Killington Resort Begins Snowmaking Ahead of Winter 2026/27
KILLINGTON, Vt. (October 17, 2026) – Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest independently owned ski and snowboard destination in Eastern North America, has begun snowmaking in preparation for winter 2026/27. Temperatures dipped below freezing in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, and Killington's snowmakers have turned on 165 snowguns across five trails in total, including four trails in the North Ridge Area (Rime, Reason, Upper East Fall, and Upper Great Northern) as well as Superstar, site of the 2026 Stifel Killington Cup presented by Dunkin'. Snowmaking is projected to continue in these locations throughout the weekend as long as temperatures allow.
To commemorate the first snowmaking of the season, Killington Resort has extended its usual price deadlines on K-Days Passes and K-Ticket Vouchers. Both options offer the resort's lowest prices on per-day lift access, valid for use on any day during the 2026/27 winter season. Guests can compare the differences between both products and purchase during this extended deadline for a limited time only. K-Days Passes are only available for purchase through Sunday, October 18, while K-Ticket Vouchers are at their lowest available price through Sunday, October 18.
After completing several tests in recent weeks, Killington has begun making snow a full two weeks ahead of last year's first snowmaking run. The resort continues to invest heavily in snowmaking infrastructure that makes this possible, including numerous upgrades that were completed during this summer. More information on recent capital investment projects can be found on Killington's Resort Improvements page.
Of the 165 snowguns currently in use, 50 are running on Superstar, the trail that will host the return of the Stifel Killington Cup presented by Dunkin' on November 27-29, 2026. Recent Olympic medalists and Stifel U.S. Ski Team members will be among the participants in the slalom and giant slalom races, including Mikaela Shiffrin, who recently announced she would be participating in both races despite an adjusted schedule this season. Live music acts who will be performing during the event will be announced shortly. Tickets are currently on sale at killington.com/killingtoncup.
Members of the media are invited to use Killington Resort's live webcams during any upcoming broadcasts. For more information on how to access the live feeds for a broadcast, please email communications@killington.com.
Killington Resort does not have a scheduled opening date for winter 2026/27 but is on target to start the longest season in the East as soon as possible. Visit killington.com/conditions for the latest updates on snowmaking and on Opening Day.
View high-resolution photos and b-roll courtesy of Killington Resort.
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About Killington Resort
Located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Killington Resort has earned its moniker “The Beast of the East” with four seasons of adventure spread across six peaks plus Pico Mountain. With the most expansive snowmaking and lift system in Eastern North America, Killington offers more than 200 trails and 92 miles of diverse snow sports terrain, including a world-class terrain park network and the longest season in the East. During the summer, Killington features a destination bike park with 30+ miles of mountain biking trails, an 18-hole championship golf course, the family-friendly Snowshed Adventure Center, plus 15 miles of hiking trails. With elevated on-mountain dining, a plethora of après options, and a commitment to investment, quality, and the environment, Killington is a can’t-miss destination for the whole family. Killington is locally and independently owned and looking forward to a bright future including the forthcoming Great Gulf Killington Village and more. Visit killington.com for more information and be social with #bethebeast.
Contact: Amy Laramie, VP of Marketing & Events
Cell: (201) 230-9084
Email: communications@killington.com