Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Killington, VT

  • Published 2022/09/30

The town of Killington is located in Rutland County, amidst the Green Mountains in Central Vermont.

Originally named Killington, the town’s name was changed to Sherburne in 1800.

This is to honor Colonel Benjamin Sherburne, one of Killington’s original grantees.

In the year 1999, however, the town was renamed Killington again.

Killington offers a plethora of activities all year round.

In winter, you may undertake adventure activities, like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing.

In summer and autumn, you may go hiking, mountain biking, camping and rock climbing.

Killington’s picturesque mountains, colorful terrains and endless recreational activities make it the perfect holiday destination.

So, whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a family ski trip, Killington is just the place for you!

Here are the best things to do in Killington, Vermont:

Go Skiing at Killington Mountain Resort and Ski Area

Scenic view of Killington Mountain Resort and Ski Area

Ray Esteves / Shutterstock.com

The Killington Ski Resort has the largest ski area in the eastern part of the United States, with 90 miles of ski terrain comprising over 200 slopes and 22 ski lifts.

It opened in 1958 and has become a resort frequented yearly by thousands of people.

There are different slopes available for novice, intermediate, and pro skiers.

Snowboarders at Killington Mountain Resort

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The resort also offers private ski lessons for beginners.

The resort does not offer night skiing, though.

Gondolas at Killington Mountain Resort

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Try the Adrenaline-Pumping Activities at Killington Adventure Center

Killington Adventure Center serves as a hub for a myriad of adrenaline-pumping activities!

The Beast Coaster, for example, is a 4,800-foot roller coaster that twines through the greenery and offers an excellent view of the surroundings.

There are also hiking trails that can take you to Killington Peak.

The adventure center even offers mountain biking and zip-lining, among other exciting activities.

What’s more, the green grass in summers makes for an ideal picnic spot.

You can easily spend the entire day having lots of fun here!

Try the K1 Express Gondola

Daytime view of K1 Express Gondola

Miro Vrlik Photography / Shutterstock.com

You cannot go to the Killington Ski Resort without experiencing the K1 Express Gondola ride.

The 1.5 miles (2.41 km) long ride can take you to the summit of Killington Mountain.

You can choose to buy a round ticket if you do not wish to hike back down.

This ride provides a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and the valley beneath.

Mountain views at K1 Express Gondola

Reimar / Shutterstock.com

During winter, the snow-covered trees and pathways make the place look like a winter paradise.

During summer, the mountains are covered in a green canopy.

And in autumn, the panorama shifts to mesmerizing shades of yellow and brown.

This ride is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and should not be missed!

The building of K1 Express Gondola

Miro Vrlik Photography / Shutterstock.com

Cimb the Killington Peak

Snow-covered landscape of Killington Peak

Ruth Berkowitz / Shutterstock.com

Killington Peak in the Green Mountains is at an elevation of 4,241 feet (1,292 meters), making it the second-tallest peak in Vermont.

You can take the K1 Express Gondola to the top of the mountain.

The grounds of Killington Peak

Ruth Berkowitz / Shutterstock.com

However, if you like hiking, take the Long Trail to reach the peak.

Once there, you can have a meal or a couple of drinks at the Killington Peak Lodge, where you can have a panoramic view of the mountains through its glass walls.

Ice formations at Killington Peak

Ruben Martinez Barricarte / Shutterstock.com

See the Thundering Brook Falls and Trail

Cascades of Thundering Brook Falls

Debi Gresham / Shutterstock.com

The Thundering Brook Falls is the sixth-largest waterfall in Vermont.

One of the main reasons for the waterfall’s popularity is the trail leading up to it.

The terrain is not all rugged, which makes it suitable for all age groups.

The trail is well-maintained, and there are signs along the way to guide the hikers.

The accessible boardwalk is a part of the trail and surrounded by lush greens on either side.

The platform at the end overlooks the falls and is a great spot to click some lovely pictures.

With a short walk for a hike, clean mountain air, and a stunning view, this trail needs to be on your must-see list!

Explore Pico Peak

Scenic views from Pico Peak

Reimar / Shutterstock.com

Pico Mountain is famous for skiing and snowboarding.

However, hiking the forested trail that leads to Pico Peak is a great way to spend the day.

Pico Peak stands at an altitude of 3,957 feet, making it the sixth-highest peak in Vermont.

This is the northernmost peak of the Coolidge Range in the Green Mountains.

The peak has brooks on all four sides.

A trail at Pico Peak

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It is drained by Kent Brook on the northeastern side and Mendon Brook on the northwestern side.

Roaring Brook drains it on the southeast, and Brewer’s Brook drains it on the southwest side.

The most preferred hiking route to the summit is through the Sherburne Pass Trail on its northern side.

It is a 3-mile-long hike to the summit from the start of the trail.

The best time to hike to the summit is autumn, when the trees change color and the air is dry.

Have Fun at Pico Mountain Ski Resort

The ski area at Pico Peak transformed into a significant resort known as the Pico Mountain Resort in 1987.

However, after some tough times, Killington Mountain Resort bought this resort in 1997.

Now, the two resorts are located at a distance of around 2.5 miles.

However, this resort still operates separately as no paths link the resorts.

The Pico Mountain Resort covers 19 miles of land, comprising 57 ski trails.

There are stone fireplaces and a cozy lodge at the central base of the mountain.

Also, several food options are available along the way.

During the summer, you can engage in activities, like guided horseback riding, rock climbing, and mini-golf.

You can even head up to Little Pico in the chairlift ride and head down through the Alpine Slide.

The activities at the resort are sure to make your vacation enjoyable.

Mountain Biking with The Mountain Bike Shop

Located at the Snowshed Lodge, The Mountain Bike Shop provides bikes on hire, bike repair services, and biking accessories.

This shop has over 60 adult cross-country bikes and downhill mountain bikes.

You can rent the bikes for two hours or the entire day.

When the snow melts, you have 45 miles (72.42 kilometers) of trails available for biking.

Play a Golf at Green Mountain Golf Course

Golfing in Green Mountain Golf Course offers you with lush greens and rolling terrain.

It’s better to hire a cart, considering the layout of the course.

You can pre-book your tee time to get the slot of your preference.

The golf course is open during summer when the landscape is green and the system receives a lot of sunshine.

Though small, the clubhouse at the course offers some mouth-watering sandwiches, and the grounds crew is extremely helpful and courteous.

If you are a golf lover, then this place should be on your itinerary.

Go Camping at Gifford Woods State Park

Entrance to the Gifford Woods State Park

Magicpiano, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Located at the base of Pico Peak, Gifford Woods State Park is a popular destination for camping and hiking.

The Appalachian Trail or the Long Trail goes right through the park.

Thus, the hikers prefer to camp at night or rest in the state park.

The park has a number of camping options, like cabins, sites for RVs and tents, lean-to structures, and scenic spots for picnics.

Welcome sign of Gifford Woods State Park

Seth Tisue from Cambridge, MA, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A protected northern hardwood forest lies within the Gifford Woods Natural Area.

Therefore, towering trees of maple, beech, sugar, white ash, yellow birch, and hemlock can be found in the park.

The Kent Pond in the park is a popular spot for fishing zealots, as it is stocked with rainbow trout and brook each year.

The park abounds with greenery during the summer and turns into enchanting shades of red, orange, gold and yellow in autumn.

Dance at Pickle Barrel Nightclub

Killington’s night scene is as lively as its ski resorts.

If you want to spend the night dancing and drinking with friends, then Killington’s Pickle Barrel Nightclub is the place to be!

This nightclub is one of the trendiest places in town, with a live music venue and delicious dishes.

The best part about Pickle Barrel is that it provides a free shuttle service called Barrel Rider.

The club wants you to have fun without getting anxious about returning safely to your homes/inns!

Dine at The Foundry at Summit Pond

The Foundry at Summit Pond is the epitome of fine dining in Killington.

It is the best place to spend a romantic evening with a loved one or have a lovely dinner with family.

This scenic and swanky restaurant offers a range of delectable American dishes, craft beer, and fine wine.

The patrons are entertained with live music that further enriches their dining experience.

During winter, the pond turns into an ice skating rink.

Have Fun with Vermontology Guided Tours

You can go on scenic tours, beer and spirit tours, or 5-day tours with Vermontology Guided Tours.

For the scenic Day Tours, they will pick you up from either Killington or Burlington.

These day tours are eight hours long and include beautiful roadways, cozy villages, and historical locations.

Their Brewery and Spirits Tour is also an eight-hour tour.

It involves visits to four breweries, a distillery, and a cidery.

This tour suits people who love beer, hard cider, and spirits.

Their 5-day tour is for people who want to experience Vermont with intimate tour groups.

Lodging is included in the cost, and the tour covers a lot of fun and interesting destinations across Vermont.

Relax at The Killington Grand Spa

What better way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of athletic activities?

The Killington Grand Spa on Killington Road is a fine little space to relax and unwind.

They offer a range of massages, a variety of body treatments, and other salon services.

The spa also includes a fitness center, a steam room, and a sauna.

The ambiance of this place is modest, and the view from the spa is magnificent.

Visit Killington Golf Course and Prepare to be Amazed

Aerial view of Killington Golf Course

Kelsey Neukum / Shutterstock.com

Killington Resort is accessible to the general public.

The course, which Geoffrey Cornish created, makes the most of the distinctive mountain landscape and simply reflects.

The scene is established by snowmelt waterways, a 2,000-foot elevation, and iconic views.

The 12,000-square-foot practice green and training bunker are part of the training facilities of the 6,186-yard, par-72 World – class golf Course.

A complete season’s worth of league evenings and competitions are available at the Killington Golf Course.

Relax and Have a Massage at the Spa at the Woods

The Spa at the Woods is tucked away in Killington, Vermont’s Green Mountain ranges.

Unwind in their solarium swimming pool and hot tub, steam room, or eucalyptus sauna, or choose any of their one-of-a-kind specially designed spa services to have a break from everyday life.

They provide a variety of services and distinctive treatments at their specialist spa.

Among the services offered are numerous massage types, Reiki energy therapy, scrubs and wraps, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

They’ve created exclusive spa day packages, delivered the Champagne, and offered tranquility to their guests.

Check the Apparels offered at Black Dog Sports

Since 1995, Dave Manning has been the owner and operator of Black Dog Sports.

It is ideally situated at the Mountain Green Resort close to the peak of the Killington Access road.

They provide the most recent apparel, equipment, skis, and skateboards.

Black Dog Sports provides the best prices in the region on the newest models of ski blades, snowshoes, and several other items.

They also offer quick, friendly service.

Major manufacturers and the best professional and beginner skiers and riders have confidence in their repair facility.

Taste Specialty Coffee at Liquid Art Coffeehouse & Eatery

The Sarandreas, a modest family-run business, launched this charming treasure in December 2010.

Jimi, a gourmet with experience in healthy food, and his wife, Beth, a photographer, mixer, and barista, had the idea to merge their respective skills and establish a restaurant and gallery.

Specialty coffee, inventive, refreshing, healthful cuisine, inventive drinks, and local art blend underneath one roof at Liquid Art.

The gallery sells the creations of local artists, featuring photographs, paintings, ceramics, and jewelry.

Leather seats, an installed fireplace, and a saltwater reef tank contribute to the ambiance’s coziness and warmth.

Additionally, there is a free reading trade, so feel free to drop by to unwind and start reading.

Spend Your Weekend Stay at North Star Inn and Resort

Over thirty years have passed since The North Star Inn and Resort first became a Killington staple.

They provide the ideal starting point for visitors to see all that Vermont has to give because of its prime location.

After a long day of touring, unwind in their warm outdoor swimming pool.

Their king rooms have conveniences, including cable TV, a mini fridge, an internet connection, and conditioning systems.

A fitness room, lounge, play area, picnic spaces, round-the-clock front desk, free shuttle, and more are among the amenities offered by the business and its facilities.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Roam around Billings Farm and Museum

Cows at Billings Farm and Museum

Reimar / Shutterstock.com

Located in Woodstock, a few minutes’ drive away from Killington, the Billings Farm and Museum allows you to explore the renovated 1890 Farm House.

Here, you’ll learn about how the farm operated a century ago.

You may even meet the farm animals and sample the freshly made local cheese.

During summer, you can take a troll in the garden and the apple orchards.

Daytime view of Billings Farm and Museum

Harvey Barrison from Massapequa, NY, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can even visit the cornfields near the river.

The farm terrace features a dairy bar where you can taste Vermont-made ice cream.

During winter, you can go on horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow-filled fields.

The museum even conducts historical exhibits, interactive programs, and other seasonal events.

Final Thoughts

No matter the time of year, Killington, Vermont, is a popular vacation spot with recreational opportunities for travelers.

Summertime activities include hiking, biking, and mountain climbing.

Killington is a snowboarding and skiing haven in the winter.

The region offers much more than just snowboarding and winter sports, though.

A couple of the activities are enjoyable brewery tours and leisurely shopping excursions.

Your journey to Killington will be an experience you will never forget, regardless of your decision!

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