Killington With 90+ Trails Expected by Weekend

ByKillington Expert

Killington Fires Up Needles Eye & Skye Peak for the Season — 90+ Trails Expected by Weekend

Killington is charging into mid-December with another huge terrain expansion, and this weekend is shaping up to be one of the best early-season stretches we’ve seen in years. The resort announced that both the Needles Eye Express and Skye Peak Express will open for the season on Friday, December 12, instantly unlocking more room to roam and pushing the mountain toward a massive 90+ open trail count by the end of the weekend.

After a week that delivered 10 inches of fresh natural snowfall, crews wasted no time taking advantage of perfect cold temperatures. With snowmaking teams firing up overnight and grooming crews laying down corduroy on multiple peaks, Killington is heading into the weekend looking and riding like mid-season.

New Terrain & Lift Openings

Both the Needles Eye Express and Skye Peak Express will begin spinning at 9:00 a.m., giving skiers and riders fresh access to some fan-favorite terrain:

  • Cruise Control

  • High Road

  • Skyeburst (advanced/expert only due to ungroomed conditions)

  • High Traverse → Bear Trax → Launch Pad
    This newly groomed top-to-bottom route adds another flowing descent into Superstar terrain.

A quick note from mountain ops: while the Needles Eye area is officially opening, there will be no beginner terrain available in that zone this weekend. The Northbrook Quad also remains closed for now.

Bear Mountain Heats Up — Literally

In addition to the lift openings, Killington’s legendary Jerk Jamaican Mountain Grill is back in action, opening its doors at 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Expect that unmistakable aroma drifting across Bear Mountain—always a welcome sign the season is truly underway.

Bear Mountain Lodge is also reopening this weekend, giving riders more places to warm up between runs. With cold temperatures locked in and west winds picking up, you’ll definitely want to dress for a classic Vermont winter day.

Snow Conditions: Packed Powder & Fresh Lines

Today rode light and playful thanks to the past storm, and tomorrow looks even better. Expect a mix of:

  • Packed powder

  • Machine-groomed hardpack

  • Fresh natural snow on trails like Royal Flush & Conclusion

Natural terrain has spots of thin cover, so ride with care. And with strong winds forecasted, keep an eye on the Lifts & Trails Report for any delays or operational changes.

Snowmaking & Grooming in Full Force

Tonight’s targets include:

  • Blue Heaven

  • Middle & Lower Bear Trax

  • Snowshed Crossover

  • Lower Cruise Control

  • Skyeburst

Grooming crews are also cutting clean lines across Snowdon, Snowshed, Ramshead, Skye Peak, and Killington Peak. Highlights include Cruise Control, Highline, and a wide mix of early-season favorites.

Terrain Parks Update

Mouse Run Park is holding steady with 14 features and two jumps, while the Reason park is closed as the crew shifts toward the next build.

Bottom Line

Early December at Killington is delivering in a big way. With major lift openings, fresh terrain, steady cold, and stacked snowmaking, this weekend is shaping up to be one of the strongest early-season offerings in years.

Bundle up, grab your face mask, and get ready—Vermont winter has officially arrived.

Similar Posts