Resort Improvements

We sadly had to say goodbye to one of our classic chairlifts during winter 2025/26, as the Outpost Double suffered a mechanical failure that ultimately could not be repaired. After reviewing our options since then, we have a two-part replacement in the works. First, to provide access to all of Outpost’s terrain during winter 2026/27, we’re installing a temporary rope tow that will bring skiers & riders up That A Way, from its intersection with Prospector to the top of Bronco. We even added five more snowmaking hydrants on That A Way during summer 2026, doubling the amount on that trail to help ensure snowpack is adequate for operating the new rope tow.

Second, as a long-term replacement for the Outpost Double, permitting and lift procurement are underway for a new, fixed-grip quad chairlift manufactured by Doppelmayr. This $3.8 million investment is the same model as the newly built Snowdon Quad at Killington, giving our two resorts a level of consistency with regards to operation, parts, and maintenance of both lifts. Construction is due to begin during summer 2027, with an expected opening date during winter 2027/28, Pico Mountain’s 90th anniversary. And don't worry: Due to increased chair spacing, the uphill capacity of the new Outpost Quad will be the same as the old Outpost Double, meaning this beloved section of our mountain will see no additional "crowding" due to this project.

Ahead of winter 2026/27, crews will be installing a new covered carpet lift at Bonanza, just one season after we opened Bonanza Carpet I. Following a shorter line on skier's right of Bonanza 1 (where the old Bonanza Rope Tow was located), this carpet is designed specifically for first-time skiers and riders. Additionally, the entrance to Bonanza Carpet I is being adjusted to provide an easier loading experience for our guests. Across Killington & Pico, we'll have a total of four covered carpet lifts heading into winter 2026/27, the result of a collective $2 million investment in our beginner guest experience.

Two of our key snowmaking valve stations were replaced during summer 2026. Located at the bottom of Lower Pike and at the intersection of Easy Street and K.A., these newly rebuilt stations have been strategically repositioned further away from skier traffic and grooming operations, while the larger, improved workspace will give our snowmakers better control of air and water flow. Along with the repositioned Lower Pike station, we also replaced and corrected the grading of the air and water pipelines running through our base area between Pike and B Slope.

During summer 2026, Mountain Ops crews will also be installing a new moisture separator inside our main snowmaking pumphouse. Once put in use during the winter, this investment will remove nearly all moisture from the compressed air used in our snowguns, making our entire snowmaking process much more efficient. Further, we are fully redesigning the air manifold located outside of the pumphouse, which will alleviate many potential issues that stem from water or moist air freezing up air valves.

After a one-year delay, the permit for the new Bonanza Carpet was approved, and installation of the new covered carpet lift was completed in late December of 2025. The chairs on the old Bonanza Double were auctioned off after the lift was dismantled, with proceeds being split between Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports and the Pico Ski Education Foundation. In addition, the top of Bonanza has been regraded—removing five feet off the unload area, along with two new fan gun receptacles at the top that will make for smoother snow coverage and a better learning experience. Together, these upgrades create a more approachable, reliable learning area and a better first-time experience for new skiers and riders.

To make our lodge more accessible for everyone, a new ADA lift connecting the main level to the Last Run Lounge was completed ahead of winter 25/26. This improvement enhances access for guests of all abilities and continues our commitment to inclusivity as part of the Upward & Outward initiative shared by Pico Mountain & Killington Resort.

For winter 25/26, we added dedicated winch groomer to our snowcat fleet. This groomer will remain at Pico full-time, giving our grooming team more flexibility and power to deliver top-notch conditions all winter long. With this addition, we’ll be able to maintain our steeper trails more efficiently and offer multiple freshly groomed runs off the summit, including Forty Niner, Upper Pike, Upper KA, and Upper Sunset 71, even on busy nights or when grooming conditions get tough.

A new designated uphill travel route debuted in winter 25/26, connecting Swinger to Fool’s Gold and continuing to the top of the Golden Express Quad. The added route provides more variety and access for uphill travelers, offering a beginner-to-intermediate option that’s perfect for fitness-focused guests looking to earn their turns.

During winter 25/26, we’re investing in a study of wind patterns at Pico Peak to explore ways to improve upper-mountain access and reliability during challenging weather. Understanding how wind affects lift operations and trail conditions at the summit will help us plan future enhancements and ensure a more consistent experience for our guests in all conditions.

In the past several seasons, huge strides have been made to increase snowmaking capacity at Pico Mountain, part of a $5 million mountain improvement plan.

Over the summer of 2023, we completely rebuilt our snowmaking pumphouse, enabling us to operate at maximum capacity, especially during the coldest days. The pipeline between the pumphouse and pond was upsized as well. We’ve also added 25 new high-efficiency HKD snow guns to the fleet, both fixed and mobile. Look for 15 new tower guns to roar on Lower 49er throughout the season and additional snowguns at work on Fools Gold and in key locations around the mountain.

Snowmaking was also recently added to lower A Slope, and skiers and riders have enjoyed the additional coverage on this classic New England trail for the first time in over 35 years. This project was completed over summer 2022, with fundraising help from the Pico Ski Education Foundation. On Bonanza, the base area was regraded to avoid the dreaded pond effect, and snowmaking pipe replaced and upgraded. B Slope has already received snowmaking equipment upgrades and new pipe. There’s also more room to play in the snow thanks to some selective clearing on our most popular trails.

Prior to all this, several million dollars was invested to complete the dredging of current snowmaking ponds and pipe additional water from Killington over to Pico. Since summer 2019, more than 16,850 feet of new water supply pipeline was installed at Pico, in addition to over 9,000 feet of new and replacement snowmaking pipe. This pipeline transports water directly to Pico’s snowmaking ponds from Killington’s water source, eliminating the dilemma that has long plagued Pico snowmakers—running out of water when snowmaking needs are greatest. With access to this new water supply, that problem is now a thing of the past, allowing Pico snowmakers to keep making snow as long as temperatures allow.

All told, these snowmaking improvements have more than doubled the snowmaking capacity at Pico from historic levels, allowing us to keep conditions more consistent throughout the winter season and recover faster after challenging weather events—all while using less energy and reducing our overall footprint as part of our Upward & Outward commitment to sustainability.

It’s not just snowmaking that has been improved at Pico. The Summit Express Quad received an all-new haul line during summer 2023. Skiers and riders can enjoy a more comfortable ride on the Little Pico Triple thanks to new seat pads, and inside the base lodge, repairs to the fireplace have brought back the cozy crackle of a wood fire once again.

The iconic Superstar Quad at Killington has been replaced by a high-speed six-pack lift, and in true neighborly fashion, those legendary chairs aren’t retiring just yet—they’ll find a second life here at Pico Mountain, replacing the lift chairs on the Golden Express Quad in summer 2026.

Lastly, we’re excited to share that starting on opening day of winter 25/26, the Killington app officially includes a Pico Mountain experience. Guests are now able to seamlessly toggle between both resorts within the app, giving you real-time lift and trail updates, weather data, and even Pico-specific achievements and leaderboards.