Killington kicks off the 2021-22 skiing and riding season

Killington Mountain Resort opened for the 2021-22 season on Nov. 5. (Killington Resort)

There was no official announcement as of Wednesday afternoon, but visitors to Killington’s web site found that they were able to purchase a lift ticket for this coming Saturday. 

That was sort of the first giveaway. 

A few hours later, Killington made an official announcement. The Vermont resort is opening for the season on Friday, for Killington and Ikon pass holders only, then will kick off its season for the general public on the following day. 

“Winter starts when we say so,” the resort posted on its web site and social media. 

Winter starts when we say so. And that time is (almost) here.

The 2021/22 season kicks off Friday, November 5th. The K-1 Gondola and North Ridge Quad will spin starting Friday at 10 a.m. for Killington and Ikon Passholders only. Get all the details at https://t.co/aKFEGUqohk pic.twitter.com/MoeEHqRJHl

— Killington Resort (@KillingtonMtn) November 3, 2021

According to the snow reporter’s update: “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. Open terrain will be suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders only; no beginner terrain will be available. 

“The K-1 Gondola will allow uploading until 3 p.m., followed by last chair on North Ridge at 3:45 p.m. All skiers and riders will close out the day by returning up the Peak Walkway and downloading the K-1 Gondola until everyone is down.” 

The season-opener comes two days later than Killington managed to open two seasons ago, when it first ran the lifts on Nov. 3. Last season, pandemic restrictions pushed the opening date until Nov. 20. In 2018, the resort was able to open on Oct. 18. 

Barring any late push from another resort, Killington will, once again, lay claim to being the first to open in the East. With its penchant for keeping the lifts running into May or June, it is a matter that it will likely bookend by being the last to close in the East this season.