Winter Fun

‘It’s time to kick off winter!’: Vermont’s Killington and Maine’s Sunday River open on Thursday

The resorts opened exclusively to pass holders on Thursday and will open to the general public on Friday.

Skiers ride a chair lift at Killington Ski Resort in Killington, Vt., Jan. 14, 2020. Caleb Kenna/The New York Times, File

By Kristi Palma

November 14, 2024

1 minute to read

Skiers and riders are hitting the slopes for the first time at Vermont’s Killington and Maine’s Sunday River, kicking off the 2024/25 ski season on the East Coast.

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Mountain officials at the two ski resorts, which are among the largest in the region, could hardly contain their excitement when announcing opening day on Thursday.

“It’s time to kick off winter! The official start of the ski and ride season is here, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome you back to the slopes,” wrote Sunday River on its website.

“The day you’ve been waiting for is here!” wrote Killington on Facebook.

On Thursday at 9 a.m., Killington opened exclusively for Killington, Beast365, and Ikon pass holders, and Sunday River opened for New England Pass, Ikon pass, Mountain Collective pass, and Ticket Pack holders. Both resorts open to the general public on Friday, Nov. 15.

At Sunday River, skiers are using the Locke Mountain Triple for access to T2 and Upper Sunday Punch with “plenty of man-made snow covering the trails,” according to the resort. However, mountain officials warned that day one’s terrain is “advanced with un-groomed conditions.”

Day one skiing at Killington on Thursday is also on “advanced terrain only,” officials noted. Skiers are using the K-1 Express Gondola and North Ridge Quad for access to Rime and Reason and Upper Great Northern and there’s a chance that Upper East Fall will open as well. Skiers and riders will enjoy free lunch, an opening day tradition. In honor of opening day, Killington is also giving $5,000 to the Share Winter Foundation, which makes winter sports accessible for kids.

For Killington, this marks its first season as an independent resort. This fall, Killington was sold by ski area operator POWDR to a group of local investors and future improvements announced include new snow guns, a high-speed six-pack lift, and a facelift for the Skyeship Peak gondola.

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.