Killington kicks off ski season

KILLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - Friday was day one at Killington Mountain, which kicked off another season on the slopes across the region.

For diehard pass holders, the first day of the season is a reason to celebrate. “It’s like Christmas for people that are 72 years old,” said George Campbell of Rutland Town.

Old-timers and those who are just getting a feel for the sport. Two runs are open at the top just a quick hike from the K1 gondola.

“I was pretty pumped to get out here again. Last year was fun because I learned a lot of new tricks last year. And it was exciting to get back out on the snow finally,” said Rocco Jones with the Killington Mountain School.

For some, the start of the new ski season is a family affair. “You’re completely unplugged, you are outdoors, you are getting exercise. And skiing is just plain old fun anyway. It’s awesome. I even enjoy the drive up with these guys,” said Nick Kahm of Charlotte.

Of course, there are some kinks to work out on day one. The chairlift servicing the slopes went offline for about an hour. Luckily, it happened right around lunchtime. “You know, it’s amazing, a sunny day in Vermont makes everybody happy. We are giving pass holders free lunch. So, take a little break, get some lunch, then back out on the snow,” said Killington general manager Mike Solimano.

The brief pause in the action didn’t seem to bother the crowd. “If you take one or two runs, it’s not the end of the season, it’s the beginning. All you need is to just get up here, walk in and walk out,” Campbell said.

This year, more than a year and a half into the pandemic, things have returned to normal for the most part. Masks are still required on the busses and recommended in the lodges.

The guns were firing all day over on Superstar in anticipation for the World Cup, which is once again taking place Thanksgiving weekend.

“We love it up here. Hopefully, we will retire up here. We got 40 days of skiing last year because we were up here. It always felt safer in the mountains,” said Sheryl Statman of Rye, N.Y.

“It was just a great place to be last year and I think this year is going to be even better,” Campbell said.

Killington will be open seven days a week from now on, weather permitting, until spring.

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