Killington, Vermont
Things to Do
Around the Lodge
Skiing, hiking, foliage, dining — Killington has more going on than most people realize. This is your guide to all of it.
Book Kilbourne LodgeYour Base Camp
Killington Is More Than
a Ski Mountain
Vermont's largest resort operates nearly year-round, and the surrounding area is loaded with great food, charming towns, and outdoor adventure in every season. Kilbourne Lodge sits right in the middle of it — a 2–3 minute walk from the shuttle, 3 minutes by car to the lifts, and a short drive from everything else worth doing in central Vermont.
October – May
Skiing & Winter at Killington
Killington is the largest ski resort in the East — and one of the first to open and last to close each season. With 155 trails across seven interconnected peaks, it's a different mountain every day.
Killington Resort
155 trails, 7 peaks, 1,509 skiable acres, and a 3,050 ft vertical drop. Terrain for every level — from wide groomers off K-1 to Outer Limits, one of the steepest mogul runs in the East.
Ski Shuttle from the Lodge
The shuttle stop at The Woods Resort is a 2–3 minute walk from the lodge. It's $2 to ride up to the mountain — free coming back down. Runs daily from 7:15 am to 11:15 pm.
Pico Mountain
Killington's sister mountain, Pico, is a quieter, classic Vermont ski area connected to Killington via the Superstar trail. Great for families and those who prefer a slower pace.
Après-Ski Scene
Killington Road has a full lineup of bars and restaurants for après. The Wobbly Barn runs a shuttle on Fridays and Saturdays. The Barrel Rider shuttles to JAX, The Foundry, and Pickle Barrel seven days a week during ski season.
Boot Dryer at the Lodge
After a full day on the mountain, plug your boots into the lodge's boot and glove dryer overnight. Dry, warm gear ready every morning — one of the underrated luxuries of staying here.
Ski Rentals & Gear
Basin Sports on the Access Road is the go-to local shop for ski and snowboard rentals, tune-ups, and gear. Smaller and more personal than the on-mountain rental shops.
June – October
Summer, Fall &
the Warm Months
When the snow melts, Killington transforms. The mountain opens for biking and hiking, the gondola runs scenic summit rides, and in late September the entire region turns amber and crimson. Most guests don't know it — which means availability and rates are dramatically better than ski season.
- Killington Bike Park — trails for all levels on the same terrain you ski in winter
- Long Trail hiking — Killington Peak (4,229 ft) with summit gondola option
- K-1 Gondola scenic rides — 360° views into New York on clear days
- Fall foliage peak: late September through mid-October
- Fenced backyard + charcoal BBQ grill for warm evenings
- Central A/C throughout the lodge for summer comfort
Peak: Late September – Mid October
Vermont Fall Foliage
at Killington
Killington's elevation means the color arrives early and intensely. The mountain peaks and ridgelines light up in red, orange, and gold while the valleys below are still green. Foliage weekends fill months in advance — book early if you're targeting peak color.
Killington Road & Beyond
Dining & Après
From morning coffee to late-night burgers, Killington Road has everything you need within a short drive of the lodge.
The Foundry at Summit Pond
Arguably the best restaurant in Killington. USDA prime and Angus steaks, seasonal American cuisine, an extensive wine list, and a large open fireplace in a rustic lodge setting. Live music most evenings. Walk-ins only for parties under 10. Note: Operating status currently uncertain — call to confirm hours before planning a visit.
Rivershed
A Killington Road staple for après-ski. Wood-fired food, craft drinks, and a lively crowd right after the mountain closes. One of the best spots to decompress after a big day on the hill. Note: Currently closed, reopening for the 2026-27 ski season — confirm before visiting.
The Wobbly Barn
Killington's legendary music venue and steakhouse. Live bands most nights during ski season. Runs a free shuttle from the lodge on Fridays and Saturdays — call ahead to confirm the schedule.
JAX & Pickle Barrel
Classic ski-town bars on Killington Road. The Barrel Rider shuttle runs to both (along with The Foundry) seven days a week during ski season — great for a safe night out without the car.
Sunup Bakery
Fresh pastries, espresso drinks, and breakfast sandwiches to-go. The early-morning spot for grabbing coffee and a bite before heading up the mountain. Limited seating — plan on taking it with you.
Liquid Art Eatery & Coffeehouse
Dine-in coffeehouse serving breakfast and lunch. A more relaxed option than Sunup — good for a sit-down morning meal with table service. Also open for dinner.
Back Country Cafe
No-frills diner serving classic Vermont comfort food for breakfast only. Unpretentious, filling, and exactly what you want before a full day on the mountain.
Under 5 Minutes from the Lodge
Groceries &
Provisions
Stock the lodge kitchen before you settle in. Three solid options are all within a 5-minute drive.
- Killington Market and Deli — best selection of groceries, dairy, meats, and produce. Beer, wine, and liquor. Hot food counter in the back. WebsiteDirections
- Deli at Killington Corners — great hot and cold deli counter, full-service liquor store. Open late, sells gas and firewood. WebsiteDirections
- Mountain Merchants — gas and convenience store with dry goods, beer, wine, and firewood. Good for quick top-ups. WebsiteDirections
Central Vermont
Day Trips from Kilbourne
Killington puts you at the center of some of Vermont's most visited destinations — all within an hour's drive.
Woodstock, VT — 45 min
One of Vermont's most photogenic villages. Covered bridges, the Billings Farm & Museum, independent galleries, a great farmers market, and some of the best dining in the state.
Quechee Gorge — 40 min
Vermont's "Little Grand Canyon" — a dramatic 165-foot gorge carved by the Ottauquechee River. Great for a short hike, a swim in summer, and a scenic overlook that photographs beautifully.
Rutland — 20 min
The nearest city — good for grocery runs, hardware stores, chain restaurants, and services. Also home to a growing food scene and the Paramount Theatre for live performances.
Vermont Breweries & Farms
Central Vermont is loaded with craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants. Long Trail Brewing is nearby in Bridgewater Corners — one of Vermont's originals, with a great taproom and outdoor seating.
Dig Deeper
Killington Guides
Short, research-first guides to Killington — every season, every guest type. Written by a host who actually stays here.
Winter
Ski Season at Killington
Trails, lifts, shuttle timing, après, and what makes Killington "The Beast of the East."
Winter
Opening Weekend
Why Killington opens first and how to plan the earliest-ski trip of the season.
Winter Event
Killington World Cup
Stifel Killington Cup weekend — what to know, where to stand, how to book.
Families
Skiing with Kids
Ski schools, kid-friendly runs, gear rental, and how to structure a family-ski week.
Planning
Killington Ski Pass Guide
Ikon vs Epic vs single-day tickets — a practical breakdown by visit frequency.
Planning
Pico vs Killington
Killington's quieter sister mountain — when to choose Pico over the main resort.
Warm Months
Summer & Fall in Killington
Bike park, Long Trail hiking, scenic gondola rides, and why shoulder seasons rule.
Warm Months
Mountain Biking & Hiking
Bike park trails, Long Trail access, and day hikes to Killington Peak.
Fall
Fall in Killington
When to come for peak color, what the elevation does to foliage, and scenic drives.
Fall Event
Foliage Weekend
A three-day foliage weekend itinerary anchored at the lodge.
Pets
Dog-Friendly Stays
Fenced yard, trails, and why the lodge is the rare Killington rental dog owners love.
Pets
Dog-Friendly Dining
Patios, breweries, and outdoor tables that actually welcome dogs in Killington.
Any Season
Rainy-Day Ideas
Indoor activities, day-trip destinations, and how to rescue a weather-blown weekend.
Plan Your Visit
Book Kilbourne Lodge
and Make It Your Base
3 minutes from the lifts. A short walk to the shuttle. Sleeps 8, pet friendly, and available year-round.