The East Takes First Chair with Opening Day at Killington

Each ski season, it’s fun to see which region in the USA — and which ski area — will be the first to get their lifts spinning and their ticket windows open. This year, Killington Resort in Vermont nabbed “First Chair” for the East on its opening day, October 19.

Photo courtesy of Killington Resort
Photo courtesy of Killington Resort

Frigid weather and low temperatures made it possible for Killington to fire up its snowmaking power. The ski area was the first to open to the public this winter, making October 19 the official start of North America’s 2015-16 ski season.

With two trails open, Killington’s season pass holders broke through the ribbons on two chairlifts, and enjoyed a 12-inch base of man-made snow. After an inch of natural snowfall blessed the base, skiers partook in skiing on seven acres of terrain with a 600-ft vertical. New features such as rails and boxes – six in all – were available to expert skiers and riders in the Reason Early Season Park.

It’s the first time in more than a decade that Killington has opened this early in the season, which should make it a good year for the resort. Other Vermont resorts plan to open in mid-November when lower temperatures and snow are more consistent. Last year’s ski season broke Vermont’s record with 44+ million skiers and riders visiting the resorts. Killington recently announced that the area will host the World Cup’s women’s slalom and giant slalom events next year- the East Coast’s first time in 25 years.

An early opening this year, and the World Cup event next year is a good way to showcase the popular Eastern ski area to the rest of the nation, and the world. Raise your skis and boards in the air for the “Beast in the East” – Killington Resort, Vermont: the ski season has begun!

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