Pico's History
ON THANKSGIVING MORNING IN 1937, PICO MOUNTAIN CAME TO LIFE WITH A 1,200 FOOT ROPE TOW, POWERED BY A HUDSON MOTOR CAR ENGINE, AND A LOT OF LOVE.
Much has changed since then, but the love that began more than seventy years ago for this mountain still lives today – and it’s as strong as ever. No other big mountain has as much small mountain charm, and no athletes love their mountain quite like Pico skiers and riders.
Families, ski racers and locals-in-the-know now enjoy 58 trails serviced by seven lifts, including two high-speed detachable quads. Gentle learning terrain, smooth cruisers and classically-narrow New England steeps can all be found at Pico Mountain. Even the most discerning skiers and riders will be impressed by Pico’s vertical drop of 1,967’ – taller than 80% of Vermont ski areas.
Whether you prefer gorgeous glades or gentle, winding trails, Pico Mountain has it all. And, if you’re willing, we can teach you how to enjoy it even more. Our Mountain Sports School offers specialized learning programs for everyone from children and first timers to seasoned pros, all created with quality and value in mind.
Pico’s central base area features a cozy lodge and stone fireplaces – just another reason why this mountain is so special. With all trails converging into one area, it’s easy to stay connected with friends and family throughout the day. And when it’s time to recharge, you’ll find a variety of tasty treats, including homemade waffles, sandwiches, kid-friendly favorites and more.
For those seeking a social atmosphere, Last Run Lounge on the third floor of the lodge is the spot for lunch and après entertainment on the weekends. With its laid-back pub atmosphere, crackling fireplace and views of the sun setting on the mountain, it’s the perfect place to end a day of skiing in Vermont.
VISIT THE VERMONT SKI AND SNOWBOARD MUSEUM AT PICO
From the US Olympic team athletes to casual enthusiasts, Killington was the place to be in the '80s. After nearly 30 years of trying, lift-serviced June skiing was finally achieved in 1982, when Killington operated until June 15. In 1981, the resort reached 100 trails and began to offer Meet the Mountain tours to help guests negotiate its vast expanses.
In 1984, Killington’s parent company, the Sherburne Corporation, was restructured as S-K-I limited (it now owned Sunday River in Maine and Mount Snow in Vermont, as well.) However, recently-elected Vermont Governor Madeline Kunin would deliver a major blow to the company, by choosing to go after ski area developers. Killington was denied a permit for a sewage treatment plant for the Sunrise condominium development, a blow that would jeopardize rapid development in the area. Even embroiled in a political battle, Pres Smith’s company soldiered on.
In February 1996, now-defunct American Skiing Company purchased Killington Resort from S-K-I limited. The new ownership completed several capital improvements, including swapping the old Killington double chair for a new gondola, known as K-1, in 1997.
POWDR Corp. acquired the resort in 2007. Killington Resort saw its first new lift addition in a decade with the installation of the Skye Peak Express Quad, open for the 2008/09 season. This new high-speed lift greatly improved access to the trails on Bear Mountain.
