Four seasons of adventure in Killington
The vibrant alpine town of Killington, sometimes referred to as the “Beast of the East” due to its challenging size and terrain, is home to the largest ski resort on the East Coast, boasting more than 150 trails, a 3,050-foot summit and a legendary après-ski scene. But what was once a winter resort town in the Green Mountains has transformed over the past decade into a thriving year-round destination. "The town used to be quiet in the summer," says Heidi Bomengen, principal broker and owner of Prestige Real Estate of Killington. "Now we have biking, hiking, golfing and a ton of events. There's something happening in every season."
Winding roads weave past an eclectic mix of mountain retreats, dozens of local establishments and sweeping landscapes. Although most properties in town are second homes, Killington's nearly 1,500 year-round residents openly welcome the million visitors that make their way to the snow-blanketed slopes every winter. "You can expect about 10-to-20,000 visitors per weekend in the winter," Bomengen says.
Killington's year-round recreation and entertainment
Killington Resort boasts five different base lodges scattered along Killington Road. Skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels have their pick from 155 trails. The town is also home to Pico Mountain Ski Resort, an overlooked gem that offers an additional 58 trails. Warm-weather options include downhill mountain biking on more than 30 miles of lift-served trails, scenic gondola rides and an adventure center complete with a mountain coaster and ropes courses.
The resort sprawls along the west side of town, with U.S. Route 4 serving as a border between the vacation spot and small-town amenities. On the east side of town, Herbert I. Johnson Recreation Center, the community's central green space, features a playground, sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts and an outdoor pool. Free admission is available to residents, while visitors pay a small fee. Up the road, Thundering Brook Falls is one of several popular trails. A boardwalk perched above marshland offers hikers sweeping views of the Ottauquechee Valley before arriving at a 140-foot-high waterfall.
North of the resort, Gifford Woods State Park is home to Kent Pond, a 100-acre lake that welcomes kayakers, paddleboarders and anglers. While many hikers pass through the park along the Appalachian Trail, Gifford Woods also offers campgrounds, bathrooms with hot showers and picnic areas. Killington is also home to two golf courses: Killington Golf Course and the town-owned Green Mountain National Golf Course. "Green Mountain has repeatedly been named Vermont's top public course," Bomengen says.
As the resort has grown, so has the town around it. Music festivals, food and wine events, brew fests and even archery competitions now comprise a jam-packed event calendar. In the summer, "Killington Resort also sponsors a free concert on the mountain grounds on Saturday afternoons," Bomengen says.
Après-ski culture, diverse restaurants and Rutland's amenities
Diverse dining options span Killington Road, ranging from restaurants and bars to bakeries and cafes. "There are a handful of bars and entertainment venues that aren't open in the summer, but most restaurants are now open year-round," Bomengen says. "May is the quietest month, so several places are closed from Easter to Memorial Day." The Lookout Tavern is one of the most well-known restaurants in town, popular for its seasonal outdoor patio that offers scenic views of the distant slopes. The Garlic is aptly decorated with bundles of garlic and features generous Tuscan-inspired meals infused with garlicky flavors. Killington's après-ski scene is a signature part of the resort culture. Casey's Caboose, Pickle Barrel Nightclub and the Wobbly Barn are just some of the many popular venues that draw crowds all winter long.
Killington Market and Deli is one of three small grocers along Killington Road. However, many residents drive 10-to-15 miles west to Rutland for regular shopping trips. "There are about three or four larger supermarkets in Rutland, along with the typical box stores like Walmart and Home Depot," Bomengen says.
Mountain-style condos, townhouses and single-family homes
Visitors have increasingly made Killington their permanent or second home. Bomengen says the town has seen a noticeable increase in short-term rental properties and vacation homeownership, especially post-pandemic. A smorgasbord of properties are available, ranging from studios for under $100,000 to multi-bedroom condos that can climb as high as the mid-$800,000s. Townhouses vary widely, ranging from the $250,000s to nearly $2 million. "They're also building a new luxury ski-in/ski-out townhouse complex with units selling for around $3 million," Bomengen says. While single-family homes can cost as much as $3 million, most start around $500,000. Properties tend to be more affordable the farther you get from the mountain, Bomengen says.
Killington's future growth
In 2024, local investors purchased Killington Resort, ensuring revenue stays in the community and is reinvested directly into its growth. In 2023, a separate investor, Great Gulf, bought around 1,000 acres and plans to build a modern village at the foot of the slopes with new lodges, restaurants and shops. "The plan for a central village has been around for a while, but there hasn't been any action till now," Bomengen says. "Our major municipal services are getting upgrades to support the development plans," including repaving local roads, extending existing sidewalks and implementing a new water system. "It's exciting. We don't have to fight against a corporate conglomerate," Bomengen says. "Every dime spent goes back into the town."
Top-rated schools in Killington
The Mountain Views Supervisory Union school district enrolls around 1,000 students across several school district and eight towns, including Killington. Pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders may attend Killington Elementary School, which scores an A from Niche and is named the top public elementary school in Rutland County. Older students may then attend Woodstock Union Middle and High School, which garners a B-plus. Apart from district-wide school choice for elementary students, the district offers a four-week summer enrichment program, Summer SOAK, for all ages.
Getting around the mountainside
The Marble Valley Regional Transit District offers a commuter bus line for residents heading to and from Rutland. However, most residents still own personal vehicles. Rutland Regional Medical Center is about 15 miles away via U.S. Route 4. Burlington International Airport is about 90 miles north via Interstate 89. "There are many options, but nothing super local," Bomengen says. "You have Albany, Burlington and Manchester within a 2-hour drive." Daily commuter flights from Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport offer service to Boston, while weekend Amtrak trains connect Rutland to New York City.
