Killington: Let’s Get Going

Killington isn’t called The Beast of the East for nothing. The place is big with lots of vertical; it has a great variety of terrain and tons of lift capacity.

K1 Lodge

But where they really earn the respect of diehard fans is in the snowmaking department. Killington has a robust snowmaking system and a skillful, dedicated crew that allows them to open early in the fall, stay open late into spring and persevere in low-snow years.

I’m a bit partial since I worked in Killington’s snowmaking department one season but I would argue that the snow they make is better too, as close to the real thing as is possible using pond water and compressed air.

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Interview: Killington’s Mike Solimano

Killington is important to New York skiers. It’s accessible, it’s huge, it gets a lot of snow and it’s seems like it’s almost always open. The mountain’s all-in return to the extended season and their total commitment to skiing deserves respect.

But for us, it goes beyond that. Somehow The Beast — from the top of the heap — projects an openness and a focus on the customer that is inspiring.

No one represents this customer first approach more than Killington’s top gun Mike Solimano. Visible and approachable, in many ways he’s become the face of Big K. Our interview with Mike follows.

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Columbus Weekend Bike Tour

Mancation® weekend started at a fashionably late 3pm(ish) at The Hub in Brant Lake. Wilderness Property Management built the trail network this spring behind the establishment to create the Brant Lake Bike Park.

Trail builder for WPM showing alternate lines

The Stairway to Heaven starts right behind the bar/restaurant/bike shop and climbs a tough 400 feet to the first intersection. To the left is a climb to the South Summit where you get a short downhill to reward you for your climb.

Turn to Ricks Run and climb some more to the North Summit of Bartonville Mountain and descend to the overlook for beautiful vistas of Brant Lake.

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