Killington is usually the first big resort in the East to spin lifts. In 2025 it opened on November 12, with 175 snowguns running in the first cold window. Early season is cheaper, quieter and a lot more fun than most people expect.
When Killington Opens
Opening day depends on cold nights, so there is no fixed date. Most years it lands in early to mid November. The resort posts updates on its snow report, and the first terrain is usually off the top of the K-1 Express Gondola and North Ridge.
Expect a handful of groomed blue runs at first. Beginner terrain tends to open later, once Snowshed has enough snow. Check the trail map the night before.
The Killington Cup: November 27 to 29, 2026
The Stifel Killington Cup brings the women’s World Cup to the Superstar trail over Thanksgiving weekend. Giant slalom runs Saturday, November 28, and slalom runs Sunday, November 29.
- Friday night: festival village opens at the K-1 Base at 3 PM, with live music, the bib draw and fireworks.
- General admission is $10 per day. Grandstand seats start at $45.
- Free parking and shuttles run around the resort. Overnight parking is not allowed that weekend.
- Book lodging early. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest weekends of the season.
Ski in the morning, then walk over for the second run. Watching racers rip down Superstar a day after you skied it is a great reset on what fast looks like.
Why Ski Early Season
- Lower lodging rates than Christmas week through Presidents’ Week.
- Short lift lines on weekdays, since most of the region is still waiting on snow.
- Fresh corduroy from 1,000+ new low-energy snowguns.
- Your legs get in shape before the holiday crowds show up.
What to Pack
November mornings at the summit often sit in the teens. Bring a neck gaiter, hand warmers and goggles with a low-light lens. Boot warmers help a lot, and so does a dry place to store gear overnight.
Where to Stay
Killington Ski Haus is now booking stays from November 15, 2026 through October 2027. It sleeps 16 across two private units, 5 minutes from the K-1 Base Lodge. Three boot warmers, a private hot tub and two kitchens make early-season trips easy.
Planning the bigger trip? Read our Killington group ski trip guide and Killington Road après guide.
Heading to southern Vermont instead? Stratton Ski Haus is a Nordic A-frame that sleeps 10, 10 minutes from Stratton Mountain. Browse all our Vermont guides.
