be had at your favorite ski town this season.
After Covid Hiatus, World Cup Racing Returns to North America
American racers will once again get a chance to prove themselves on home snow during an Olympic year.
Jim Ryan on Skiing Fast and Being Nice
The story of an East Coaster’s comeuppance in the Jackson Hole ski scene and why he’s probably your mom’s favorite skier.
Killington, Vt.
The Beast may not be the quaintest of Vermont resorts, but boy, is it fun.
FIS Cancels 2020 North American World Cup Races
All events at Lake Louise, Killington, and Beaver Creek will be replaced by additional races in France and Switzerland.
Resort Guide 2020 East: Spring Break Destination
Give the season a proper send-off at the East's best resorts for late-season stoke.
Resort Guide 2020 East: Skier's Mountains
Just wanna ski? These are the top 10 ski resorts in the East for hardcore skiers.
Summer in the Mountains: Killington, Vt.
With plenty of money recently invested, look no further than Killington for Vermont's finest summer activities.
Seven Ski Resorts with New and Upgraded Chairlifts this Winter
Looking for something new at an old favorite? These are the spots to visit this season.
This is What Happens When an Old Dude Enters the East’s Toughest Bump Competition
We sent our writer to compete in Killington’s legendary Bud Light Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge competition last spring. He came out of it relatively unscathed—unless you count a little bruising to the ego.
Shiffrin Wins Killington Slalom, Two Teammates Score World Cup Points
For the first time in years, three U.S. women finish in the top 30 of a World Cup slalom.
Shiffrin Finishes Fourth in Killington Giant Slalom
Despite clean runs, Shiffrin just misses podium.
World Cup Returns to Killington This Weekend
Get ready for world-class skiing and a world-class party.
Winter Starts at Killington Resort and Sunday River This Friday
Not to be outdone by the West, the two Eastern Resorts will also start spinning lifts this weekend.
Resorts of the Year 2019: Awards in the East
The season's best spots in the East for skiers, according to readers and editors.
Prove Yourself in the Bumps at These Resorts
Think you're an expert skier? These moguls will be the judge of that.
Run a Ski Area
There’s more to ski areas in the summer than mountain coasters and ziplines. Try running up one with friends.
Chasing Vertical
Vermont skier and retiree Scott Howard sets the new world record for most vertical feet skied in a season.
Sponsored Content
New Resort Rules: All Adventure, All the Time
There’s no downtime in the high country.
The Thirstiest Little State
Eastern skiers already had reason enough to visit Vermont. Now there’s another one: world-famous beers.
Going for Gold
The world's top women ski racers descend on Killington this month to strut their slalom style.
The Future of Snow
We need snow to ski. The ski industry is mobilizing to keep it. You can too.
How to Ski: Bear Mountain, Killington, Vt.
You’ve perfected your bump technique. Now it’s time to show it off.
Record Crowd Greets World Cup's Return to The East Coast
Shiffrin wins the slalom—and the hearts of East Coast race fans; Killington makes it look easy as spectators turn out in force.
World Cup Racing Returns East
The last time the White Circus lit up an Eastern resort, an Eastern girl won the GS. Julie Parisien would love to see it happen again.
Ski Resort Guide 2016: Best Apres
Because after a good day on the mountain, it's your right to celebrate with a drink.
Trip Ideas: Killington, Vermont
You’ll need days to explore it, even without making time for Pico.
Season Pass Roundup 2015-16
Find your ski pass for next season—and the best deals—here.
Best Fest: Beast or Jammin'?
Killington’s Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge and Sugarloaf’s Reggae Fest dominate the East Coast slopeside party scene.
It's On in the East: Deep Snow, and More Predicted
We caught up with Mad River Glen's Eric Friedman, one of the industry’s least bullshitty public relations guys, for his take on how good the skiing is. For fans of natural snow, now's the time.
Newbies Score Gear, Lift Deals During January
It's National Learn To Ski and Snowboard Month, and Vermont resorts lead the way with enticing discounts for newbies.
Extracurriculars: Skiing Camps
Seven camps to make you a better skier.
Killington Founder Honored for Lifetime of Achievements
Preston Smith guided the Beast from its birth to the age of conglomerates.
June Skiing at Killington?
Mike Solimano, the Beast's second-year CEO, talks spring skiing, the revival of the Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge, and why his customers were so mad.
Truth: Randy The Hammer
On moguls, mullets, and why East Coast skiing is superior.
Resort Guide 2013: #7 Killington
Check out Moira McCarthy's author page.
Fourth of July in the Mountains
From Tahoe to Stowe, resorts celebrate with a bang.
KILLINGTON
Check out Connor Davis's author page.
Ode to Cat Drivers
One reader's story of faith lost and found, ski bum economics, and the weird stuff you find on the night shift.
The Inn at Water's Edge
A charming in near Killington
Blue-Light Specials at the Big K
The Killington access road is a five-mile-long uphill jaunt littered with après options.
Eat for Less
For the practiced ski-town scavenger, nourishment doesn’t cost much.
Best Resorts for Apres: 2008-09
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
2008-2009 Resort Improvements
Ski Areas around the nation are pouring money into lodging, grooming, food and beverage, and more.
2008-2009 Killington Resort Improvements
Check out SKI Magazine's author page.
Fall Foliage Season at Killington Brings Events
Get the best lodging deals here and plan your escape.
Lodging: Woodstock, VT
This New England village offers first-rate lodging, from luxurious to laidback.
Corrections
News
Back Talk – January 2000
First Tracks
Coping With Killington: Taming the Beast
John "Grizz" Puchalski shares his tips for coping with Killington.
Coping With Killington
Some complain it's crowded, commercial and crass. But Killington is among the East's most popular resorts For a reason. Our visit finds expansive slopes, wicked steeps, and-if you know where to look-a surprising amount of soul.
PC Snowcats, UT
Untracked Line
Carbecue!
Vibe