Ski season in New England officially begins at Killington this week

Killington will officially kick off its 2022-23 season with a pass holder appreciation day on Nov. 17. (Killington)

It might have taken a little longer than usual, but ski season is indeed upon us. 

Killington Mountain Resort announced Tuesday that it would open for skiing and riding on Nov. 17 with a passholder appreciation day beginning at noon. The resort will open to the general public the following morning at 9 a.m. 

“Day One will look and feel similar to years past: skiers and riders will upload the K-1 Gondola, use the Peak Walkway to get to and from the North Ridge Quad, with early season conditions on Rime and Reason,” Killington’s snow report read Tuesday afternoon. “Open terrain will be suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders only; no beginner terrain will be available.” 

Also on the agenda at Killington Wednesday is the snow control approval, when the International Skiing Federation (FIS) will give the Superstar trail the yay or nay for the World Cup event scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend. 

Killington urged skiers and riders to be patient with the ongoing construction on the new K-1 lodge, asking visitors to initially boot up at their cars. Food and beverages will be available at the Peak Lodge and Subie Shack at the base of the North Ridge Quad. Port-o-potties will be available at the base area.

The Woodward Mountain Park crew is also planning to debut an early-season park on Reason Thursday afternoon. The early-season park is the first terrain park to open east of the Rockies each season. The plan is to have 6-8 features for opening day.

That National Weather Service is also calling for 1-3 inches of natural snow to fall in the Killington area Wednesday night. 

The Nov. 17 opening is one of the latest for Killington over the past 20 years. An unseasonably warm fall didn’t allow the resort to begin making snow until just recently.

Listen: Killington GM Mike Solimano on the New England Ski Journal Basecamp podcast: