Killington Travel Guide
City Ski resort town in the Green Mountains of Vermont
Killington’s slopes keep winter calendars full - the ski resort’s lifts and challenging runs attract skiers; in summer find mountain biking, long foliage drives, sturdy inns and lively après-ski bars pouring local craft beers.
Why Visit Killington? #
A classic New England mountain town, it draws skiers, mountain bikers and leaf-peepers to its alpine terrain and lively resort scene. Killington Peak and Killington Resort are magnets for winter sports and après-ski, while summer brings expansive hiking, mountain-biking trails and dramatic fall foliage. Expect busy weekends, energetic nightlife near the resort and local taverns serving hearty Vermont fare.
Best Things to Do in Killington
Killington Bucket List
- Killington Resort Village - Base area with shops, restaurants, and lift access for both summer and winter activities.
- Killington Peak Trail - Hike or ride to the summit for broad mountain panoramas and ridge walking.
- Killington Golf Course - Public golf course set on rolling terrain with mountain backdrops and club facilities.
- Thundering Brook Falls - Short trail to a forested waterfall popular with locals for peaceful nature outings.
- Gifford Woods State Park - Old-growth hardwood forest with quiet trails and opportunities for cross-country skiing.
- Local maple sugaring stands - Seasonal roadside stands selling fresh maple syrup and hosting syrup-making demonstrations.
- Appalachian trail segments nearby - Hiking sections of the Long Trail and Appalachian routes offering mountain ridge views.
- Rutland County breweries and cideries - Short drives to local breweries and cider makers sampling Vermont craft beverages.
Best Time to Visit Killington #
Hit Killington in winter for excellent skiing and snowboarding, or late spring to early fall for hiking, foliage and fewer crowds. The area especially shines during autumn leaf season.
Best Time to Visit Killington #
Killington's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -15°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1200 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -15°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Killington
Killington is most commonly reached via Burlington (BTV) or Albany (ALB) airports with shuttle or rental-car transfers; Rutland is the nearest Amtrak railhead for rail travellers. During ski season, scheduled resort shuttles make arrival and departure easier.
Burlington International Airport (BTV): Burlington is the nearest major airport to Killington for most visitors. From BTV drive or take a shuttle to Killington - driving time is about 1h20-1h40 depending on traffic. Shuttle operators run seasonal ski transfers; fares for shared shuttles to Killington typically range from about $40-$70 one-way when booked in advance.
Albany International Airport (ALB): Albany is another common gateway; driving time to Killington is roughly 1h45-2h. Several shuttle companies and private transfer firms operate between ALB and Killington, with one-way shared-shuttle fares commonly in the $50-$90 range.
Train: Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and other regional services terminate at Rutland (depending on service); Rutland is the nearest regular passenger railhead. From Rutland it’s a roughly 30-45 minute drive to Killington; taxi or shuttle services operate between Rutland and the resort.
Bus: Regional bus and shuttle operators (seasonal ski shuttles) connect Burlington, Albany and Rutland with Killington. Advance-booked shuttle buses are a convenient option during the ski season and special event weekends.
How to Get Around Killington #
Killington’s village areas are very walkable, especially around the resort base areas. During ski season resort shuttles and seasonal buses run between lodges, parking areas and lifts; outside peak times a car is most convenient. Ride-hailing may be spotty; taxis and private shuttles service the area but expect higher fares for longer hops. If you’re arriving by air, plan for a rental car or scheduled shuttle from Burlington or regional airports.
Where to Stay in Killington #
- Killington area inns & motels (official listings) - Budget motels and lodges near the resort
- The Inn at Long Trail (Ludlow/Killington) - Historic inn with affordable rooms
- Killington Grand Resort Hotel - On-mountain mid-range resort hotel
- The Inn at Long Trail - Comfortable rooms with classic New England charm
- Top condos & upscale lodges (Killington listings) - Luxury condos and private chalets available
- Upscale resorts in nearby Stowe (regional) - Full-service luxury resorts within driving distance
Where to Eat in Killington #
- Wobbly Barn Steakhouse & Saloon - Longtime Killington live-music steakhouse.
- The Foundry at Summit Pond - Lodge dining with local craft beers.
- Ramunto's Brick & Brew - Casual pizza and brewpub near slopes.
- Lookout Tavern - Slope-side bar with burger and sandwiches.
- Bella's - Italian-American favorites and homestyle pastas.
- Grizzly's - Family-friendly diner near the resorts.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Killington's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Killington #
Killington has an active après-ski and resort-night scene with bars, pubs and seasonal live music tied to the ski season. The scene is concentrated around the resort base areas rather than a dense downtown nightlife district.
Shopping in Killington #
Shopping in Killington centers on ski and outdoor shops, small gear rental outlets and a handful of village stores selling essentials. For wider retail choices, larger Vermont towns are a drive away.