There’s something in the crisp, maple-scented air that drifts from the ombre peaks of the Green Mountains, that vapor of alpine exhilaration that makes these ancient hills come alive each winter as the Beast of the East.

“The Beast” is better known across the country as the Killington Ski Resort, a hot spot in winter Vermont, but it’s K-Town to the locals, and the “King of Spring” to New England Park Rats. Killington offers a killer ski experience, with the longest vertical drop in New England—3,050 feet. But the ski resort is better known for its unparalleled season, the longest in the North East. With 1500 snow guns to supplement any winter snowfall, lift-served skiing in Killington can start as early in the season as October, and on an especially good year, lasts until June.

Killington Peak, the second tallest in Vermont, dates back 900 million years, more ancient than the Alps, the Himalayas, and the Rocky Mountains. The town of Killington predates the state of Vermont, and for nearly two centuries, remained a sleepy little outpost attracting few visitors or residents until the 20th century.

It wasn’t until 1958 that The Beast was finally awoken from its slumber with the official opening of the Killington Basin Ski Area. Though the skiing, too, had humble beginnings—lift tickets were initially sold from a converted chicken coop—the superior slopes at Killington Ski Resort quickly gained traction and have since come to attract the most adventurous skiers from across the globe, eager to take on The Beast.

Cruisers, Bumps, and Glades: Diverse Ski Terrain

With runs sporting names like Bittersweet, Pipe dream, Vagabond, and Devil’s Fiddle, Killington Ski Resort doesn’t disappoint. The diverse matrix of trails through the white-tinged Green Mountains offers a challenge for all skiing levels, and the terrain is distinguished by a network of distinct base areas.

Ramshead Lodge and Snowshed Lodge are good places to start for those just starting out. Here, there is a selection of ski schools (indeed, Killington is recognized as the best place in the country to learn to ski) and an expanse of carefully groomed cruisers devoted to beginners. Visitors can access these runs via quad, and if they’re feeling especially adventurous after they’ve built up some confidence, they can progress to Ramshead’s Woodward Mountain Park.

Bear Mountain boasts the most varied terrain. This is where the adventurous seek out moguls for killer bumps and less crowds. Outer Limits, a half-mile stretch on Bear Mountain’s fall line, is a famously infamous mogul run, the longest, steepest, and toughest in the East.

Skyship Lodge is an opportunity to avoid crowds altogether. With no rentals at this base area, it attracts only those with their own gear rarin’ to go. It’s a 3-mile gondola ride to the slopes, but with heated gondolas and an alpine view, this two-stage ride is an excursion in itself. Stage I stops off at easier terrain, and Stage II will take the intrepid all the way to Killington Peak.

Advanced skiers will delight in the challenge at K-1 Lodge, where another heated express gondola takes skiers directly to the summit of Killington Peak. Here, the dubious way down is skier’s choice of double-black diamond runs.

Upcycling and Umbrellas: A Unique Après Scene

Tucked amidst other sleepy, North East towns, Killington is renowned for the best après scene on the East Coast.

The Motor Room Bar

The original drive terminal of Killington’s very first four-passenger lift comes alive in the evening as the Motor Room Bar. The cozy space only has room for ten-person parties at a time, and the snowcat journey to get there, followed by two flights of outside stairs, makes the intimate atmosphere feel like a covert adventure. While enjoying the sunset from the skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can stay well into the night drinking cocktails, and sampling artisanal Vermont cheese and duck charcuterie.

The Wobbly Barn

The Wobbly Barn is home to a livelier crowd, and there are always high spirits at this high elevation night club. Nightly dancing and live music keep crowds amped up even after a day on the slopes. And for those who party hard, the Wobbly Wagon shuttle reliably provides pick-up and drop-off service from anywhere on the Killington Access Road.

The Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar

The Roaring Brook Umbrella Bar at the K-1 Base Area is a central gathering place amidst the snowy setting for those who can’t wait for après refreshment. This oversized umbrella is home to live music in the evenings and a stellar view at the foot of Superstar Trail.

Farmhouse Chic: Where History Meets True Vermont Hospitality

The surrounding cities nestled in the Green Mountains offer a variety of unique accommodations that embody the state’s timeless charm.

Twin Farms, Barnard

Twin Farms in Barnard is a fresh breath of country air and the grandest ideal of farm-style living. The main structure is a four-bedroom farmhouse, originally constructed in the 1790s, though additional cottages have since been added.

The elegant, countrified interior design is deliciously juxtaposed with whimsical artworks from a private art collection. 300 acres surround the farmhouse, and visitors can wander endlessly through wooded walkways and wild gardens. In between a long day of skiing, guests can enjoy sumptuous Vermont breakfasts, customized lunches, nightly farm-to-table dinners, and cocktails and canapés each evening.

506 On the River Inn Ski Resort

Nestled on the banks of the Ottauquechee River in historic Woodstock, 506 On the River Inn offers sweeping grounds and chic vintage vibe. With a game room, indoor tiled pool, library, bistro/bar and communal fireplace, this is the place to come back to for a relaxing evening in.

There’s an abundance of leather armchairs in the lounge and rocking chairs on the patio for weary legs. Stay in the main house, or book one of The Farmhouse Suites on the other side of the hill for more privacy with all the benefits of hotel facilities and service. No matter which accommodation, this boutique hotel is a perfect mélange of upscale and homey.

Woodstock Inn & Resort

The New England Federalist façade of Woodstock Inn & Resort radiates a heritage of hospitality going back as far as 1793, when Richardson’s Tavern stood on the site. The Inn embraces the legacy of Laurance and Mary Rockefeller who modernized the facilities but left the timeless ambiance intact. Every room exudes elegance, from the classic lines of the library to the vaulted ceilings of the spa.  Approaching the double doors from the front gate and the paved drive gives one the sense of being invited to holiday at a great estate.

Slopeside Eateries and Artisinal Alpine Dining

Dining in Killington is in proud support of Vermont’s local and organic movement. Here, foodies can taste the superior flavors of sustainable farming in produce from local gardens and honey from the on-mountain apiary. Restaurants have partnered with Vermont farms to serve dishes made from fresh, local, organic ingredients, and to assure that every dish exhibits true Vermont flavor.

Preston’s, at Killington Grand Hotel Ski Destination

Preston’s, at Killington Grand Hotel, incorporates Vermont artisan cheeses and local honey into many signature dishes. But the most esteemed local delicacy is a private barrel of Bewildering Boar Rye whiskey, exclusively available at Preston’s through a partnership with Whistlepig Distillery. Even this specialty bourbon encapsulates the flavors of Vermont, with tingling, lingering notes of vanilla and caramel.

The Ledgewood Yurt

Tucked into the woods, the Ledgewood Yurt is a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Guests can ski-in/ski-out or snowshoe up to this exclusive, slopeside eatery for lunch. Better yet, more adventurous diners can take a snowcat sleigh ride up for a private dinner excursion. This exclusive dinner dining features a five-course meal of high-class American delicacies, from Venison Tenderloin-Foie Gras Ravioli to Maine Lobster-Diver Scallop. The salted caramel banana bread pudding for dessert is sure to make mouths water.

The Peak Lodge

Diners get a taste of Vermont air at an elevation of 4,241 feet at the Peak Lodge, accessible via the K-1 Express Gondola. Chef-served stations offer succulent meats from local farms with in-house carvery and herb-marinated sirloin. Surrounded by the Green Mountains dusted with white, the view is as delicious as the food.

In addition to some of the best skiing in the East, Killington Ski Resort offers a variety of winter activities for the well-rounded winter sports enthusiast. The Killington Tubing Park is the best of its kind for a weekend excursion, complete with multiple lanes and lift service. Snowmobile tours and scenic gondola rides are excursions to rival even the skiing. And the Beast Mountain Coaster offers as much of a thrill as the black diamond slopes.

Here at Killington, The Beast keeps guests on a state of awe and excitement. Any visitor here ends their time loath to leave and eager to return.