Killington Information

Apres-ski

Although well spread out at its base, Killington has a reputation for some of the best nightlife of any eastern North American ski resort, with more than 40 bars and night spots to choose from.

The resort's most famous venue is the historic Wobbly Barn (tel: +1 802 422 6171; www.wobblybarn.net), which was established in 1963 and ranks as one of the world's classic ski bars. Hugely popular, it doesn't take table reservations but opens at 1600 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Of the newer establishments, McGrath's Irish Pub (tel: +1 802 775 7181) produces the perfect shamrock on its pints of Guinness, as well as offering live music at weekends. Additionally, Garlic (tel: +1 802 422 5055) has a good wine list, an excellent cocktail menu and a fine selection of draft beers.

Eating out

There are more than 100 places to eat around Killington, the vast majority unpretentious, high-value and high-quality establishments.

Among the best known restaurants in Killington is Outback Pizza (tel: +1 802 422 9885), which also delivers, and has a reputation for fantastic pizza made with unbleached flour, fresh mozzarella and extra virgin olive oil. Monday is pizza buffet night.

Ovations restaurant (tel: +1 802 422 6111) offers some of the finest dining in the resort, with tables overlooking the ski slopes.

You can find most international flavours served up in the many restaurants here. The Sushi Yoshi Chinese Gourmet Hibachi Steakhouse (tel: +1 802 422 4241; www.vermontsushi.com) may be quite a mouthful to say, but offers superb sushi, and quality steak. Baja Burrito (tel: +1 802 422 4442; www.bajaco.com) on the other hand, serves excellent Mexican cuisine.

On mountain-dining, which was previously run-of-the-mill, benefitted from a new US$6.5m Peak Lodge restaurant that opened in 2015. Along with its excellent food, the eatery is known for being the highest gondola-served restaurant in eastern North America.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

There's a variety of off-mountain winter activities available in and around Killington ski resort, including dog sledding, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice skating. The resort's tubing park provides fun for all ages in two-hour periods lasting long into the evening.

Among the more unique activities to Killington is a day on a snowcat with the groomers followed by drinks and nibbles in the Motor Room Bar, the former terminal of the resort's first four-seater lift.

Those who like beer will be fascinated by the tour of the Long Trail Brewery (tel: +1 802 672 5011), which is a short drive from the resort. Brewers give customers an account of how the beer is made and offer the opportunity to taste the various ales on offer.

Family fun

Killington is great for families with a huge array of things to do and family-friendly facilities.

The resort's Friendly Penguin nursery (tel: +1 800 923 9444) at the base of the slopes accepts children aged three months and up. It has its own snow play area with conveyor-type lift, so that children aged two and older can first try on skis in a safe and supervised environment.

Killington has invested more than £2m in its four-storey Snowshed Adventure Center where attractions include the Skye Ropes Course and Skyeride (seated zip line ride) as well as a mountain coaster.

Ramshead Peak's Family Centre at the base of the area houses many facilities including a ski school and children's equipment hire kiosk.

Retail therapy

There's a moderate selection of shops in Killington ski resort, but visitors will need a car (or the shuttle bus service) to travel between most of them. The largest retail area, Killington Outfitters, is at the base of Killington Road where it meets US Route 4. Serious retail therapy is half an hour away in the town of Rutland; or there's factory-outlet shopping in nearby Manchester.

Splashing out

Take a day off the slopes and book a 'Grand Spa Day' at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel (tel: +1 802 422 5001; www.killington.com). Indulge in blissful relaxation with a range of treatments, including: green tea body glow treatment, aromatherapy massage, deep cleansing facial and warm aroma paraffin manicures and pedicures.

Hotels

Apartments and hotels in Killington are spread across the resort, as there is no real centre to the village. The accommodation at the entrance of the resort is well positioned for the Skyeship gondola. As well as a selection of mid-range and luxury hotels, there are also chalets, lodges, guest houses, townhouses and charming country inns dotted around the resort.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap